The Economic Development Administration has awarded the University of Central Florida in Orlando a $1.5 million grant to boost photonics research and create jobs in the region. With the funding, the university will construct a 12,800-sq-ft addition to the building that houses the College of Optics and Photonics and two research centers, including the Florida Photonics Center for Excellence. The expansion, which will accommodate 24 research laboratories, is expected to improve the flow of technology among students, faculty and some 150 optics companies along the Interstate 4 corridor.

The grant will be matched with more than $2 million from the university and the center.