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Students are prepared for a SIMsational Career!
techPATH – an educational initiative of the Florida High Tech Corridor
Council – and Daytona Beach Community College, recently produced and distributed
a video entitled “A SIMsational Career” to more than 170 high schools in the
Corridor’s 21-county region. The video showcases careers within the technology
industry that many students might not otherwise encounter. It provides students
with information about career opportunities, educational requirements and
potential earnings in the Modeling, Simulation & Training industry and attempts
to get students interested in the possibilities that a career in simulation
technology can provide. The video was created as part of FHTCC’s continued
commitment to equip Florida’s students with the information needed to fill this
region’s demand for a high tech workforce.
For additional information or to view the video, visit
www.floridahightech.com.
USF Breaks Research Records Once Again
The University of South Florida (USF) had its seventh consecutive record-breaking year in research this year, bringing in $254.8 million in contracts and grants, 23 percent more than last year. USF officials say the increases – both the total figure and the amount of federal grants – are tangible indications of how USF is continuing to develop as a national research university. Other key indicators include USF’s ranking in the top tier of national research universities by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and its ranking among the top 100 public research universities in The Center’s annual report, Top American Research Universities. The amount of external contracts and grants is most commonly used as a benchmark for science, medicine and technology fields.
For additional information, visit www.research.usf.edu.
UCF Research Spawns Hope for Longer Life
A molecular biologist and a nanoscientist at the University of Central Florida have found that nanomaterials developed for industry have an unexpected and potentially revolutionary side effect – they can triple or quadruple the life of brain cells. As a result, people could live longer with fewer age-related health problems such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis. The researchers’ work indicates that the nanoparticles have anti-inflammatory properties, which shows that there is potential to preserve brain function and extend life span. The National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging is funding $1.4 million, in annual increments over the four-year life of the project, to UCF researchers to continue their research in the field.
For additional information, visit www.news.ucf.edu.
Florida Tech Launches High-Tech Business Accelerator
Florida Tech’s College of Engineering and School of Management have teamed up with the local business community to create Florida Tech Start, a business accelerator for entrepreneurs and high-tech companies. The mission of Florida Tech is to train and develop leaders who will make high tech ventures successful. In partnership with government organizations and a network of qualified professional service providers, Florida Tech Start will coordinate networking, special seminars, training and workshops for entrepreneurs. Florida Tech Start will also serve as the contact point for entrepreneurs to collaborate with university faculty members or students in using specialized university laboratories, instruments or technical services. Support for Florida Tech Start is provided by a grant through the University of Central Florida from the National Science Foundation under the Partnerships for Innovation program, and by a grant from the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.
For additional information, visit www.fit.edu.
Industry Leaders Team with USF Students to Design Better Wireless Communication Systems
The University of South Florida’s Center for Wireless and Microwave Information Systems, also known as the WAMI Center, has teamed up with industry leaders to offer training materials and a new two-course sequence in USF’s Electrical Engineering Department. The program is focused on students interested in designing Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFIC), the backbone of wireless communications systems. In an effort to educate students more about RFICs, IBM has provided extensive “design guide” documentation and “design kit” software that includes electrical simulation and layout information on RFIC building block elements. Agilent Technologies and Cadence Design Systems donated electronic design automation software for state-of-the-art design tools for students.
For additional information, visit http://ee.eng.usf.edu.
Invention to Venture Workshop
The National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA) will hold a day-long workshop entitled “Invention to Venture” at the University of Central Florida next month. The workshop is designed to help students, faculty and regional industry find common ground in technological innovation and put them on the path to entrepreneurial success. Technology-oriented undergrad or graduate students and faculty and alumni interested in developing technology-based products and businesses should attend. NCIIA’s mission is to encourage invention, innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education as a way of creating innovative, commercially viable and socially beneficial businesses and employment opportunities in the United States.
For further information, visit www.nciia.org or contact Tom O’Neal at (407) 882-1120 or
oneal@mail.ucf.edu.
Technology Company Creates 120 Central Florida Jobs
Indra Systems Inc., a Madrid-based technology company, has landed a multimillion-dollar contract with the U.S. Navy to expand its simulation and training operations near the University of Central Florida. The state of Florida and Orange County offered the company tax breaks contingent on the creation of at least 160 new high-wage jobs over six years. Indra currently plans to add 120 jobs with an average pay of $65,000.
For additional information, visit www.indra.es.
USF in the Top 10 Universities for Urban Transportation Graduate Study
In a survey published by The Urban Transportation Monitor, USF was ranked sixth for “universities in the U.S. at which to do graduate study with an emphasis in transit operations and planning” and ninth for “universities in the U.S. at which to do graduate study with an emphasis in transportation planning.” The Urban Transportation Monitor conducted the national survey among transportation professionals to obtain their opinions about the best universities, employers, continuing education courses and handbooks in urban transportation. USF employees attribute this outstanding recognition primarily to the efforts of the Center for Urban Transportation Research and the transportation group in the university’s civil engineering department.
For additional information, visit
http://isis2.admin.usf.edu.
Linking the Best in Leadership Theory and Practice
UCF ORBIT is launching the Inaugural Session of The UCF Leadership Edge - Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11. The two-day UCF Leadership Edge is an accelerated program that includes the most critical leadership development experiences. CEUs will be provided through UCF ORBIT - Continuing Education.
The Leadership Edge is a highly interactive program that combines proven theory and best practices in the areas of leadership personality drivers, competencies, and skills. As the UCF Leadership Edge Team, Boyd Clarke, CEO of the Tom Peters Co., and Dr. Marilyn Buckner, CEO of NTS in Atlanta and immediate past president of the Human Resource Planning Society in NYC, are bringing world class content, integrity and experience to the Florida High Tech Corridor.
For additional information, visit www.orbit.ucf.edu or contact Tatiana Londoño at 407-882-0264 or
tlondono@mail.ucf.edu.
Microsoft Names Tribridge ‘Business Partner of the Quarter’
Tampa-based Tribridge, an end-to-end business consulting services provider, has received the Microsoft Corp. Business Partner of the Quarter award for the South Regional Business customer segment. The award recognizes Microsoft Certified Partners that have demonstrated both a commitment to helping customers resolve complex IT issues and a dedication to Microsoft technologies. “As a Microsoft South Region Medium Business managed partner, Tribridge has demonstrated the ability to deploy Microsoft solutions through its technical abilities, while serving our mutual customer base through excellence in sales and marketing,” said Alejandra Calataud, director of the South Region Medium Business Team at Microsoft. “Because it has proven dedication to Microsoft tools, demonstrated ability to close business, and commitment to delighting our mutual customers, we are pleased to acknowledge Tribridge with this award.”
For additional information on Tribridge, visit
www.tribridge.com.
Corridor Companies Make List of World’s Largest Manufacturers
Electronic Business Magazine ranked six Corridor companies among the largest contract manufacturers in the world. The ranking details the companies’ strengths, both nationally and internationally.
The St. Petersburg-based Jabil Circuit was ranked fifth largest electronic manufacturing services provider in the world with $3.7 billion in revenue for 2002. The company manufactures for international electronics companies in various markets. Reptron Manufacturing Services in Tampa, which provides supply chain solutions for leading electronics equipment manufacturers, ranked number 33. Sparton Corp., a design engineering and electronics contract manufacturer with one of six North American locations in Brooksville, filled spot number 35 on the list. Tampa’s Sypris Electronics, ranked number 36, is the leading provider of electronics manufacturing and engineering services for government agencies, the Department of Defense, the avionics and aerospace community and defense prime contractors. MC Assembly, a contract manufacturer from Melbourne, ranked number 41, and Dictaphone Corp. – EMS Division, provider of voice recognition, dictation and medical transcription software from Melbourne, ranked number 66.
To view the entire listing, visit Electronic Business Magazine’s Web site at:
www.reed-electronics.com.
CFTP Announces New Director
The Central Florida Technology Partnership (CFTP) has named Amy Edge as its new director. Edge, formerly the director of communications for the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, will be responsible for directing all activities of the CFTP, including an annual technology meeting, a local Web portal and eight working groups that address various issues related to the industry sector.
Created in 1999, the CFTP is managed by the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission in partnership with the Central Florida Innovation Corporation, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. CFTP’s main purpose is to facilitate the sharing of information, ideas and resources that affect Metro Orlando’s technology industry and to implement components of the Metro Orlando Technology Strategy, a community technology agenda for the 21st century.
For additional information, visit www.cftechpartnership.com.
Looking for Interns?
Does your company need help with short-term projects or business plans? If so, the UCF College of Business Administration and the USF College of Business have qualified students who are seeking internships in a variety of areas.
For information on hiring a UCF graduate student, contact Ann Roberts at (407) 823-1118 or
aroberts@bus.ucf.edu.
For information on hiring a USF student, contact Megan Newman at (813) 974-5162 or
mnewman@coba.usf.edu.
Please Make a Note …
Smart Access, Inc. is listed incorrectly in the 2003 Florida High Tech Corridor Directory. The correct information is as follows:
Smart Access, Inc.
124 Robin Road, Suite 1600
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Phone: (407) 331-4724
Please update your directory accordingly.
Coming Soon … the Florida High Tech Corridor Council’s Annual Report
Watch your e-mail for an update on the 2002-2003 accomplishments of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. The annual report will be online at
www.floridahightech.com by the end of the month.
Calendar of Events
The following are events taking place across the Corridor's 21-county
region which readers may be interested in attending.
How to Build Your Business in a Down Market, featuring
Ron Ward, president of Ward & Associates
Thursday, October 16 – Safety Harbor, Florida
For event information, call Kim at (727) 536-5809 or visit
www.bama-fl.org.
Venture Capital: 2004 and Beyond
Presented by: Tampa Bay Technology Forum
Sponsored by: KForce
Wednesday, October 29 – St. Petersburg, Florida
For event information, visit www.tbtf.org.
Annual Technology Innovation Awards
Presented by: The Gulfcoast Business Review, STA and Sarasota County
Friday, November 14 – Sarasota, Florida
For event information, visit www.suncoastech.org.
IT Business Change and the Value Impact in a Recovering Economy
Presented by: UCF ORBIT
Friday, November 14 – Orlando, Florida
For event information, visit http://www.orbit.ucf.edu/nov14/.
Inside Florida's High Tech Corridor
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