USF Researchers Develop New Anthrax Detection Method
Following last year's anthrax scare, a new method for safely and rapidly detecting the deadly bacterium has been developed by
researchers at the University of South Florida's Center for Biological Defense. The new technique makes anthrax spores
harmless to handle without destroying DNA needed to identify it. Using the new method, laboratories can now quickly test
samples and rule out negative results. The Center is a joint project between USF's College of Public Health and Florida's
Department of Health. For more information on the project visit
www.usf.edu
Orlando Company Taking Physician's Internet Usage to New Level
A recent study by the American Medical Association found physician's daily access of the internet has increased 24 percent
since 1997. This bodes well for an Orlando clinical laboratory that is using information technology to provide physicians
with clinical data, graphic and text explanations, and recommendations on diagnostic test results. Based in the Central
Florida Research Park, Cognoscenti Health Institute is also one of only three labs in the country to use a technology called
nanochips, which can simultaneously detect up to 100 DNA-based diseases. For more information on Cognoscenti visit
www.labdoc.com.
MIT Study Places UCF and USF Among Top 100 Technology Transfer Universities
A recent MIT study placed UCF and USF among the top 100 universities in terms of active patent and licensing activity. Ranked
38 and 68 respectively, the schools inclusion is significant due to the increased importance of technology transfer to
university research funding. Of note, UCF was placed above universities such as Carnegie Mellon, Emory and the University of
Maryland, and both schools beat out University of Georgia, Temple University and Georgetown University. Other Florida schools
on the list include the University of Florida (20), University of Miami (70), and Florida State University (82). For more
information visit
www.technologyreview.com.
Florida Tech Leaders to Discuss Florida's "Innovation Economy"
Florida high tech leaders are encouraged to explore the issue of growing Florida's "innovation economy" at an October 16 event
hosted by Enterprise Florida. Specific topics to be covered include universities' role in innovation, the importance of
technology transfer and commercialization of new technologies, and how the state can create an environment conducive for
successful start-ups. The event will be held at Orlando's Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $35.
For additional registration details contact Susan Gallo at (407) 316- 4615 or
sgallo@eflorida.com or to register online visit
www.eflorida.com.
Scientist from UCF Breaks World Record for Laser Data Transmission
A UCF laser scientist has smashed the world record for laser data transmission by sending more than one trillion bits of data
per second from a single device. The development paves the way for lasers to transmit information through telephone lines as fast
as it travels within a computer, says Peter Delfyett, professor of optics, electrical and computer engineering and physics. The
previous record for data transmission from one laser diode was 300 gigabits (or 300 billion bits of data) per second, set in
2000. For more information on the project contact Barb Abney at
bcompton@mail.ucf.edu.Information System to Assist Emergency Workers Plan for
Disasters
Emergency workers will soon be able to more effectively and quickly plan for disasters thanks to a Clearwater software
company. Tandel Systems LLC, in partnership with Atlanta-based Emergency Visions
LLC, is developing the ResponseVision™
information system, which automates and manages contingency plans for virtually any natural hazard or man-man multi-casualty
event. The new system also helps integrate current software and helps simulate potential disasters. For more information on
the new system visit
www.techdaily.info. Florida K-12 Teachers Offered
Grants for Aerospace Projects
Florida's K-12 educators can now apply for grants up to $500 to implement class aerospace projects. Part of the Florida Space
Grant Consortium, a project being administered through the University of Central Florida and the Florida Space Institute,
teachers can use the funds for any valid expenses related to curriculum materials and supplies. Applications must be received
by 5 p.m. on October 1, 2002. For more information visit
fsgc.engr.ucf.edu. Grants Available for
Employee Computer Training
Corridor manufacturing and high tech companies with employees in need of computer training could qualify for substantial
savings through the H1B Visa Training Grant Program. Administered by the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Florida
MEP), eligible employee training courses can focus on everything from beginner computer skills to advanced computer
engineering and programming. Part of a nationwide network of more than 70 not-for-profit centers, the Florida MEP's sole
purpose is to provide small and medium-size businesses with the solutions they need to succeed. For more information on the
program visit
www.floridamep.org.
Study Finds 10,000 Tampa Bay Employees in Medical Product Industry
More than 10,000 residents living in Tampa Bay work in the burgeoning medical product industry according to preliminary
results of a study being conducted by the University of South Florida's Center for Economic Development Research. The study,
which will be replicated across the Corridor, also found that this industry is expected to account for more than $2 billion of
economic activity in 2002. For more information on the study contact Suzanne Christman at
schristm@co.pinellas.fl.us. Corridor IT Students Benefit from Educators
Advanced Training
Corridor IT students will be better prepared for jobs in the real world, thanks to a program that is keeping educators on the
cutting-edge of technology. This summer, 89 community college and K-12 information technology educators completed workshops at
the Information Technology Education Center (iTEC). Funded in part by a National Science Foundation grant, iTEC has served
more than 450 educators in just over two years and boasts partnerships with a variety of educational and business
organizations. For more information visit
www.itecfl.com.
MBA Students at UCF Now Available for Internships
Companies along Florida's High Tech Corridor can now benefit from the skills of UCF MBA students through a new internship
component added this year. Students – who have backgrounds ranging from computer engineering to business administration – are
available for up to three semesters and are required to work an average of 12 hours a week. Companies interested in
participating in the program should contact Ann Roberts at (407) 823-1118 or
aroberts@bus.ucf.edu.
UCF Incubator Named One of Ten Best in Nation
The UCF Technology Incubator is one of the nation's top ten in terms of average employment and sales revenue growth achieved
by client companies. Ranked by the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA), the recognition will be included as part
of a report being submitted to the Department of Commerce's Office of Technology Policy. For more information on the NBIA
visit
www.nbia.org.
Florida High Tech Corridor Directory Update
Work is still underway on the florida.high.tech 2003 directory of high tech companies. Companies and institutions interested
in being considered for inclusion should visit
www.floridahightech.com or to discuss advertising and
sponsorship opportunities, contact Craig Neuman at (727) 823-4394 ext.303.
Inside Florida's High Tech Corridor
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