GeoMonkey project among eight awarded state funding for innovative commercial technology applications developed in partnership with Washington researchers.
 

SEATTLE – January 14, 2009 – Washington Technology Center has awarded $35,582 in research and technology development funding based on a proposal from Washington State University Vancouver in collaboration with GeoMonkey, Inc. (doing business as MapWith.Us).

GeoMonkey, a Vancouver-based developer of mapping software, is collaborating with WSU Vancouver’s School of Engineering and Computer Science to develop a framework for publishing geo-spatial data generated from consumer mobile communication devices.

WSU Vancouver will receive $35,582 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $8,092 from GeoMonkey for the project titled “Creating an Extensible Framework around Real-time Geo-Spatial Data Acquisition.”

“We are excited to partner with WSU and WTC on this project. As a small but growing startup, this is a great opportunity for us to build our company and advance our technology, in collaboration with the research expertise found within the university. The technology to be developed will benefit our current and future customers, enabling more advanced mobile applications,” said Juli Morse, VP of Business Development for GeoMonkey, Inc.

Real-time GPS tracking devices are currently used in logistics management for tracking commercial goods and vehicles in transit. However, applications of this technology to consumer mobile communication devices and markets have not yet been fully developed and commercialized.

With this project, the collaborative team of GeoMonkey and WSU Vancouver Assistant Professor Orest Pilskalns plan to develop a framework to record, process and publish continual geo-spatial data generated from consumer mobile communications devices such as smart phones. Target markets for this technology include journaling, security, people management, and games.

“This project has potential to transform the way mobile devices are utilized, creating useful, real-time data feeds. The collaboration with MapWith.Us will provide our students with valuable experience interacting with industry partners and creating solutions to applied problems,” said Dr. Orest Pilskalns, Assistant Professor at WSU.

"The economic development potential of the full collaboration between WTC and WSU Vancouver is dramatic!” said state Sen. Craig Pridemore (D-Vancouver). “This is just one example of the kinds of things we can expect to see in the future with continued legislative collaboration."

“This is an outstanding example of how effective partnerships between business and higher education create jobs while promoting excellence in research and development,” said former state Rep. Bill Fromhold (D-Vancouver). “The WTC’s award to GeoMonkey and WSU Vancouver will benefit the entire community, and is great news as we begin the New Year.”

Washington Technology Center competitively awards around $1 million in state funding annually as part of the Research & Technology Development Grant Program. State funding through this program enables collaboration between companies and non-profit research institutions on technology projects that show strong potential for commercializing products and creating jobs. Since 1996, the state has funded 331 research and technology development projects.

In January 2009, Washington Technology Center awarded a total of $561,797 for eight projects involving nine companies. Winning proposals described breakthrough research in computer systems and microelectronics, advanced materials and manufacturing, food safety and quality, and biotechnology and biomedical devices.

Applications for the next round of funding are due April 23, 2009. More information about the grants program is available online at http://www.watechcenter.org/rtd.

About MapWith.Us
MapWith.Us is a provider of innovative web-based mapping solutions for desktop and mobile devices. We aim to make custom map creation simple and fast, providing valuable solutions for both business and consumer use.  Our mobile phone applications make it possible to instantly upload mobile content from your phone to our online maps. We are partnering with businesses in a variety of industries, from newspaper and publishing companies, to travel and tourism, providing online mapping tools and real-time mobile apps.

 

GeoMonkey, Inc. (dba MapWith.Us) was founded in 2006 based on patented technology developed at Washington State University by Dr. Orest Pilskalns and a small team of developers. For more information, visit www.mapwith.us or email business@mapwith.us .

About Washington Technology Center
Washington Technology Center is a statewide economic development organization focused on technology and innovation. We spark ideas, form connections between people and resources, and foster job growth to position Washington state as a national technology leader. As an organization, Washington Technology Center channels state, federal, and private resources to help companies develop and commercialize new products and technologies. Our 15,000-square-foot Microfabrication Laboratory provides companies and university researchers access to facilities and specialized equipment for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) research and product/process development. The impact of Washington Technology Center’s work has generated more than $600 million in additional investment for Washington companies and researchers. For more information how Washington Technology Center can help research and development projects succeed, visit www.watechcenter.org or call 206-685-1920.

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