Gov. Bush Signs Economic Development Legislation
During Visit to High Tech Corridor
Governor Jeb Bush chose the Florida High Tech Corridor in which to sign into law a series of economic development initiatives designed to bolster Florida’s Innovation Economy. Hosted by the University of Central Florida (UCF), Gov. Bush signed legislation authorizing the following initiatives as detailed by Enterprise Florida:

• The $200 million Innovation Economy Incentive Program and Fund to help attract high-value economic development projects that translate to high-wage jobs for Floridians;
• Funding for Florida universities to recruit leading researchers through the World Class Scholars program, which will provide for resources such as labs, high tech equipment or staff;
• Support for the collaboration between industry and academia by creating and expanding Centers of Excellence linked to Florida’s key sectors. The program will enable state universities and their research partners to leverage public and private dollars to build infrastructure, support emerging research and development projects, and help drive innovations from the lab to the marketplace;
• Enhancing Florida’s position as a national leader in space and aeronautics through Space Florida, including $35 million in funding to recruit the Crew Exploration Vehicle, the replacement for the space shuttle;
• A $45 million Florida’s Quick Action Closing Fund to help “close the deal” with companies considering Florida as a business location, giving the state a competitive edge in attracting high-wage jobs; and,
• Sales Tax Exemptions for Machinery and Equipment to promote research and development activities and help foster a positive business climate for the high-wage manufacturing industry in Florida.

For more information, visit http://www.eflorida.com/pressroom/pubs/EFILegisWrapUpReport.pdf.

UF Establishes Licensing Partner for Breath-Based Diagnostic Technology
The University of Florida (UF) has licensed Gainesville-based Xhale Diagnostics (Xhale) exclusive rights to a collection of technologies that enable the use of exhaled breath for point-of-care diagnostics.

Developed over an eight year period through the collaboration of six multi-disciplinary researchers at UF, these handheld breath-screening devices are made to test for the presence of various substances in the blood. Xhale intends to provide customers with quick results, using non-invasive, user-friendly testing devices without the need for outside testing agencies or labs.

For more information, visit http://www.otl.ufl.edu.

USF Chemists Launch Drug Discovery Group
The University of South Florida (USF) Department of Chemistry has launched its Center for Molecular Diversity in Drug Design, Discovery and Development (CDM5) to advance revolutionary efforts at drug discovery and design.

By joining their core of medicinal chemists with their cross-disciplinary resources, researchers at USF look to achieve advances in molecular science that will lead to better understandings of human disease, disease prevention and the development of innovative treatments. One aim of the CDM5 initiative is to break down barriers to collaboration and open new avenues for drug discovery. The CDM5 group will be focusing their efforts on drug delivery targeted to disease sites. For more information, visit http://www.usfnews.usf.edu/printerview.cfm?link=article&aid=1286.

UCF Students Mentor Winter Park High School Robotics Team
University of Central Florida (UCF) engineering students Michael Walker, Dan Richardson and Robby Wallace and math student George Wallace provided integral mentoring to the Winter Park High School Robotics team, which placed in the top eight at the FIRST Robotics Competition program World Championships in Atlanta.

The FIRST Robotics Competition program is a multinational initiative that teams professionals and young people to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way.

Florida Cracks Top 10 as Biotech State
The state of Florida has cracked the top 10 in a state-by-state ranking of biotechnology business centers across the nation. The number of biotech companies in the state increased from 34 to 47, bumping Florida from number 11 to 10.

For more information, visit http://www.floridaresearch.org/index.php?
cid=49812&src=news&prid=48&category=News.

University researchers also invented more and applied for more patents last year, according to the survey of 12 Florida institutions by the Technology Transfer Office at Florida State University. Results were announced at the 3rd Annual Florida Technology Transfer Conference.

Researchers submitted 687 invention disclosures in 2005 compared with 616 in 2004, the survey said. They received 132 U.S. patents last year, up from 127 the previous year. The survey reported that 321 of the licenses generated revenue for universities last year, up from 270 in 2004. Licensing income totaled $44 million, down from $55 million in 2004. The decrease is due to several successful products based on Florida university inventions coming to the end of their life in the market, as other products are just beginning to enter the marketplace.

For more information, visit www.FloridaResearch.org or www.TBTF.org.

FHTCC’s OMM Network Showing Results
Government agencies and prime contractors are in need of manufacturers to either reproduce or re-engineer obsolete parts for older systems. The Florida High Tech Corridor Council’s Obsolescence Manufacturing Mitigation (OMM) Network, which was formed in partnership with the Florida Manufacturing Extension Program (FMEP), currently has an inventory of more than 200 companies that are potential OMM contractors. These companies provide a full range of aerospace and military technology.

Additional network results include:

• Four OMM roundtables that attracted more than 50 companies;
• 63 SupplyPoint Florida High Tech Corridor companies registered;
• Three OMM contracts secured; and
• $484,739 in matching funds generated during the first 13 months.

For more information, visit http://defenseconnection.org/omm/tiki-index.php.

Metro Orlando EDC Receives
International Economic Development Leadership Award
The University of Central Florida (UCF) partnership with Electronic Arts (EA) was recognized for innovation in economic development in the Major Projects/Deals category at the CoreNet Global Summit. The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) project was chosen from hundreds of entries and 12 finalists who competed for two awards, one given in Leadership and Innovation and one given in Major Projects/Deals.

The Metro Orlando EDC worked with UCF, EA’s Orlando-based studio, EA Tiburon, and other community partners to establish the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, a post-graduate finishing school that will create a critical mass of talent for EA and other game developers. The EDC also coordinated media relations efforts for the project, assisted with local incentive applications and helped them form partnerships with local organizations.

For more information, visit http://www.orlandoedc.com/News%20Room/newsreleases.shtml?id=43120.

Corridor Company Named One of 100 Fastest Growing Tech Companies
Business 2.0 named St. Petersburg-based Jabil Circuit one of the fastest growing tech firms in the nation. One of only two Florida companies recognized, Jabil was ranked 74th overall in the listing that was mostly dominated by west coast companies based in California and Washington.

Contributing factors to the company’s success include its 28.5 percent growth in revenue, 97 percent jump in earnings and a workforce increase of 17.6 percent.

For more information, visit
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/b2fastestgrowing.

Technology Transfer Conference Held in Sarasota
The 3rd Annual Technology Transfer Conference was recently held at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. The premier event for the exhibition of the state’s top research university technologies available for commercialization and licensing, the conference offered briefings in Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering and Materials Sciences, Medical Devices and Other Biotechnologies, and Information and Communication Technologies.

This year, for the first time ever, the conference was held in conjunction with the 9th PHARLEX pharma license exchange, encouraging the facilitation of business opportunities between Technology Transfer Conference delegates and PHARLEX’s international biotechnology and pharmaceutical company executive members.

The conference was organized by the Florida Research Consortium and the Tampa Bay Technology Forum.

For more information, visit
http://asoft72.securesites.net/secure/floridaresearch/index.php?
src=gendocs&link=Tech%20Transfer_Home.

Governor Bush Tours Orlando-Based AeroClave
Gov. Jeb Bush toured AeroClave’s Orlando facility last week in order to get an
up-close look at a technology that promises to limit the spread of infectious disease, as well as provide emergency power, conditioned heat and air, and satellite and Wi-Fi communications before, during and after natural disasters.

The AeroClave uses computer-controlled heat and humidity manipulation to alter internal environments to levels that are lethal to most disease-causing viruses, such as SARS, Avian flu and smallpox, without damaging the internal environments or their contents.

In addition to its use for emergencies and disasters, the system is also capable of being used on a daily basis for routine or reactive decontamination of buildings and all types of transportation assets.

For more information, visit http://www.aeroclave.com.

Tampa Bay Technology Forum Engineering Network
The Tampa Bay Technology Forum has created an engineering network in order to retain and attract engineers and engineering business to Tampa Bay, as well as to influence the engineering environment in the region.

All area engineers are welcome to attend and join.

For more information, contact Rachel Cantor, RC Associates LLC at Rachel@rcassociatesllc.com.

William C. Schwartz 2006 Industry Innovation Awards
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission is accepting nominations for the William C. Schwartz 2006 Industry Innovation Awards.

These awards honor companies for creating, developing and successfully implementing products, ideas and processes. The purpose of the awards program is to inspire future entrepreneurs, scientists, business leaders and dreamers to use technology and creative thinking to pursue the challenges that confront the 21st Century.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, June 30, 2006. Winners will be chosen from Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando.

For more information, visit
http://www.orlandoedc.com/edcPublic/Events/schwartz%
202006/nomination%20guidelines.pdf.

Sarasota International Design Summit
The Creative Cluster of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Sarasota is seeking attendees for the International Design Summit in October. Spearheaded by the Ringling School of Art and the EDC, the summit will explore design thinking, which centers on creative problem solving.

The focal point of the summit is the idea that creativity, innovation and design are key drivers in economic growth and in the development of cities and communities. These ideas are being explored locally and globally as the power of design is changing the shape of business in the world today.

For event details, visit http://www.sarasotadesignsummit.com.

Two Florida Tech Students Selected for Hands-on Space Academy
The Florida Space Authority has chosen Florida Tech students Eric P. Anderson and Andrea Hughes to participate in this summer’s undergraduate program at the Florida Space Academy. The academy is a one-week, hands-on experience designed to raise science, space and career awareness for Florida students.

Students experience interactive lectures and research, construct a meteorological balloon, assemble a payload for a rocket launch and make on-site visits to key NASA-Kennedy Space Center (KSC) locations. On the final day, the students will meet NASA/KSC leaders and receive information about job and internship opportunities.

For more information, visit http://www.fit.edu/newsroom/news/May2006.html#spaceacademy.

Accolades

President John Hitt
On behalf of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, congratulations are extended to University of Central Florida (UCF) President John Hitt for awarding his 100,000th degree during the May 2006 graduation. During this past year, UCF has awarded its 150,000th degree, achieved $100 million in research funding for the first time and received the state Board of Governors’ approval to create a medical college.

Dr. Winston Schoenfeld
Winston Schoenfeld, UCF assistant professor of optics and leader of the CREOL Nanophotonics Device Group, has been elected to serve on the executive committee of the Florida chapter of the American Vacuum Society.

Howard Lance
Harris Corp.’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, Howard Lance, has been named one of three finalists in the Best Chairman category of the 2006 American Business Awards. The award’s winner will be announced on June 12 in New York City.

Dr. Peter J. Delfyett
Congratulations to Dr. Peter J. Delfyett, who has been chosen by the editorial staff of Science Spectrum magazine to be honored as a Science Spectrum Trailblazer during the 2006 Minorities in Research Science Conference.

Five Top Tech Women
Congratulations to Tampa-based businesswomen Leigh Haller, Jana Wiggins, Janet L. Kumpu, Pam Kauten and Pat Dominguez, who were profiled in the St. Petersburg Times for being female high tech CEOs and business owners.

Did You Know?
Did you know that Seoro LLC, a new provider of technology and consulting services that identifies and delivers innovative, cost-effective business and IT solutions for small to mid-sized businesses, recently opened its first office in Tampa Bay?

For more information, visit http://www.seoropartners.com.

Calendar of Events
The following events are taking place across the Corridor’s 23-county region or in the surrounding area:

June Business Briefings
Presented by: Relational Technologies
Thursday, June 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
TECO Plaza, 702 Franklin Street, Tampa, Fla.
For event information, visit
https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx?
e=95270bb4-ab57-459b-be5f-0ca29fb0aeaa.

Maddux Business Report’s Movers & Shakers
Presented by: Maddux
Wednesday, June 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza, Tampa, Fla.
For event information, visit
http://www.maddux.com/2006/April/insights.htm.

Speed Network for Business Success
Presented by: TiE Florida and UCF Technology Incubator
Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center
One Landmark Center, 315 E. Robinson St., Orlando, Fla.
For event information, visit http://www.tieflorida.com/#march8.

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Certificate Course
Presented by: UCF Technology Incubator and UCF College of Business Administration
Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 20 through July 13, 6 – 9 p.m.
Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center
One Landmark Center, 315 E. Robinson St., Orlando, Fla.
For event information, visit http://www.floridanec.org.

FHTCC’s OMM Network Small Business Roundtable
Presented by FHTCC in conjunction with the SOCOM Industry Conference
Tuesday, June 20, 3:00 p.m.
Tampa Marriott Waterside
Topics: federal certification, site clearance, teaming agreements, matching grants, and, SupplyPoint.
For event information, e-mail info@defenseconnection.org.

FHTCC’s OMM Network Partnering Roundtable
Presented by FHTCC in conjunction with the SOCOM Industry Conference
Thursday, June 22, 3:00 p.m.
Tampa Marriott Waterside
Meet potential partners, subcontractors, primes, mentors, and local success stories.
For event information, e-mail info@defenseconnection.org.

NEC Entrepreneur Fair to Celebrate 3rd Anniversary
Presented by: Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center
Wednesday, June 28
Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center
One Landmark Center, 315 E. Robinson St., Suite 100, Orlando, Fla.
For event information, visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/newscenter/2006_PressReleases/5-4_NECFair.html.

INCOSE International Symposium 2006
Systems Engineering: Shining Light on the Tough Issues
Presented by: Orlando, Central Florida and Space Coast Chapters
Sunday through Thursday, July 9-13
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Orlando, Fla.
For event information, visit http://www.incose.org/symp2006/index.php.

7th – 12th Graders Dream Builders Summer Camps…
A summer camp based on engineering and construction activities
Presented by: Florida Tech Civil Engineering
July 17-21 and July 24-28
Florida Tech – Melbourne campus, Melbourne, Fla.
For event information, visit http://coe.fit.edu/civil/summercamp.

Sarasota International Design Summit 2006
Presented by: Ringling School of Art and Design
Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 9-11
Ritz Carlton, Sarasota, Fla.
For event information, visit http://www.sarasotadesignsummit.com.

Inside Florida’s High Tech Corridor is published by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Inc. (FHTCC) and its economic development partners. The FHTCC is an initiative of the University of Central Florida (http://www.ucf.edu), the University of South Florida (http://www.usf.edu) and the University of Florida (http://www.ufl.edu). For more information visit our Web site at (http://www.floridahightech.com), or contact one of the region’s economic development partners listed at http://www.floridahightech.com/linkslibrary/economic_dev_org.htm.

Florida High Tech Corridor Link Library
For a comprehensive list of FHTCC University Partners; Community Colleges; Economic Development Organizations; Technology Groups & Programs; Workforce Boards & Organizations; Technology Incubators & Venture Capital Organizations; and, Industry Organizations visit the Florida High Tech Corridor link library at http://www.floridahightech.com/linkslibrary/.

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©2006, Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

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