STTR Phase I: Scalable Soft Magnetic Composite for High-Frequency Power Electronics

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $305,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to significantly improve the efficiency and performance of power systems in data centers, power supplies, and consumer devices by innovating upon one of their most fundamental building blocks: magnetic materials. In every power system, electricity must be converted – between alternating and direct current or across different voltage levels – and today’s magnetic materials waste significant energy as heat during this process. These losses raise operating costs, limit how compact devices can be, and place added stress on the electric grid. This project aims to commercialize a new class of magnetic material while enhancing scientific understanding of how nanoscale particles influence key magnetic properties. The first market entry will be high-frequency power supplies for industrial uses, where efficiency gains translate directly into lower operating costs and cooling needs. The durable advantage of this innovation comes from combining higher efficiency with a scalable manufacturing method not available in existing materials. Commercialization will begin with domestic manufacturing of magnetic components. If successful, the technology will become a cornerstone for advanced electronics, strengthening U.S. leadership in next-generation power electronics and power systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will tackle the technical barrier of achieving

Key facts

NSF award ID
2528417
Awardee
PERAWATT ENERGY INC. (CA)
SAM.gov UEI
VNPWGZGK38J4
PI
Lucy L Wu
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Materials Engineering
Estimated total
$305,000
Funds obligated
$305,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2026