High Tech Incubator Debuts at USF

With the potential to house up to 27 high tech companies, the University of South Florida has opened the doors to its new business incubator. The incubator will serve as a link between science in the university and manufacturing in the marketplace. Already, three tenants have moved into the new facility and have access to faculty expertise, research assistance, and collaborations with faculty, staff and students. For more information visit www.outreach.usf.edu/ce/incubator.htm.

Regional Study Focuses on Digital Media Industry

With digital media as one of the Corridor's fastest growing high tech sectors, the Corridor Council, National Center for Simulation, Valencia Community College, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, and film and entertainment industry contracted with PriceWaterhouseCoopers to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the region's industry and develop a plan for encouraging its continued expansion. Both the assessment and plan will be rolled out in spring 2002. For more information visit the Metro Orlando EDC's Web site http://www.orlandoedc.com.

Corridor Online Workforce Data to be Available Mid-March

The launch of an online suite of services based on data obtained in a Corridor workforce study has been set for mid-March and will be found at http://www.usworks.com/floridahightech . This site will contain current employment and projected job growth, pay scales and employee turnover rates for a variety of industries. An online database of internship opportunities will also be available beginning in May.

Universities Partner to Increase Numbers of Engineers

UCF and USF have been awarded a Corridor grant to establish a program called Project Lead the Way. This national program uses public school, higher education and private sector partnerships to increase the quality and quantity of engineers and engineering technicians. The program establishes a four-year sequence of courses that introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology jobs prior to entering college. For more information visit http://www.pltw.org.

IT Workforce Competency Model Update

The development of an online source of job skills crucial to employees in today's information technology sector is continuing to progress. Since January, the project has added an additional 10 companies to the database, and to date, has had a 100 percent response rate from organizations asked to participate. Owen Wentworth, retired AT&T executive and chair of the Corridor's IT task force, said, "This project will help Corridor high tech companies identify the skills that are most important to their success, and help future employees better prepare themselves for a career in information technology." For more information visit http://www.floridahightech.com/skillsurvey/default.asp.

Orange County Grants Funds to UCF Incubator

Orange County Commissioners have granted $300,000 over the next three years to the University of Central Florida Technology Incubator to add 30,000 square feet to the facility, 70% which is already booked. This is in addition to a three-year / $300,000 commitment to the incubator by the City of Orlando. At this point the incubator has helped 30 start-up businesses, the majority of which plan to remain in the Central Florida area. For more information visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/frameset.html .

Information Technology Conference Coming to Tampa Bay

A national touring Information Technology conference is coming to the Tampa Convention Center May 1 and 2. The Information Technology Exposition and Conference (ITEC), which last year boasted an attendance of more then 4,000 Tampa Bay professionals, is free and features sessions such as customer relationship management, imaging and document management, data warehousing, multimedia, and eCommerce. For more information visit http://events.goitec.com/overview/default.asp?ec=TAM02.

Orlando Company Increasing Success of Tendon Repair

An Orlando medical device company - Ortheon Medical - has unveiled a revolutionary tendon repair technology that could lead to safer, more successful procedures. Current methods of tendon repair have re-operation rates of more than 30%, but Ortheon's Teno Fix(tm) system allows patients to begin active motion therapy immediately after surgery, reducing scarring that often leads to costly repeat surgeries. William J. Christy, president and CEO of Ortheon Medical, said, "Our goal is twofold Ortheon wants to dramatically improve the standard of care for patients, and reduce the costs and re-operation rates associated with the current techniques. We believe the Teno Fix(tm) system will do both." For more information visit http://www.ortheon.com.

New Equipment Available to USF Engineering Students

The University of South Florida now offers its wireless and microwave engineering students access to a state-of-the-art Dynamic Analyzer (DIVA). The DIVA, which is being added to the school's Wireless and Microwave Center (WAMI), measures voltage physical conditions that exist in microwave and millimeter wave circuits. The WAMI Center focuses on industry-oriented research and boasts a strong wireless circuits and systems curriculum leading to bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. For more information visit http://ee.eng.usf.edu/WAMI.

Space Imaging Opens Regional Office in Orlando

Space Imaging, the world leader in Earth imagery, has announced the opening of a regional office in Orlando. Serving the entire southeast U.S. region, the Orlando office will offer government and commercial clients expertise in cartography, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and database development, design, and integration. For more information on the company visit, http://www.spaceimaging.com.

International Web Portal Launched For Tampa Bay Businesses

Tampa Bay's business community was introduced to a new international business web portal on February 13 at the International Leadership Summit. Browsers now have access to a variety of tools such as a calendar of events pertaining to international commerce, links to international business organizations, and information on the region's foreign trade zones. Hosted by St. Petersburg based NetWise Technology, the site can be found at http://international.TampaBay.org.

UCF Pres. John Hitt Receives Metro Orlando Economic Development Award

Central Florida's highest economic development award has been given to UCF Pres. John Hitt by the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. The James B. Greene Award recognizes an individual whose commitment and service has made a significant impact on the region's economy. Ray Gilley, president/CEO of the EDC, said, "As the fourth president of UCF, Dr. Hitt has seen the university grow in size, strength and reputation and continues to focus on achieving the five major goals he has created for the University. In his efforts to fulfill his goal of making UCF America's leading partnership university, Dr. Hitt has proven his commitment to enrich Central Florida's economy."

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