National Institute for Health Awards $127.7 Million to USF for Juvenile Diabetes Research
A University of South Florida (USF) research team led by Jeffrey Krischer, Ph.D., was awarded $127.7 million by the National Institute for Health (NIH) to organize worldwide studies on the prevention and treatment of juvenile diabetes. The seven-year grant will help Krischer lead the coordination of TrialNet, the NIH's network of clinical research centers, and is expected to catapult USF into the top-50 for university medical schools that receive NIH funding.
Last year, Krischer's team at USF received $169 million from the NIH – the largest contract in USF history – to assist the coordination of studies that examine the causes of juvenile diabetes. The study, called TEDDY (The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young), aims to figure out why the presence of diabetes in the very young has doubled since the 1980s.
TrialNet will screen more than 150,000 children and adults to identify early signs of diabetes and to investigate new treatments that will help curtail the progression of the disease. TEDDY is screening more than 300,000 infants and will follow 8,000 of them for 15 years to study the role that diet, infections and other environmental stressors may have on the progression of the disease.
For more information, visit http://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/health/now/?p=560.
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UCF’s Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program Draws to a Close
As the University of Central Florida's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program comes to an end for the summer, five students from UCF and six students from other universities will return to their home institutions to continue their individual research projects in areas such as nanotechnology, machine learning, computer visioning and optics. The REU program in Computer Vision, funded by the National Science Foundation, is designed to expose these undergraduates to their first experience in scientific research.
For the past 21 years almost 200 undergraduates from schools all over the U.S. have attended the yearly Computer Vision program. Its participants have co-authored more than 60 research papers, approximately half have matriculated to graduate school and six former attendees are current faculty members at universities.
UCF received $300,000 from The National Science Foundation in 2006 to host the Research Experience for Undergraduates in Computer Vision program. The full-time program includes a $4,800 stipend, travel and meal allowance and free housing for the summer.
For more information about the Research Experience for Undergraduates program, visit www.our.ucf.edu/opportunities/reu.php.
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UF Researchers Discover Promising Cancer Fighting Compound off Key Largo
Researchers at the University of Florida's (UF) College of Pharmacy have discovered a marine compound off the coast of Key Largo that inhibits cancer cell growth in laboratory tests. Largazole, named for its structural features and its Florida location, is a derivative of cyanobacteria that grows on coral reefs. The finding is one of the most promising found since the college's marine natural products laboratory was established three years ago, and it's believed largazole will fuel the development of new drugs to fight the disease.
Dr. Hendrik Luesch, the study's principal investigator, and his team had been checking samples of cyanobacteria for toxic activity against cancer cells when they found one especially potent strain – the extract largazole. Within the next few months, Luesch plans to study whether largazole reduces or prevents tumor growth in mice.
Luesch has found several other tumor-fighting natural products from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that he expects to research.
For more information, visit http://news.ufl.edu/2008/08/07/marine/.
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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
 With the continuous R&D churning out from Corridor universities and the relocation of several prestigious research institutions (http://www.burnham.org, http://www.sri.com), it's becoming an established fact that the life sciences industry in the Corridor is thriving. The latest advances in biotechnology, medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and health care are being pioneered by Corridor-wide universities and a growing cluster of private companies and research institutions, whose penchant for collaborative initiatives ranks second to none.
The University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida are all home to life science clusters that conduct innovative research and stimulate commercialization of technologies. One such spin-off from the University of Florida is Alachua-based Nanotherapeutics (http://www.nanotherapeutics.com), a specialty pharmaceutical company with expertise in the early-stage development of pharmaceutical drugs. The nanotechnology start-up was voted "Most Promising" pharmaceutical company by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for its breakthrough work on technologies that improve the release rate and absorption of drugs and macromolecules.
Intezyne Technology Inc. (http://www.intezyne.com) – located within the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator inside the University of South Florida's Biotechnology and Life Science Research Park – moved to Tampa in 2005 from a nationally acclaimed Boston biotech hub because of the close proximity and amount of tech companies housed within the Incubator. Intezyne has developed the IVECT ™ drug delivery platform that has revolutionized targeted drug delivery. VaxDesign Corp. (http://www.vaxdesign.com) of Orlando was lured from Oklahoma two years ago to the Central Florida Research Park located adjacent to the University of Central Florida because of a strong incentive package and the area's promise as a big-time nanotechnology hub. VaxDesign engineers artificial tissue to replicate the body's immune system. The start-up's work, along with that of other Central Florida nanotech companies, has drawn extensive interest from area mega-players like Lockheed Martin Corp.
Due in large part to the collaborative environments of university incubators that attract and develop research institutions and private companies, the life science industry within the Corridor shows promise of a nationally-recognized research hub.
Have You Taken our STEM Workforce Survey? – Deadline Extended to Sept. 8
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) is conducting a regional workforce survey to understand the future hiring needs of companies across the 23-county region –specifically in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Any company, regardless of industry or field, that expects to hire employees who have a background in a STEM field is encouraged to complete the survey, which will now be available until September 8.
"This information will be helpful as we continue to articulate the importance of appropriately educating our future workforce to ensure that we have the quality of engineers, scientists, technicians and other skilled professionals needed to fulfill the Corridor's mission to attract, retain and grow high tech companies, and the high wage jobs they produce," said Randy Berridge, president of FHTCC.
For more information, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/survey.
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FACES OF TECHNOLOGY
 Medical Miracles – some would say they happen every day, when a child is born or a life is saved – but it's rare to be involved in creating one from the ground up. As director of product development for AxoGen™ Nerve Regeneration, Marlo Tan Walpole is doing just that.
Alachua-based AxoGen is a start-up founded on technology from the University of Florida, and highly promising not only for its breakthrough technology, but for the fact it is helmed by Jamie Grooms, the visionary co-founder of Regeneration Technologies Inc., one of the state's biggest biotech success stories.
AxoGen provides surgeons with solutions to repair and restore nerve function to patients who suffer peripheral nerve injury. "In general, peripheral nerves are all of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord," says Walpole. Her company estimates that more than 300,000 people suffer major traumatic peripheral nerve injuries each year, but only a small percentage are treated due to difficult or low-efficacy treatment options. That's about to change.
In July 2007, a plastic surgery team at the Mayo Clinic used one of AxoGen's products to conduct the first-ever processed human nerve graft implant, helping a 38-year-old patient potentially regain use of his facial muscles following traumatic injury.
"We can address all sorts of injuries," says Walpole, "including many that may not be life-threatening but impact your everyday life. Imagine if you lose the nerves that allow you to smile, or feel for change in your pocket, or know that you need to let go of something because it's hot?"
For the full story, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/pdf/hurtfeelings.pdf.
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TAKE A BOW
 When it comes to working to attract, retain and grow a high tech workforce, Dr. Jeff Bindell and Vicki Morelli take the cake. As coordinators for the Florida High Tech Corridor Council's techPATH initiative, these two have dedicated countless hours to create a variety of initiatives that inspire students and enhance science and math education.
One program, techCAMP, is a series of high tech workshops conducted by Jeff and Vicki and offered to middle and high school math, science, technology and career education teachers and provide information to motivate their students to pursue high tech careers. Since their inception in 1998, 42 techCAMPs have been delivered to more than 1,750 teaching professionals throughout the Corridor.
Through Jeff and Vicki's guidance, techPATH's initiatives have grown throughout the years to also include Math and Physics Days for students, and a partnership with the Orlando Science Center to co-host Microscopy Workshops.
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council thanks Jeff and Vicki for their tireless efforts to carry out the mission of FHTCC, and for supporting math and science education to cultivate tomorrow's workforce.
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TECH BUSINESS PARTNER NEWS
FHTCC Grant Powers Renewable Energy System from USF
at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
A grant funded in part by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council will enable Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo to test a renewable energy system. Tampa Electric, the University of South Florida and the zoo will partner on the development, design and implementation of the $575,000 project that will generate enough energy to power the zoo's Skyfari sky ride using solar panels.
In addition, the ride will feature exhibits and educational materials at the entrance to highlight the benefits of the project and encourage the more than 1 million annual zoo visitors to support solar power education and usage.
Tampa Electric and USF's Power Center for Utility Explorations will use the project to train a new high tech workforce in power engineering.
For more information, visit http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2008/2008-08-06-094.asp.
New Flagler Programs Offer Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
The Flagler Small Business Incubator (FSBI) offers the FSBI Entrepreneurial Studies course, a rigorous eight-week training module relating to the establishment and development of a new or growing small business. The program recently awarded Certificates of Achievement to 10 graduates who are now eligible to apply for admission into the incubator program to take place within the next 12 to 24 months. Admitted applicants to the incubation program will be provided office space, administrative support and access to experienced consultants for a reduced fee in order to facilitate the growth of a new or existing small business. Applicants to the program are selected on the basis of a completed business plan and an application that includes stated goals, objectives, resources and relevant business education or experience. Prospective candidates should contact Karen Miller at (386) 446-7612 for more information about a future program.
In addition, Daytona State College will start offering a six-week Business Start-up Series at the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce, an initiative that is a part of its Small Business Development Center. Curriculum will teach how to get started, business finance, recordkeeping, taxes, marketing, and business planning. Prospective candidates should contact Nancy Franssen at (386) 506-4723 for information about enrollment and scholarships.
 Enterprise Florida's SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Program
Enterprise Florida introduced an SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Program in 2005. The Phase 0 program helps Florida companies develop more competitive proposals to increase their chances of submitting a successful Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposal for federal research and development funds.
To be considered, a company must be recommended by a local partner. The Phase 0 partner network is made up of 24 Technology Incubators, University technology transfer offices, Small Business Development Centers and economic development organizations, and covers all Florida counties. It offers a third-party peer review of mini-proposals submitted online, and a steering committee of representatives of partner organizations makes award decisions.
Awards are up to $3,000 to help companies address weaknesses identified in the peer review. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, market research, technology consulting services, grant writing assistance and legal/accounting fees. Companies pay an application fee of $250, whether or not they receive an award.
Since 2005, 35 companies have applied and 22 have received Phase 0 awards. Of the 18 that submitted proposals to a federal agency and have received results, five have received Phase I awards for a 27.8 percent proposal acceptance rate over the life of the program, compared to a 10.99 percent rate for Florida and a 15.26 percent national rate based on 2006 data. Additionally, the success rate has improved year-by-year: 11.1 percent (one out of nine) in the first year (Oct. 1, 2005 – Sept. 30, 2006) and 42.8 percent (three out of seven) in the second. Thus far in the third year, two companies submitting a proposal to a federal agency have received results and one received a Phase I award.
For more information, visit http://www.eflorida.com/phase0 or contact Bill Kean, Enterprise Florida's Senior Director of Quality, at (407) 956-5606 or bkean@eflorida.com.
UCF to Host Sixth Annual Invention to Venture (I2V) Workshop
The University of Central Florida and the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA) will kickoff Global Entrepreneurship Week, a weeklong celebration of entrepreneurship around the world, by hosting the sixth annual Invention to Venture workshop on Friday, November 14. I2V is intended to teach small business fundamentals while helping to build business relationships and educate entrepreneurs on how to move forward with new or existing business endeavors. Attendees will learn how to create a business around their technology idea or invention through hands-on workshops and from a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors and advisors. The workshop is designed for tech-oriented undergrad and grad students, faculty and alumni looking to develop technology-based products or businesses.
The event will be held at the Fairwinds Alumni Center at UCF from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register, please contact Melissa Wasserman at (407) 882-2296 or via e-mail at mwasserm@mail.ucf.edu.
For more information, visit http://www.invention2venture.org/orlando.
Disability Mentoring Day Hosts Statewide Career Fair for Disabled Students
Florida Disability and Mentoring Day is hosting the Statewide Kick-off Celebration & Career Fair for high school and college students with disabilities on October 2, 2008, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. Companies from all over the state of Florida will be able to network with Florida students with disabilities and help them achieve their career goals. The fair will feature employers from the private and public sectors, assistive technology demonstrations and exhibits, educational sessions, hands-on interview and resume building workshops and a keynote address during the kickoff breakfast.
Employers interested in booth opportunities with corporate and nonprofit rates may contact Kristen Knapp at kristen@abletrust.org or by phone at (888) 838-2253.
For more information, visit http://www.floridadmd.org.
CNBC and Forbes Rank Florida No. 1 in 'Workforce' and 'Economic Climate'
Forbes and CNBC have ranked Florida as one of the best states for business. In recently published studies, Forbes lists Florida as the best state in the nation for "Economic Climate," an assessment of job, income and gross state product growth as well as unemployment and presence of big companies. In turn, CNBC ranks Florida No. 1 in "Workforce," which is based on the education level of the workforce, the numbers of available workers, union membership, and the relative success of each state's worker training programs in placing their participants in jobs.
Ranked 8th overall by Forbes, Florida ranked in the Top-5 in "Labor" – a measure of educational attainment, net migration and projected population growth – and "Growth Prospects," which evaluates projected job, income and gross state product growth as well as business openings/closings and venture capital investments.
CNBC ranked Florida No. 9 in the country for "Technology and Innovation," based on the state's relative success in support for innovation, the number of patents issued to their residents, and the deployment of broadband services.
For more information, visit http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/30/virginia-georgia-utah-biz-cz_kb_0731beststates_table.html and http://www.cnbc.com/id/25501957.
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Accolades
Moffitt Cancer Center Wins $2 Million Grant
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health has awarded a $2 million grant to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to study how often the HPV vaccine GARDASIL is recommended by physicians for use in females ages 9 to 26, as well as what other factors may contribute to vaccine recommendations. The team of researchers will survey 1,000 physicians in pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and family and internal medicine three years and five years after the vaccine was licensed by the FDA.
UCF’s Robotics Club Wins First Place at National Competition
A team from the Robotics Club at UCF took home the top award and $8,000 in prize money at the Autonomous Surface Vehicle Competition last month in San Diego with their boat designed and constructed at UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training. Featuring a 40 by 36 inch long propulsion system, water cannon, GPS, compass, adjustable camera and autonomous navigation software, the 30-pound boat earned the highest mission score for completing almost all of six competitive tasks.
LIA Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Promoting Laser Applications and Safety
Orlando-based Laser Institute of America (LIA) has served industrial, medical, research and government communities for 40 years, and trains more laser safety officers than any other organization in the world to fulfill its mission of fostering lasers, laser applications and laser safety worldwide. LIA was formed in 1968 by a group of academic scientists, developers and engineers who were passionate about taking an emerging new laser technology and turning it into a viable industry.
UF Professor Wins International Award for Research in Quantum Chemistry
The International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science honored So Hirata, an assistant professor of chemistry at UF, with the academy’s 2008 Annual Medal in recognition of his "theory and algorithm developments in electron correlated methods for molecules and extended systems." The annual medal is awarded to a scientist under the age of 40 who has made a pioneering contribution to the field. Hirata will receive the award during the 13th International Congress of Quantum Chemistry in Helsinki, Finland, in June 2009.
UCF Selected as Host Institution for 2012 National Science Olympiad
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has been selected as the 2012 National Tournament Site for the Science Olympiad, a competition dedicated to promoting and improving the quality of K-12 science education across the country. UCF has hosted the Florida State competition for the last two years.
TRDA Receives $1.4 Million Grant from the U.S. Department of Defense
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) issued a $1.4 million grant to Florida’s Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) to help assist 45 companies that have received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant from the Department of Defense. Twenty Florida companies will have the opportunity to participate in the DOD Technology Showcase Initiative if they exhibit commercialization potential and have a high likelihood to generate significant economic development if provided assistance.
Haines City EDC Web Site Goes Live
The Haines City Economic Development Council recently unveiled a new look for its online site. Visitors can go to http://www.hainescityedc.com for the latest news on EDC investors and projects. Two additional sections will be added to the site: the Land and Building Inventory section, as well as a photo album area featuring photos from ground breakings, ribbon cuttings, grand openings and progress of sites currently under construction.
FHTCC Intern Joins Curley & Pynn Staff
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council would like to welcome Alyssa Marder, the new intern working on FHTCC's many projects including the monthly eNewsletter, Inside Florida's High Tech Corridor. Alyssa is a senior at the University of Central Florida working toward her Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations.
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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:
One Day Entre Leadership for Business Owners with Syndicated Talk Show Host Dave Ramsey
Presented by: Bay Area Business Magazine (BABM)
Friday, September 5, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa
For event information, contact cashflow@babm.com.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant Workshop
Presented by: The Office of Sponsored Program Pre Awards Division, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Wednesday, September 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Thursday, September 25, 3 to 5 p.m.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach, Willie Miller IC Center, Room 104
For event information, contact teana.sowers@erau.edu.
Negotiating the Term Sheet
Presented by: Florida Venture Forum
Thursday, September 25, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
University Club, 1 Tampa City Center, Suite 3800, Tampa
For event information, visit http://www.floridaventureforum.org/subpage.asp?pagename=events.
SBIR/STTR Workshop
Presented by: Economic Development Council, Manatee Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
Thursday, October 2, 8 to 11:30 a.m.
Keiser University, 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota
For event information, contact Diane Andrews at (941) 309-1200, ext. 101.
Early Stage Company Showcase
Presented by: Technological Research and Development Authority and the University of Florida – Office of Technology Licensing
Thursday, October 2, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
TDRA Business Innovation Center, 1050 West NASA Blvd., Melbourne
For event information, visit http://www.trda.org.
Disability Mentoring Day Career Fair
Presented by: Florida Disability Mentoring Day
Thursday, October 2
Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Dr., Orlando
For event information, visit http://www.abletrust.org/ndmd/careerday.shtml.
2008 Pinellas Technology and Innovation Information Exchange
Presented by: STAR Technology Enterprise Center and Pinellas County Economic Development
Friday, October 24, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg
For event information, visit http://www.startecflorida.com/innovation/.
Third Annual Sarasota International Design Summit Design + Technology
Presented by: Ringling College of Art and Design and Target
October 27-29
The Ritz Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota
For event information, visit http://www.sarasotadesignsummit.com/2008/.
Second Annual Business Growth Summit & Expo: "Growth Through Technology"
Presented by: Tampa Bay CEO Magazine
Tuesday, October 28, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa
For event information, contact David Glass at dglass@tampabayceo.com.
Invention to Venture
Presented by: UCF and the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance
Friday, November 14, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fairwinds Alumni Center at UCF, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., (Bldg. 126), Orlando
For event information, visit http://www.invention2venture.org/orlando.
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CORRIDOR INDUSTRY NEWS
Groveland Fast Becoming Biodiesel Central
Orlando Business Journal
By Bill Orben
The City of Groveland would become home to one of the largest concentrations of biodiesel plants in the United States if three new facilities are completed as scheduled early next year. Biodiesel plants make biodiesel fuel with used fryer grease, animal fats and grease collected in restaurant grease traps.
For the full article, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/pdf/grovelandbiodieselcentral-obj.pdf.
Wastewater Plant will Power Itself
Florida Trend
By Diane Sears
Houston-based MaxWest Environmental Energy will spend $1.7 million to install equipment at the new wastewater treatment plant in Sanford that will use a "gasifier" to convert biosolids into clean energy that will help power the facility. The plant would be the first to use the gasifier in North America.
For the full article, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/pdf/wastewaterplantwillpoweritself-ft.pdf.
Opportunity road – Flexi-Pave Created with Water Conservation in Mind
Tampa Bay Business Journal
By Janet Leiser
Kevin Bagnall has spent eight years developing a product he says enables rainwater to replenish Florida's aquifers in urban areas while also diverting millions of tires from ending up as hazardous material in landfills.
For the full article, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/pdf/oppportunityroad-tbbj.pdf.
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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. 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/resources/economicDevOrgs.html.
Florida High Tech Corridor Link Library
For a comprehensive list of FHTCC University Partners; Community Colleges; Economic Development Organizations; Technology Groups and Programs; Workforce Boards and Organizations; Technology Incubators and Venture Capital Organizations; and Industry Organizations, visit the FHTCC link library at http://www.floridahightech.com/resources/linksLibrary.html.
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Alyssa Marder, Inside Florida's High Tech Corridor coordinator
©2008, Florida High Tech Corridor Council Inc. All rights reserved.
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