A Toledo consortium of glass and solar companies has been denied designation as a federal innovation hub, missing out on at least $30 million initially and perhaps more than $100 million over time, the consortium was notified Monday.
The Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium had proposed a multiyear plan to use alternative energy resources to develop a stronger, lightweight glass that could be used in solar panels made by First Solar.
Instead, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration designated 31 other “Tech Hubs” from across the country to push the nation toward technological breakthroughs in the health and sciences as well as a less carbon-dependent economy.
“When we set out [for the federal grant], we knew it was going to be difficult because we have not had a long-term voice coming from the region,” Mr. Smith said of contact with decision makers on state and federal grants.
“It’s part of being in the game, is that sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said of missing out on both the hydrogen and tech hub grants. “You just have to learn from the times you don’t win.”
