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UCF Researcher and Area Businesses Recognized for Innovation
Five Orlando-area companies and one university researcher were presented with
William C. Schwartz Innovation Awards from the Metro Orlando EDC. Honorees
include: Lake-Sumter Emergency Medical Service Inc., Superchips Inc. of Seminole
County, Indra Systems Inc. - the American office of Indra Sistemas SA, Orlando's
Geotechnical and Environmental Consultants Inc. and Osceola County's Nursery
Supplies Inc. All received awards for new and innovative technologies to improve
their businesses.
Recognized for holding the world record for the fastest laser pulse and laser
data transmission, Peter Delfyett, professor of optics, electrical and computer
engineering and physics at University of Central Florida also received an
innovation award. Named in honor of laser pioneer and entrepreneur Bill
Schwartz, the awards were presented on June 27. For more information, visit
www.orlandoedc.com.
A New Look for USF
After months of research and review, the University of South Florida (USF) has a
new look. More than 300 faculty, staff, alumni and students participated in
focus groups to provide their suggestions and input. The logo goes hand in hand
with a new branding plan to focus on the strategic priorities of the university:
excellence in student enrichment and discovery, excellence in research,
excellence in addressing community needs and excellence in health and medical
services, research and quality of life.
The logo uses a slightly darker green and shifts from the previous yellow to a more gold hue. The bold USF lettering has a strong look, and the classic design style is more versatile for the variety of needs and uses within the university. The logo replacements will be phased in during the summer and fall semester. For additional information, or to view the new logo, visit isis2.admin.usf.edu.
Breakthrough Tendon Repair System Earns FDA Approval
Orlando-based Ortheon Medical has received FDA clearance
Orlando-based Ortheon Medical has received FDA clearance for sales and marketing
of its breakthrough tendon repair system, Teno FixTM. Utilizing a patented
technology, Teno Fix marks the first use of a surgical anchor system in soft
tissue repair and could forever change the way orthopedic and plastic
reconstructive surgeons repair torn and damaged tendons. The system has the
potential to provide quicker recovery time and to reduce the need for repeat
surgeries associated with standard suturing techniques. With the aid of a
matching research grant from the Florida High Tech Corridor, additional uses for
this new tendon repair system are being analyzed at the University of Central
Florida. For more information, visit www.ortheon.com.
UCF Optics Pioneer Wins R.W. Wood Prize
University of Central Florida (UCF)
professor George Stegeman has been awarded the Optical Society of America's (OSA's)
R.W. Wood Prize for his achievements in optics research. Stegeman pioneered
non-linear integrated optics through innovative experiments and leadership in
the field at UCF's School of Optics/CREOL. Through his research, Stegeman
created all-optical switching - a super-fast system for manipulating huge
amounts of information. The technology, which is being developed for
commercial applications and should be on the market in as early as five
years, will speed up computers and other systems that must process large
amounts of information quickly.
OSA's R.W. Wood Prize, which recognizes the outstanding discovery, scientific or technical achievement or invention in the field of optics, consists of a medal, a certificate and $1,500 endowed by the Xerox Corp. For more information, visit
www.news.ucf.edu.
Corridor Company Recognized by Ernst & Young
Crystal Photonics, Inc., a Florida High Tech Corridor company, was recognized
for its contribution to the business community at Florida's 2003 Ernst & Young
Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Founder and UCF optics professor Dr. Bruce Chai
received the Technology Entrepreneur of the Year award. The company now becomes
a lifetime member of the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame.
Based in Sanford, one of Crystal Photonics' high-profile projects involves
growing crystals for positron emission tomography/computerized tomography
(PET/CT) scanners. The scanners can pinpoint, within millimeters, the exact
location of cancer cells in the body, resulting in significant implications for
early detection and treatment. For additional information on Crystal Photonics,
Inc., call (407) 328-9111.
Calling All Medical Manufacturers
The Florida Medical Manufacturers Consortium (FMMC) is now accepting membership
applications. Working to raise awareness of the fact that Florida ranks among
the top states for medical manufacturing, the consortium will provide a forum
for medical manufacturers, which are mostly small companies, to exchange ideas
and gain access to the latest technology and research. It will also work with
the state's educational system to help develop the workforce needed to sustain
and expand the industry in Florida. Based in Tampa Bay, the consortium is
chaired by Geary Havran, president of NDH Medical. For additional information,
contact consortium membership chairman, Steve Meitzen of Ven-Tel Plastics at
(800) 600-5906 or smeitzen@ventelplastics.com.
"Strategic Partnership" in the Works for Florida and Dominican Republic
Daytona Beach Community College (DBCC) recently hosted a series of activities
for a delegation traveling from the Dominican Republic. The group consisted of
business people, former government officials and the former Dominican Republic
President, Dr. Leonel Fernández. DBCC, along with other tourism, education,
technology and economic development partners, has formed the Florida-Dominican
Republic task force to identify beneficial opportunities for both regions.
During the Central Florida launch of the task force initiative, President Fernández announced his proposal for "a strategic partnership" to be formed between companies in Florida's High Tech Corridor and their counterparts in the Dominican Republic. For more information, contact Donald Matthews, Jr., DBCC International Affairs director, at (386) 255-8131, ext. 3675.
State Unveils Newly Designed Web Site
The State Technology Office announced the re-launch of Florida's official state
Web site, www.MyFlorida.com. The upgrade, aimed at improving the access of
useful information and services for the citizens, businesses and state and local
governments, is the first step toward re-vamping the entire
MyFlorida.com
portal.
The updated site includes a new online alerting system; improved
performance for citizens with disabilities; an updated, easy-to-navigate design
on the e-government services pages; and enhanced online information services.
For additional information on design features, visit
www.myflorida.com.
Investing in the Future
Want to see some of the strongest new technology companies that will
shape the future first-hand? Plan to attend Innovation Florida 2003, a
regional venture capital conference presented by the Central Florida
Innovation Corporation (CFIC). Innovation Florida connects Florida's hottest
private technology companies with leading investors, venture capitalists and
financiers. This year, Kenneth P. Morse, managing director of the MIT
Entrepreneurship Center, will serve as the keynote speaker.
The event will take place in Orlando on Thursday, September 25. Register
by August 1 to save $50. Further information and applications are available
at: www.cfic.org or by calling CFIC at (407) 277-5411.
New Pinellas County Business Incubator Developed
If you live in Pinellas County and you're interested in building a business of
your own, apply now to be a tenant of the new Suncoast Technology Enterprise
Accelerator (STEA), forming at the Young-Rainey STAR Center in Largo. This
not-for-profit business incubator is being developed with resources from
Pinellas County and the U.S. Department of Energy and is administered by CTC
Tampa Bay, an affiliate of Concurrent Technologies Corp. STEA is now accepting
tenant applications. For more information, contact Tonya Clark, CTC Tampa Bay
executive director at (727) 480-9420 or
ClarkT@ctcgsc.org.
UCF ORBIT Leadership Edge - Special Executive Briefing
Assisting technology, IT and business executives increase the productivity
and financial return for their organizations, UCF's Office of Resources for
Business & Information Technology (ORBIT) is hosting a Special Preview Briefing
of the Leadership Edge on Wednesday, July 16 in Orlando, FL.
Linking the best in leadership theory and practice in the Florida High Tech
Corridor, UCF's Leadership Edge is a highly interactive program that combines
proven theory and best practices in the areas of leadership personality drivers,
competencies, and skills. The Leadership Edge is designed for business leaders
with executive, operating and management responsibilities who want to measure,
analyze, and improve the effectiveness of their own leadership skills and that
of their teams and organizations. For further information, please visit
orbit.ucf.edu or contact Tatiana Londoño at (407) 882-0264 or
tlondono@mail.ucf.edu.
New Leader to Market Technology Transfer Partnerships at USF
Mark J. Laurenzo has been named the point person for marketing technology
transfer partnerships and outreach programs at the University of South Florida (USF).
As deputy director for USF's Division of Patents and Licensing, he will promote
opportunities to move university inventions into the marketplace, an area in
which he has extensive experience.
Laurenzo joins USF at a time of rapid growth of its research and
technology transfer initiatives. USF is currently in the process of developing
the USF Research Park to facilitate research partnerships with businesses and
incubate new start-up companies. For additional information, visit
isis2.admin.usf.edu.
We Want Your News!
In order to accomplish our mission of attracting, retaining and growing high
tech industry in the Florida High Tech Corridor, it is essential that we, the
Council, communicate closely with our major constituents. One of the many ways
we do this is through this monthly eNewsletter, which is distributed to our
partner economic development organizations, site relocation consultants,
legislators, high tech companies and an ever-growing list of new subscribers.
We are always on the lookout for high tech news stories or events. Submitting
your news not only gives our readers a broader understanding of what is
happening within your city or county, but it also benefits YOU by providing a
means to increase your exposure throughout the region to a targeted, interested
audience. On that note, please send us your high tech news! Just e-mail
pressroom@floridahightech.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Deadline Extensions/Calendar of Events
The following are upcoming deadlines and events which readers may be interested:
Deadline Extension: Governor's Business Diversification Awards
Presented by: Enterprise Florida
Friday, July 11 - Orlando, Florida
For more information: Visit www.eflorida.com/govawards or contact Susan Gallo at
(407) 316-4615.
The Leadership Edge - Leadership Strategies and Best Practices Impacting the
Florida High Tech Corridor
Presented by: UCF ORBIT
Wednesday, July 16 - Orlando, Florida
For event information: Visit www.orbit.ucf.edu
ITFlorida Awards Gala & Technology Forum
Presented by: ITFlorida
Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 - Orlando, Florida
For event information: Visit www.itflorida.com
or call (800) 748-1120.
Innovation Florida 2003
Presented by: Central Florida Innovation Corporation
Thursday, September 25 - Orlando, Florida
Early registration deadline: By Friday, August 1 for a $50 discount.
For event information: Visit www.cfic.org or call
(407) 277-5411.
Inside Florida's High Tech Corridor
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