UCF and USF Research Dollars Break Records
A record $378 million has been invested in research at UCF and USF in the last year. Including projects that range from the advancement of robot technology used in disaster situations to the use of lasers in developing the world's smallest, most accurate clock – the universities are focusing on research that can be transferred and commercialized into revenue generating products. As part of this effort, the FHTCC invests the majority of its budget in research projects involving the two schools and their industry partners. This year's Corridor investment will be announced in early December. For more information visit
www.orgs.ucf.edu or
www.research.usf.edu. Medical Technology Sector Receives "High-Impact" Sector Designation
Florida medical technology companies are getting a boost since being
designated a "high-impact" sector by state officials. Announced during
the BioFlorida industry association meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, the new
designation allows med tech companies to apply for specialized
incentives such as the Capital Investment Tax Credit—an annual credit
against Florida state corporate income tax liability, and the High
Impact Performance Incentive—a negotiated incentive used to attract and
grow major high-impact facilities. For more information on the
designation visit
http://www.eflorida.com
New Technology Monitoring Port Manatee
A cutting-edge surveillance system that electronically analyzes video images is being
tested at Port Manatee. Developed by Sarasota-based Guardian Solutions, Inc., the
GuardianWatch system uses video surveillance cameras that send images to a computer, which
then analyzes the images and uses geo-tracking technology to locate and monitor suspect
persons or objects. Security officials are alerted to intruders via cell phones,
computers or pagers. While the system is still in the test stage, the company expects
it will be available statewide in January. For more information,
visit
www.guardiansolutions.com.
UCF to Host Conference on National Research and Development Policies
Top research and development leaders will meet in Orlando in December to discuss national issuespertaining to the role of science, engineering and technology in the health and well-being of our nation. The annual event, called the National Conference on the Advancement of Research
(NCAR), was founded in 1947 and is being hosted by UCF in partnership with organizations such as the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Participation is by invitation only, but suggestions concerning qualified participants are welcome. For more information visit
www.ncar.org.
Clearwater Company Makes Web Site Updates Easy
Keeping Web content fresh is an on-going challenge, but a Clearwater company has created software that is simplifying the process. Developed by Starphire Technologies, MyPageSage allows users to update content by simply sending an e-mail message … saving valuable time and money associated with manual updates. MyPageSage is server based and does not require installation of software on individual workstations. To try it out visit
www.mypagesage.com.
Florida Companies to Participate in Spain’s Foremost IT Trade Show
Building on the state’s close ties to Latin America, Florida companies have the chance to participate in Spain’s foremost Information and Communications Technology Trade Fair. The fair will feature a “Florida Pavilion” that is being hosted by Enterprise Florida and includes booths from various high tech companies. Last year’s show included more than 270,000 attendees from around the world and allowed exhibitors to make an average of nearly 100 new contacts. For more information visit www.simovirtual.com or to register contact Casey Barnes at
cbarnes@eflorida.com.
Florida Profiled in Community College Transfer Study
Florida’s strength in student transfer between community colleges and four-year universities was profiled in a recent National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education report. The state was included due to its high rating in categories such as percentage of first- year students that return for their second year and percentage of students that complete a bachelor’s program in five years or less. For more information on the study visit
www.highereducation.org.
Cell Phone Users Soon to be Identified with Tip of Finger
A broader range of electronic devices will soon include fingerprint identification features thanks to a new product developed by Authentec Inc. Based in Melbourne, Authentec has introduced a new microchip called the Entrepad AES 3400, which is 20 percent cheaper and requires less power than previous chips. While already used in larger computers and accessories, cost factors have kept the technology from being included in less expensive electronic products. With this new chip, cell phone and PDA users may no longer have a need for passwords or lengthy PIN numbers. For more information on Authentec visit
www.authentec.com.
Executives to be Briefed on Impact of Information Technology
Corridor executives will be given a briefing next month on the value and impact of information technology to their company's business strategy. Hosted by the UCF Office of Resources for Business & Information Technology, the Nov. 15 executive briefing is the fourth in a series called "Business Strategies, Tactics & Best Practice in Information Technology Management – Impacting the Florida High Tech Corridor." Presenters include Lockheed Martin's CIO, Joe Cleveland; North Highland Company's Founder and CEO, David Peterson; and Clinical Professor of Technology and Electronic Commerce at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Dr. Jim McGee. The event costs $165 and will be held at the Westin - Grand Bohemian in Orlando. To register online visit
dce.ucf.edu/briefing.
Inside Florida's High Tech Corridor
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