AUGUST 21, 2013

DURHAM,  N.H. — AIRMAR Technology  Corporation, a  Milford-based manufacturer of electronic sensors, is  collaborating with  Plymouth State University Professor of Meteorology James  Koermer to prove the  viability and effectiveness of a portable lightning sensor  that would  accurately detect and measure the lightning type, direction and  range to an  atmospheric lightning event.

The  collaboration is made possible by a Granite State Technology Innovation  Grant  from the NH Innovation Research Center (NHIRC) to support projects under   development in the private sector. Projects vary from proof-of-concept to a   substantial product or process design. Companies are required to provide   matching dollars or services in an effort to improve leverage of NHIRC  dollars.

“Independent  testing at a university is invaluable to verify the feasibility  of this type of  new product,” said Kenneth Rolt, chief scientist at AIRMAR.  “The funding  provided by NHIRC gives us access to university resources to  evaluate the  performance and accuracy of the sensor using ground truth  equipment and  measurement tools are essential to success. The results, if  favorable, will be  the accuracy selling point that positions us as the leader  in meteorological  sensors.”

Data from  existing systems are primarily  available from a few privately-owned networks that  require costly  subscriptions.“AIRMAR knows the market is  ready for a low-cost, stand-alone  portable sensor that would fill the permanent  or temporary needs for airports,  meteorology and forecasting, transportation,  agriculture and other affected  industries and activities that need accurate  lightning detection,” said  Koermer. 

“Nearly  every new product AIRMAR has developed since 1982 has reached   commercialization, even recently through the slow economic recovery,” said Marc   Sedam, executive director of the NHIRC. “The advanced lightning sensor would   further drive the success of AIRMAR’s existing WeatherStation product line, and   would require significant resources to support this growth. The New Hampshire   economy will benefit directly by AIRMAR’s product development in the form of   increased job creation and – as the company broke ground on a new building last   fall - expanded manufacturing capabilities.”

The NHIRC  was created in 1991 by the New Hampshire Legislature to support  innovations  through industry and university collaborations, thereby increasing  the number  of quality jobs in the state.

A request  for proposals is now open and will fund 12-month projects  beginning January 1,  2014. To learn more about the NHIRC and how to apply for  funding, visit http://www.nhirc.unh.edu.