The recent opening of the Innovation Center at the Arkansas Biosciences Institute on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro was a big deal for local innovators who are commercializing their research.

Newly patented research developed at the University of Arkansas uses nanoparticles to reduce the time it takes to perform DNA analysis from hours to minutes.

Twenty grants were awarded out of more than 150 applicants nationwide, with an average grant of $1.8 million. Arkansas will receive $2.15 million.

The winner will be announced at the annual Midwest Clean Tech Conference at the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago on Sept. 14.