Energy Focus Inc. of Solon, Ohio USA, reports that its research and development team received three LED lighting awards totaling $1.6 million. Two of the awards , "Explosion-Proof Solid State Lighting for Extreme Environments" and "A Spectrally Dynamic Berth Light for Active Circadian Cycle Management" are Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the Defense Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The third award, "Innovative Solid State Lighting Replacements for Industrial and Test Facility Locations," is a Phase 1 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Roger Buelow, Energy Focus CTO commented, "We're excited about the two additional awards from DARPA continuing our longstanding relationship. The STTR award is particularly exciting since it's the first grant we've received from NASA. The first DARPA award, for the development of explosion-proof lights for shipboard use, also covers advanced driver development. These lights will be able to qualify for Class 1 Division 1 explosion proof standards for civilian use, which opens up a significant new market for Energy Focus."

Buelow noted, "The second DARPA award is for development of circadian rhythm enhanced lights for the Navy. These lights adjust their spectrum throughout the day to improve sleep patterns and productivity. For the military, this is especially important for warfighters whose duties include 24-hour operational readiness."

Buelow added, "The third award, from NASA, is to replace existing test stand and parking lot fixtures with high performance LED lighting including high performance explosion-proof lights."

Joseph Kaveski, CEO, Energy Focus commented, "While significant, this new funding is only a fraction of the government sponsored R&D we've already received for work in 2010. We're especially pleased to begin the development of a new generation of lighting products that enhance health and wellness as well as provide energy efficiency. Energy Focus is proud to support our country with these significant projects. In addition, we expect the results of these projects to lead to both increased product sales as well as increased specification opportunities for our lighting retrofit business."