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| INSIDE FLORIDA'S HIGH TECH
CORRIDOR |
| Via Email |
November 2007 |
USF's Graduate Entrepreneurship Program
Ranked in National Top 10
The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine have rated the
University of South Florida’s (USF) graduate entrepreneurship
program as the ninth best in the nation.
The magazine ranked schools using criteria including percentage
of students who started a business, the percentage still in
business and the number of entrepreneurship classes offered.
Though USF’s entrepreneurship program is only five years
old, it has also received other awards, including the United
States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s
Innovative Pedagogy for Entrepreneurship Education Award.
For more information, visit
http://usfweb3.usf.edu/absolutenm/templates/?a=400&z=10.
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UF Researchers Begin
Heart-Related Stem Cell Study
Doctors at the University of Florida (UF) recently completed
their first procedure to study the ability of stem cells to
prompt growth of new blood vessels in the heart.
UF is one of 20 research sites participating in the national
study, which is evaluating a total of 150 patients. The study
focuses on those with severe coronary artery disease and daily
chest pain who have not responded to traditional medicines or
surgical procedures. Nearly half a million Americans with heart
disease suffer from severe chest pain due to blockage of the
coronary arteries by plaque deposits or clots. UF’s College
of Medicine scientists are hopeful that the introduction of
the new cells will generate new blood vessels from their own
growth, or will stimulate the heart to regenerate blood vessels
on its own.
For more information, visit
http://news.ufl.edu/2007/10/04/stem-inject.
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UCF Sponsors 39th Annual Division of
Planetary Sciences Conference in Orlando
The University of Central Florida (UCF) recently sponsored the
weeklong 39th Annual Division of Planetary Sciences Conference
at the Rosen Centre Hotel. Approximately 1,000 scientists from
around the globe attended the conference, which featured topics
ranging from recently discovered carbon dioxide molecules in
the Venus atmosphere to new images from Titan, Saturn’s
largest moon.
As part of the Division of Planetary Sciences’ annual
outreach program, nearly 1,500 Orange County students attended
and were able to view NASA images of Pluto and Saturn, as well
as see how oxygen and other combustible gases behave on different
planets.
For more information, visit
http://news.ucf.edu/UCFnews/index?page=article&id=
002400412e120743011469b630a7006d51&mode=news.
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Give Your
Company’s Recruitment a
Competitive Edge with Career Expo ’08
This coming February, high tech companies in the Corridor can
gain exposure to an applicant pool of thousands of college graduates
through Career Expo ’08. A special initiative of the Florida
High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) and its economic development,
higher education, workforce board and governmental partners,
Career Expo ’08 is designed to introduce the Corridor’s
high tech employers to career center directors (CCDs) from many
of the nation’s top universities.
High tech companies can log on to www.FloridaHighTech.com/CareerExpo
to register for the event taking place on Feb. 28 and 29, at
the Tampa Convention Center.
As a primary source of career advice for tens of thousands
of educated, highly skilled graduates each year, the invited
CCDs can play an integral role in attracting the Corridor’s
high tech workforce. By showing CCDs the high tech career opportunities
the Corridor provides, FHTCC hopes the Corridor will be one
of the first places they recommend to students looking to start
high tech careers. Participating companies will have the opportunity
to meet with attending CCDs face-to-face in both formal and
informal settings as well as having their company name and contact
information included in the Career Expo ’08 directory.
Companies interested in sponsoring Career Expo ’08 are
encouraged to contact Owen Wentworth at owentworth@cfl.rr.com,
or (407) 399-7286.
For more information, visit
http://www.FloridaHighTech.com/CareerExpo.
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Adacel Selected by Boeing for R&D of
Voice Activated Avionics
Orlando-based Adacel, a leader in aviation speech recognition
technology, recently announced that it was selected by Boeing
to develop a Voice Activated Cockpit (VAC) interface for use
in the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
The Adacel VAC system allows the pilot and weapons systems
operator to interact with the flight controls using voice commands
instead of the traditional manual input, which will reduce the
need for pilots to remove their hands from the controls. Adacel
also recently announced that it was selected by the Navy to
deliver one of their MaxSim air traffic control tower simulators
to the Naval Air Station in Key West, Fla.
For more information, visit http://www.adacel.com/news/pressrel.htm.
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UF Launches Online Environmental
Forensics Certificate Program
The University of Florida (UF) recently created a new Environmental
Forensics Certificate program.
The program is aimed at professionals working in environmental
regulatory authorities and labs. Winner of the American Distance
Education Consortium’s 2006 National Award of Excellence
in Distance Education, the certificate program, as well as all
other UF Forensic Science Programs, is offered entirely online.
Master's degrees or certificates are also available in the fields
of Environmental Forensics, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Drug
Chemistry, Forensic DNA & Serology, Forensic Death Investigation
and Forensic Science.
For more information, visit http://www.forensicscience.ufl.edu.
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4th Annual TBTF Industry
Achievement Awards
Finalists Announced
The Tampa Bay Technology Forum, a Florida High Tech Corridor
Council partner organization, recently announced the finalists
for its 4th annual Industry Achievement Awards. The black tie
gala, which celebrates the excellence and leadership of technology
companies and individuals in the bay area, will be held on Nov.
8 in Tampa.
Fifteen finalists were chosen for the five award categories:
CIO of the Year, Emerging Technology Company of the Year, Innovation
of the Year, Professional Services Company of the Year and Quantum
Leap Technology of the Year.
For more information, visit http://www.tbtf.org.
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VisitTheCorridor.com
Experiences High Web Traffic
Most web sites are designed for mass audiences. Some, like the
Corridor’s new virtual visit – www.VisitTheCorridor.com
– are designed to serve relatively small, targeted audiences
that have special information needs. “I’d have been
very happy if 100 of our targeted prospects visited the site,”
said Council President Randy Berridge, “but knowing that
more than 2,000 visits have been recorded in the first month
tells me that this viral campaign targeting site selection consultants
and corporate leaders looking for the best place to do business
is working. And, there’s concrete value in the fact that
one-by-one we’re getting requests from visitors for a
copy of the Council’s publication – florida.high.tech.2007
– which is offered on the site. That is giving us relationships
with people with a true interest.”
Through informative videos and engaging graphics, www.VisitTheCorridor.com
allows visitors to explore the Corridor’s key technology
sectors and institutes of higher education, discover the region’s
world-famous leisure activities and unsurpassed quality of life,
examine the business climate, and explore the diverse counties
that make up the region. The visit is hosted by a “virtual”
tour guide, Orlando’s WESH-TV Channel 2 Anchorwoman Wendy
Chioji, who greets visitors and guides them through their tour.
“Visitors to the tour can see exactly why the 23-county
Florida High Tech Corridor is considered one of the best places
for high tech businesses,” said Randy Berridge, president
of FHTCC. “And with so many visitors to the Web site,
we strongly feel that we become sound candidates for relocation
or expansion projects once decision makers see everything the
Florida High Tech Corridor has to offer tech industry.”
All those who are engaged in economic development within the
Corridor are highly encouraged to share the online tour with
their prospects as well as internal and external stakeholders.
Take your “Virtual Visit” today at http://www.VisitTheCorridor.com.
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UCF’s College of
Medicine Signs Affiliation Agreements with Area Hospitals
The College of Medicine at the University of Central Florida
(UCF) has recently signed affiliation agreements with Florida
Hospital and Orlando Regional Healthcare.
Both organizations are previous partners of the College of
Medicine, but the new agreements will allow medical students
to participate in clinical training at the hospitals. The new
affiliation also bolsters the likelihood of attaining accreditation
from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which is the
national accrediting body for medical schools.
Established in 2006, the UCF College of Medicine will begin
offering a doctor of medicine degree program in fall 2009.
For more information, visit
http://news.ucf.edu/UCFnews/index?page=article&id=
002400410338fcb090115cdbb06fa007e55&mode=news.
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FHTCC and
Space Coast EDC Pair Up to Reduce Obsolescence
On behalf of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the Space
Coast Economic Development Commission (EDC) will manage a program
on Obsolescence Manufacturing.
The program will bring together companies that have needs for
hard-to-find parts with manufacturers who have the capabilities
to manufacture those parts. This will extend the life cycle
for materials that would otherwise become obsolete. Aero Metals,
a local company based in Titusville, has already been awarded
a large contract to produce parts. Since the program’s
inception, over 45 companies from around Brevard County have
attended three training workshops to initiate the program.
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UCF Executive Briefing: Roger
Berry to speak on Innovative Technology Trends
On Nov. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UCF ORBIT – Continuing
Education will host a UCF Executive briefing at the Grand Bohemian
Hotel.
The theme of the event is "Innovative Technology Trends
Moving Global Business Forward & the Impact to UCF’s
Next Generation of Leaders," and will feature speakers
such as Roger Berry, SVP & CIO for Theme Park & Resorts
– Worldwide, The Walt Disney Company; Will Anguish, VP
Corporate Systems and Bob Gentry, Director of Implementation
& Procurement, Darden Restaurants Inc.; and Neal Gallagher,
Ph.D., Dean of UCF College of Engineering & Computer Science.
For more information, visit http://www.orbit.ucf.edu/briefing.
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Accolades
UCF President John Hitt Appointed to National Panel
on Urban Education Issues
The National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant
Colleges has appointed University of Central Florida President
and FHTCC co-chair John Hitt to the executive committee of its
Commission on the Urban Agenda. The Commission develops university-targeted
programs relating to urban issues, as well as helps solve urban
community problems.
USF Research Park to Host 2008 AURP Annual Conference
The University of South Florida’s (USF) Research Park
has been selected by the Association of University Research
Parks (AURP) to host its annual conference. Chosen for its recent
growth, innovation and interaction with both the University
and regional economic development, USF’s Research Park
will welcome representatives from planned and operating research
parks around the world in December 2008.
Harris' Dr. Andrew Clark Receives Distinguished Achievement
Award
Dr. Andrew Clark, president of Harris Maritime Communication
Services, a subsidiary of Harris Corporation, recently received
the prestigious Compass Distinguished Achievement Award from
the Marine Technology Society. Chosen for his contributions
and achievements in the field of ocean technology during a 34-year
career, Clark is the recipient of the industry’s highest
annually awarded honor.
Russ Hauck Featured in Military Training Technology
Magazine
Military Training Technology recently published an article authored
by National Center for Simulation’s (NCS) Russ Hauck about
the prominence of the simulation industry in the Florida High
Tech Corridor. The article highlights NCS's role as a central
Florida leader in the field of modeling and simulation technology
for the military, government and academic community.
AAAS Names UCF VP M.J. Soileau and Professor Henry
Daniell as Fellows
Two professors at the University of Central Florida (UCF) have
been named American Association for the Advancement of Sciences
(AAAS) Fellows for 2007.
Vice President of Research and Commercialization, M.J. Soileau
was honored for his leadership and research in the field of
lasers and optical engineering, and Professor Henry Daniell
was named for his many contributions to the fields of genetic
engineering and biopharmaceuticals. Additionally, The Optical
Society of America honored Soileau with the Esther Hoffman Beller
award for outstanding contributions to optical science and engineering
education earlier this year.
Dr. Gaby Hawat appointed to ETLI Executive Board
The American Society for Engineering Education recently appointed
Valencia Community College (VCC) Dean Dr. Gaby Hawat to the
Executive Board of the Engineering Technology Leadership Institute.
Hawat is a tenured professor with VCC, as well as the dean of
architecture, engineering and technology and senior project
director for new campus initiatives and economic development.
USF St. Petersburg Noted for Excellence
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg was ranked 34th
on the Aspen Institute’s list, The Global 100, for its
integration of social and environmental issues into its MBA
program. The survey and ranking of business schools were compiled
by the Aspen Institute, Center for Business Education for its
2007-2008 edition of Beyond Grey Pinstripes.
Corridor Autonomous Vehicle Competes in Finals
The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) “Team
UCF” joined 10 other teams, including Stanford University,
Cornell University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
who advanced to the national finals for the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency’s Urban Challenge, a competition
in which unmanned vehicles maneuver through a simulated urban
environment.
Bayshore Solutions Named Small Business of the Year
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce recently named digital
media and Internet marketing services provider Bayshore Solutions
as its Small Business of the Year. The Tampa-based firm has
more than tripled in size over the past three years and was
also named the second-fastest-growing company in the area by
the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Energy Efficient Tech Center to be Built at UCF
Department of Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman recently announced
one of two regional building technology application centers
to be created at the University of Central Florida sharing a
$4.1 million grant. The center will provide information and
training on energy saving technologies to help the market develop
more energy-efficient buildings.
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Did You Know?
According to a 2006 survey conducted by the Lewin Group, Florida
ranks third in the nation for medical employment, with 19,949
total employees in the field.
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Calendar
of Events
The following events are taking place across the Corridor’s
23-county region or in the surrounding area:
Invention to Venture Orlando: A Workshop in Technology
Entrepreneurship
Presented by: NCIIA and UCF
Friday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center
4000 Central Florida Blvd., Bldg 126, Orlando, FL
For event information, visit http://www.invention2venture.org/orlando.
UCF Executive Briefing
Presented by: UCF ORBIT – Continuing Education
Monday, Nov. 14, 7:30 a.m. to Noon
The Grand Bohemian, 325 Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL
For event information, visit
http://www.orbit.ucf.edu/briefing.
The ACG Florida 2007 Capital Connection
Presented by: Association for Corporate Growth
Tuesday, Nov. 27 and Wednesday, Nov 28
Tampa Marriott Waterside
700 S. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL
For event information, visit http://www.acgflorida.com.
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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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