Posted: 11:20 AM- The Micron Technology Foundation has pledged $1.25 million to support the development of a nanofabrication teaching and research laboratory at the University of Utah, officials announced Tuesday. The gift targets a core facility in a 185,000-square-foot building for the new Utah Science, Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative now under development at the U.

Micron's investment will help leverage nearly $130 million in state and private dollars, and launch a new era of scientific discovery and technology innovation, officials said.

USTAR is Utah's $400 million program to boost technology commercialization, university research, and other efforts at turning technologies into products and companies to help drive Utah's economy.

"Micron's support has made a significant difference in the quality of research and education at the University of Utah and throughout the state," U. President Michael Young said in a statement.

The "nanofab" will be the most expensive facility in the building, employing vibration-free clean-room technology. While it will occupy only 10 percent of the building, it will consume 21 percent of construction costs, officials said.