|
|
Sarasota Incubator to Gain Bricks and Mortar
The opening of an incubator's first physical site in Sarasota will aid local start- up businesses in developing sound business models. Startup Florida, a for-profit incubator, will offer guidance to early stage technology companies through investment, mentoring, infrastructure support and a business network in a one- on-one environment, beginning August 15. Currently representing eight virtual clients, Startup Florida hopes to expand to several physical locations in the future. For additional information, visit www.startupflorida.com.
Event to Help Corridor Companies Raise Capital
Helping Corridor companies raise needed capital, the Central Florida Innovation Corporation will host the Early Stage Technology Capital Raising Conference, Innovation Florida 2002 on September 18. Sponsored by Akerman Senterfitt, Business Wire and PricewaterhouseCoopers, 16-20 high-growth technology companies will present to an audience of venture capitalists, investment bankers and private investors. For more information about the event contact CFIC at (407) 277-5411 or visit www.cfic.org/news.htm.
USF Scientists Develop Safer, Faster Method of Detecting Anthrax
A quicker, safer anthrax detection method has been developed by researchers at the University of South Florida's Center for Biological Defense. With the new method, scientists can securely handle spores without damaging the DNA needed to identify the deadly bacterium in powders and on surfaces. Presented at the annual American Society of Microbiology meeting in May, this method reduces the time needed to detect traces of anthrax from three to four days to six to eight hours and requires less labor- and space-intensive laboratory conditions. For more information, visit www.hsc.usf.edu/PUBAFF/hot/anthrax.html.
Florida Bill to Increase High Tech Research in State
Cutting-edge research is getting a boost thanks to a bill signed by Gov. Jeb Bush last month that will establish technology research centers at Florida's universities. The Florida Technology Development Initiative sets aside $30 million for the creation of Centers of Excellence that will be equipped with state-of-the- art technology and top notch research staff. "This legislation represents a significant investment in the future of the technological, educational and economic base of our state," Gov. Bush said. "High tech businesses will come to Florida because they know our students and workforce are second to none."
Corridor Scientists Develop Bomb Detecting Device
A bomb detection device created to detect explosives in airports is being developed and produced in Pinellas County. The device, designed by L-3 Communications, complies with a Department of Transportation mandate that U.S. airports have these devices installed by the end of the year. L-3 Communications, one of only two companies approved by the FAA to produce this product, expects growth in the operation from 50 employees to 300 by the end of 2002, and totaling 700 within four years. For more information, visit www.L- 3com.com.
Digital Media Study Defines High Tech Industry
With more than 3,000 companies employing approximately 42,000 people, digital media has been deemed a prominent industry sector in Florida's High Tech Corridor in a study conducted by the Digital Media Committee of the Central Florida Technology Partnership. Focused on content creation and application development within modeling, simulation and training technologies; the film and entertainment industry; and the theme park and attractions industry - the study outlines six recommendations designed to facilitate the growth of this industry, such as developing a Central Florida Digital Media Institute and building awareness of industry already located in the Corridor. For more information, visit www.orlandoedc.com.
High Tech Tracking and Mapping System to Prevent and Fight Fires
New software will assist fire fighters in instantly accessing information useful in preventing and fighting fires and tracking down arsonists. This software, developed by the University of Central Florida's College of Engineering and Computer Science and the National Center for Forensic Science, along with the Crime Mapping and Crime Analysis Center and the National Institute for Justice, will be implemented in Volusia County in July with the launch of Volusia County Fire Services' Fire and Arson Mapping Program. For more information, visit http:// www.news.ucf.edu/FY2001-02/020515.html.
Internship Opportunities Available Online
Students can search for high tech and engineering internships through an online database resulting from the Corridor's study of more than 47,000 companies in the region. Students can search by location, company or sector. For the intern database, visit www.floridahightech.com/intern/ or to access the full study, visit www.usworks.com/floridahightech.
High Tech Screen Saver Project for Corridor Post-Secondary Students
By creating a screen saver related to one of six identified high tech sectors, students from post-secondary schools located along the Corridor can win one of seven prize packages - ranging from Palm Pilots to a scholarship. Developed to create awareness of the local high tech community among Corridor students, the contest will produce winning screensavers available to the public for download. A panel of industry professionals will judge the entries based on relevance to topic, artistic interpretation and overall technical quality. The contest is sponsored by the FHTCC and runs from July 1 - 31. For more information, contact Kristin Doyle at (407) 423-8006.
Orange County Public Schools - First Florida Site for Automated Fingerprint-Based Applicant Screening System
Recently installed at Orange County Public Schools headquarters, Florida's new automated fingerprint identification-based applicant processing system hopes to increase student safety. Orlando-based Lockheed Martin Information Systems was contracted to create the system expected to be operational in all of Florida's 67 counties by July. Response time for background checks will be reduced to a matter of days by scanning fingerprints digitally, thus eliminating the use of paper cards and ink. For more information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/news/articles/ 052902_2.html
Inside Florida's High Tech Corridor
|
