JVIC to invest $5M in 7 projects

The Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center at Missouri State University is paying grant funding forward through investments in seven projects.

JVIC is investing $5.2 million in companies that are working to benefit the semiconductor industry, according to a news release.

The projects are set to receive up to $750,000 apiece for a variety of purposes, including material and process development, inspection equipment and component manufacturing. The companies behind the projects are Brewer Science Inc., GVD Corp., MEMC LLC, SI2 Technologies and Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co.; Brewer and Watlow were selected for two investments apiece. Allen Kunkel, associate vice president for economic development and director of JVIC, said via email that Brewer Science is an on-site tenant and corporate partner, and GVD and SI2 are corporate partners.

"The Jordan Valley Innovation Center Advanced Manufacturing Node is pleased to support projects and technologies to benefit the semiconductor industry in Missouri,” Kunkel said in the release.

JVIC was selected for a $5.4 million grant from the Missouri Technology Corp. this spring. The MSU innovation center accepted proposals for the funding through June 15, according to past reporting.