23 23 Annual Report 2017 Increasing ProsperityThrough Economic Opportunity The State Science andTechnology Institute (SSTI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving initiatives that support prosperity through science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, honored INL for its support of the Idaho Rural Partnership’s Community Review program, which promotes economic opportunities in rural areas. The Community Review program builds momentum in rural communities by working with IRP economic development experts to attract available funding and resources. Supporting ElectricVehicle Adoption INL awarded a $15,000Technology Based Economic Development grant to Rev Up Blaine, which focuses on promoting and supporting electric vehicle adoption in Blaine County, Idaho, and expanding charging infrastructure. INL also offered the expertise of its researchers, who have participated in the world’s largest plug-in electric vehicle and charging infrastructure experiment. Igniting Innovation in Rural Idaho The Clearwater Economic Development Council (CEDC) recognized that entrepreneurs in remote and sparsely populated areas often possess ideas, businesses or products but are unsure of how to bring their ideas to the next level.The council invited like-minded individuals to a gathering where they could network, interview experts, and learn how to connect ideas and products with global marketplaces.To fund this innovative solution, INL granted $1,600 to CEDC to host the “Igniting Innovation” event. Building Access to INL’s Capabilities and Expertise INL’sTechnical Assistance Program (TAP) is a federally mandated program authorizing the lab to share knowledge and specialized equipment to promote U.S. competitiveness.ThroughTAP, INL scientists and engineers can benefit a community or small business by providing limited-fee assistance that is not commercially available in the region. SelectTAP projects from 2017 include: • Inergy Solar of Pocatello, Idaho, requested support to evaluate an enhanced lithium-ion battery. Researchers at the lab’s BatteryTesting Center helped determine how the cells would perform under various conditions that mirror those seen in Inergy’s products. • The Divinia Water company of Idaho Falls, Idaho, requested assistance constructing a glass resonant chamber used in the water distillation process. • Radiation DetectionTechnology requested assistance with a DOE Small Business Innovation Research grant funding announcement opportunity in advanced sensors and instrumentation technologies for nuclear energy. 23 9,407:Hours INL has dedicated to TAP projects since 2005