The agreement enables the two institutions to more easily work together to secure new research funding, establish multidisciplinary partnerships, and advance innovation and entrepreneurship in science, technology, engineering and mathematical disciplines while building a workforce pipeline.

The potential areas of focus are solar hybrid fuels, solar thermochemical fuels, concentrating solar technologies, photovoltaics, electric grid modernization and algae-based biofuels. Sandia and ASU also seek international applications of these technologies, and anticipate that other premier institutions from around the nation and world will eventually become a part of the ongoing partnership.

The partnership takes effect immediately and will be overseen by a steering committee with representatives from both institutions.