Two Wausau-area companies hope the state's $415,000 investment in their work will prove to be a turning point in giving Wisconsin more than just a reputation for its dairy products.

The state awarded American Science and Technology Corp. in Wausau and Grand Meadow Energies near Stratford with $150,000 and $265,000, respectively, in grants for renewable energy research. The grants came from the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund, which officials have used to provide businesses with $7.3 million in grants so far this year.

American Science and Technology plans to use its share to buy equipment designed to turn wood waste and switchgrass into fuel and industrial chemicals. Grand Meadow Energies will look to manufacture biodiesel from algae and permeate, a cheese making by-product.

Gov. Jim Doyle made the announcement today in Wausau at Wausau's American Science and Technology Corp., 5504 Stewart Ave.