About us :: History
In 2002, Governor Bob Taft launched the Third Frontier Project. The $1.1 billion Project is Ohio’s largest-ever commitment to expanding the state’s high-tech research capabilities and promoting start-up companies to build high-wage jobs for future generations.
In connection with the Third Frontier Project, Governor Taft unveiled a three-year, $103 million Fuel Cell Initiative, designed to position Ohio as a national leader in the growing fuel cell industry and to help spur economic growth and job creation in Ohio. Through this Initiative, the State is allocating current resources and incentives for fuel cell research, demonstration and investment projects. In the last 18 months, over $30 million have been invested, including the Wright Fuel Cell Group capital funding.
Case Western Reserve University, and a team including Ohio State University, the University of Toledo, Cleveland State University and Stark State College of Technology, were awarded an $18 million Wright Center of Innovation grant to support the research, development and commercialization of fuel cells by establishing the Wright Fuel Cell Group. The Wright Fuel Cell Group received an additional $1.6 million for operating funds from the Third Frontier Project in May 2005.
The Wright Group has grown to over twenty partners and has a Board of Directors which held an inaugural meeting on September 24, 2004. This outstanding Board represents the fuel cell industry internal and external to Ohio, end user companies, and academic institutions.
