GARDINER – In its 23rd round overall and first of 2005, the Maine Technology Institute board of directors approved 25 different projects out of 59 proposals for funding.

More than $230,000 has been awarded this round with match of more than $340,000. Thirteen of the 25 awardees are new award winners.

All seven of the state’s designated technology sectors were represented.

Under the category of Precision Manufacturing Technology, OmniTech Lighting Solutions in Harrison won a grant. It will conduct research and development to produce a prototype of a multi-function LED flashlight.

The flashlight is a unique illumination source suitable for use by aviators, mariners, campers, hunters, and emergency personnel with two red modes, one white mode, and a unique rescue beacon mode.

MTI Seed Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 per project and are offered on a competitive basis to support early activities for product development, commercialization or business planning and development. A company may only be awarded up to $25,000 in Seed Grants for a specific project.

Each Seed Grant requires a 1:1 match consisting of actual cash, salaries, staff time or equipment directly attributable to the proposed project. Seed Grants are awarded six times each year.

The application deadline for the next round of grants is Feb. 17. Information about Seed Grants is available at http://www.mainetechnology.org./