On January 21, QuesTek Innovations LLC announced that it was awarded $1.2 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The funding will be used to design and develop a novel materials solution for next-generation turbine blade alloys and compatible coating systems. QuesTek will design a system of functionally-graded Niobium-based alloys suitable for Additive Manufacturing ("AM") and that will be capable of sustaining high temperature operation and thus increasing fuel efficiency.

QuesTek will apply its Integrated Computational Materials Engineering-based models and extensive experience in design of superalloys, refractory alloys, high entropy alloys, and coatings to design a printable niobium-based multi-material alloy system. Concurrent design of material and component, with the goal of accelerating adoption of the designed materials into next-generation engines, will be achieved by teaming with leading turbine engine OEM Pratt & Whitney to define aerospace requirements, perform component design, and guide testing and qualification. Furthermore, the project team includes NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory for AM process development, and the University of Minnesota for coating development.