January 2, 2007

On December 27 Governor Schwarzenegger announced that he will propose nearly $95 million in the state budget to create the Governor's Research and Innovation Initiative. This initiative provides funding for major projects that will grow California's economic strength in key innovation sectors, including clean energy technologies, biotechnology and nanotechnology.

"With some of the world's finest universities and research institutions, the Golden State has more scientists, engineers and researchers and invests more on research and development than any other state," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "As a leader in developing new technologies, California will reap tremendous rewards for our economy and environment from this investment in our innovation infrastructure."

As a part of Schwarzenegger's proposed budget that will be unveiled in January, the major components of the Governor's Research and Innovation Initiative include:

Helios Project

This is a groundbreaking initiative by the University of California's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to create sustainable, carbon-neutral sources of energy. The Helios Project's four goals are 1) generate clean sustainable alternatives to hydrocarbon fuels; 2) develop new energy sources; 3) improve energy conservation; and 4) reduce greenhouse gas emissions. $30 million will be used to build a new energy/nanotechnology research building for the Helios Project.

Energy Biosciences Institute

The Governor's budget provides $40 million in lease revenue bonds to the University of California for UC Berkeley or UC San Diego in the event that either wins a global competition for the British Petroleum (BP) Energy Biosciences Institute grant. These campuses were among only five universities in the world that were invited to compete for this $500 million grant to build and operate an Energy Biosciences Institute, which will be dedicated to long-term research into the production of alternative fuels.

California Centers for Science and Innovation (CISI)

The Governor's budget provides $19.8 million from the General Fund for the CISI, a multidisciplinary research effort by the University of California (working in partnership with private companies) in the areas of information technology, biomedical research and nanotechnology. Since inception, the CISI have generated more than $1 billion from private and federal sources, dwarfing the state's $400 million initial investment. The $19.8 million will be used for the institutes' operating costs.

Petascale Supercomputer

The Governor's budget provides the first $5 million increment in state matching funds to enhance the University of California's bid to build a $200 million Petascale computer. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC San Diego are in the running for the Petascale computer. The Petascale computer, named for the speed at which it can process information, will be the most powerful computer in the world. The Governor's commitment of these funds will significantly enhance the University of California's bid for this groundbreaking project.

Reaction to the announcement from California's research and development community was positive.

"For scientific policies to become reality elected officials must play a leadership role, and Governor Schwarzenegger has been that leader for California when it comes to alternative fuels," said Nobel Laureate Stephen Chu, Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and CCST Fellow. "The Governor, again this year, is serving as a catalyst for California's research community."