PhysioSonics, Inc., a privately held developer of noninvasive neurologic monitors, announced it has raised $2 million in a second tranche of series A financing. This follows a $4 million investment in 2008. The company is commercializing technologies including an ultrasound-based transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitor neuromonitor. In a press release, Brad Harlow, president & CEO of PhysioSonics said, "We are very excited with the continued validation of our product development as more neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists and cardiologists view our technology." The company was formerly known as Allez Physionix.

Related external links (will open a new window):

PhysioSonics, Inc. Raises $2.0 Million for Second Tranche of Series A Financing
Earthtimes (press release) - London, UK - July 1, 2009

Related WTC links:

PhysioSonics is a WTC client

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Labels: Allez_PhysiOnix, Company_and_Client_News, Funding, Life_Sciences, PhysioSonics

Mike Schwenk, vice president and director of technology deployment and outreach at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, was elected Chair of the Board for Washington Technology Center at the June 18, 2009 WTC board of directors meeting. Two board officers were reelected to their positions: Vice Chair of the Board -- Hal Dengerink, chancellor for Washington State University Vancouver; and Vice Chair of Finance -- Michael Bisesi, Director, Center for Nonprofit & Social Enterprise Management at Seattle University.

These three elected officers along with the immediate past chair, Robin Halliday, and the WTC executive director, Lee Cheatham, constitute the board Executive Committee.

Related WTC links:

View a list of the current WTC board of directors

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Labels: WTC_News

Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Labels: Energy, Life_Sciences, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Summit, WTC_News

CTED Director Rogers Weed addressing the summit

From Senator Cantwell's "energy is the mother of all markets" to McKinstry proving potential energy savings before financing a client's improvement project, Washington's Innovation Summit 2009 had many highlights and 'lightbulb' moments for the 350 attendees. Visit the summit Web page for photos, video and coverage of the event.

What are your take aways from the event? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Labels: Energy, Life_Sciences, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Summit, WTC_News

Five company-researcher projects have been awarded state funding for the development of innovative commercial technologies.

SEATTLE – July 1, 2009 – Washington Technology Center has awarded a total of $376,454 in state funding to five researchers working with companies to develop commercially promising technologies. The companies expect commercial adoption of their technologies to create 175 new jobs in Washington during the next five years.

The company partners are: Data Data, of Vancouver; Healionics, of Redmond; Modumetal, of Seattle; Paine Electronics, of East Wenatchee; and Simulab, of Seattle. Winning proposals from the University of Washington and Washington State University Vancouver described innovation in computer systems and microelectronics, advanced materials and manufacturing, and biotechnology and biomedical devices.

"I commend these companies and their research partners for growing new business opportunities," said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire in support of this round of award winners. "This kind of investment in innovation builds on our state’s strong university research institutions, supports our 21st century industries, and most importantly, helps to create family-wage jobs in Washington.”

This round of projects addresses a wide range of innovation:

Data Data, Inc., a property data solutions company founded in 2007, is collaborating with the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University Vancouver to evaluate the use of machine learning algorithms to improve document classification and information extraction from images of public records documents. Data Data expects that successful application of this technology will enable the company to scale its real estate market statistics services to the national level and, in the process, create 40 new technology jobs in Washington during the next five years. WSU Vancouver will receive $28,546 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $5,845 from Data Data for the project. More

Healionics Corporation, a startup biomaterials company in Redmond, is partnered with the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington to commercialize UW technology that will reduce infection from skin-breaching devices such as catheters. Healionics expects this technology will enable the company to capture a significant part of a $100-200 million market resulting in the creation of 50 new technology jobs during the next five years. UW will receive $82,500 in Phase II research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $16,500 from Healionics for the project. More

Modumetal, Inc., a Seattle-based developer of nanostructured materials, is teamed with the University of Washington’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering to develop an innovative nanostructured anti-corrosion technology. Modumetal projects this new technology will lead to many opportunities in a $120 billion market and grow 50 jobs in the company during the next five years. UW will receive $100,000 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $20,000 from Modumetal for the project. More

Paine Electronics, LLC, a manufacturer of pressure instrumentation with headquarters in East Wenatchee and a production facility in Renton, is collaborating with the University of Washington’s Department of Electrical Engineering to develop an integrated circuit for use in high-temperature sensors. Paine Electronics expects the new sensors will open up opportunities in the growing geothermal and mineral exploration markets, and create 25 jobs during the next five years. UW will receive $65,408 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $14,538 from Paine Electronics for the project. More

Simulab Corporation, a Seattle-based developer of medical and surgical simulators, is working with the BioRobotics Laboratory at the University of Washington to commercialize UW software capable of measuring hands-on surgical skills. Simulab plans to target surgical residency programs and large hospitals for the skill-evaluating simulators, and projects the creation of 20 jobs during the next five years. UW will receive $100,000 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $20,000 from Simulab for the project. More

About the Research & Technology Development (RTD) Grant Program
Washington Technology Center competitively awards around $1 million in state funding annually through the Research & Technology Development Grant Program for technology projects that show strong potential for commercializing products and creating jobs in Washington. Each project team is comprised of a Washington company partner and a researcher from a university or research nonprofit in the state. The company defines the research challenge and provides access to the commercial market. The university or nonprofit researcher executes the research with funding from both Washington Technology Center and the company partner. Since 1996, the RTD program has supported 335 research commercialization projects. Applications for the next funding round are due October 22, 2009. More information about the research and technology development program is available online at http://www.watechcenter.org/rtd.

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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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Data_Data, Funding, Healionics, Modumetal, Paine_Electronics, RTD, Simulab, WTC_News

Carbon Nanoprobes, a startup company developing high-resolution probes for atomic force microscopy, has established headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company, which was based for two years in facilities at Washington Technology Center in Seattle, was drawn to Pennsylvania by state grants designed to grow technology companies.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Nanometers make big things happen for small business
Pottstown Mercury - Pottstown, Penn. - June 29, 2009

Carbon Nanoprobes may make it big in a tiny field
Philadelphia Business Journal - Philadelphia, PA - June 26, 2009

Related WTC links:

Carbon Nanoprobes is a WTC client

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Labels: Carbon_Nanoprobes, Company_and_Client_News

InnovaTek, a Richland-based developer of patented technologies for sustainable power and environmental safety, is among 12 Pacific Northwest region semifinalists in the Clean Tech Open, a national competition and program that helps clean technology businesses. The semifinalists were chosen from a field of 56 initial competitors in the clean tech business plan competition. Companies are vying for three regional prizes of up to $50,000 in cash and services as well as one national prize of up to $250,000 in cash and services.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Clean Tech Open

Clean Tech Open rewards 12 startups from the Northwest
TechFlash - Seattle - June 26, 2009

Related WTC links:

InnovaTek is a WTC client

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Energy, Funding, InnovaTek, Life_Sciences, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology

The Seattle Times explores the history and evolution of Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary which makes unmanned aerial vehicles in Bingen, Washington. From finding tuna to supporting military reconnaissance, Insitu grew from a three-person company in 1998 to a six-hundred person company manufacturing aircraft in 2009.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Unmanned aircraft started as tuna finder
Seattle Times - United States - June 19, 2009

Related WTC links:

Insitu is a WTC client

Boeing's aquisition of Insitu buys small-company culture; provides market power
Posted 5/29/2009

Insitu wins $250M U.S. Special Ops contract for ScanEagle
Posted 5/26/2009

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Defense_and_Security, Insitu

Vaagen Brothers Lumber, an industry leader in lumber manufacturing based in Colville, Wash., will receive $250,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to purchase high-efficiency equipment to turn logging waste into fuel for energy production.

"This funding is further proof that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working every day to strengthen Washington state's economy and spur our energy innovation sector," said U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "These investments will cut our national carbon emissions and keep Washingtonians on the cutting-edge of the clean energy revolution in these green-collar jobs."

Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that "a half dozen private sawmills around the Northwest are splitting about $17 million in federal economic stimulus grants. The new awards follow a wood-to-energy theme."

Related external links (will open a new window):

Wood-To-Energy Projects Get Stimulus Dollars
OPB News - Portland, Ore. - June 16, 2009

Related WTC links:

Vaagen Brothers Lumber is a WTC client

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Funding, Quote-Legislator, Stimulus, Vaagen_Brothers

Impulse Accelerated Technologies, Inc., a Kirkland-based developer of software-to-hardware tools, announced the successful completion of a tomographic image reconstruction acceleration project at the University of Washington.

According to a press release issued by the company, UW researchers "achieved 38 ms back-projection of a 512 x 512-pixel image from 512 projections. This represented a greater than 100X speedup over a software-only benchmark algorithm. This project, which was funded in part by a $100,000 Research and Technology Development grant from Washington Technology Center, was intended to determine the benefits and tradeoffs of using higher-level FPGA programming methods for medical imaging, radar and other applications requiring high throughput image reconstruction."

Related external links (will open a new window):

Researchers accelerate tomographic image reconstruction with FPGA programming
Vision Systems Design - Nashua,NH - June 22, 2009

Related WTC links:

Impulse Accelerated Technologies is a WTC client

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Impulse_Accelerated, Life_Sciences, RTD

Microvision, a Redmond-based developer of light scanning technologies, announced that Taipei-based Walsin Lihwa Corporation, through its subsidiary Max Display Enterprises Limited, has agreed to an equity investment of approximately $15 million in Microvision.

"We are pleased to welcome Walsin Lihwa as an investor to Microvision in addition to being a key enabling strategic supply chain partner in our go-to-market strategy," said Alexander Tokman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Microvision. "We look forward to continuing the strong working relationship we have developed with Walsin Lihwa over the years."

Related external links (will open a new window):

Microvision press release
June 22, 2009

Related WTC links:

Microvision is a WTC client

Microvision lands supplier of green lasers for its pico projector

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Funding, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Microvision

Center receives $136,000 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), disbursed through the U.S. Department of Energy, for nano-scale solar energy technology.

SEATTLE - June 12, 2009 - Washington Technology Center has been awarded $136,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy "Photovoltaic Supply Chain and Cross-Cutting Technologies" program, for a project to develop nano-scale imprinting methods to enhance thin-film silicon solar energy technology. The program will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

This project allows for follow-on work from a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)-funded research program focused on nanoscale lithography.

"This project builds on WTC's work over the past three years," said Lee Cheatham, Ph.D., executive director of Washington Technology Center (WTC). "We're pleased with this support from the Department of Energy and Congress. This funding will help Washington Technology Center and our partners accelerate our innovative work in solar energy technology. These investigations into nano-scale imprinting methods could lead to new manufacturing processes and increased efficiencies in the solar energy industry within five years. We believe this investment will help Washington and the Pacific Northwest stay at the forefront of the technology-based clean energy industry."

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The title of the WTC project is "Nanoimprinted Diffraction Gratings for Light Trapping in Crystal-Silicon Film Photovoltaics."

"The premise of our work is straight forward," Cheatham explains. "Tiny features on the surface of a silicon thin-film solar cell 'bend' the light in the silicon. More light is trapped and converted into electricity. WTC's principal investigator on the project, Dr. Dirk Weiss, has been getting great results from his work using a technology called 'nanoimprinting,' and this funding will allow him to develop the proof of concept for a solar photovoltaic module."

Washington Technology Center's project partners are Oregon State University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The Washington Technology Center project is one of 24 projects receiving funding from the DOE through a competitive award process.

According to the DOE Web site, the funded projects range from automated assembly to semiconductor fabrication, and target manufacturing and product cost reduction with the potential to have an impact within 2 to 6 years on a substantial segment of the photovoltaic industry. DOE will invest up to $22 million as part of the Photovoltaic Supply Chain and Cross-Cutting Technologies project which identifies and accelerates the development of unique PV products or processes that will impact the solar industry. The project supports the overall goals of the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP or Solar Program).

The total WTC project cost is $184,000 with $136,000 coming from DOE and nearly $48,000 in cost matching and in-kind contributions from WTC and project partner Oregon State University.

Resources for additional information:
-- WTC project summary [.pdf]
-- DOE Web site link to awarded projects [link to external site]

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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Labels: ARRA, DOE, Energy, Funding, Nanotechnology, NREL, OSU, WTC_News

The 2009 Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference, co-hosted by Washington Technology Center and Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, and presented by Hewlett-Packard Co. and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, today announces its preliminary program and lineup of keynote speakers.

Keynoting the 2009 conference will be:

Dr. Jud W. Virden, Jr.
Energy Sector Manager
Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Dr. Donald Tomalia
Director of the National Dendrimer Center, Central Michigan University

Dr. B. Ray Stults
Associate Laboratory Director Energy Sciences, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Dr. James B. Roberto
Director, Strategic Capabilities
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Dr. Rosa Yang
Vice President, Innovation
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

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The peer-reviewed presentation program, posted at http://oregonstate.edu/conferences/MNBC/program.html features:

Technical Sessions
* Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage
* Sensor Systems
* Microtechnology for Energy Applications
* Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology
* Electron and Ion Beam Nanofabrication
* Bioconjugation at the Nanoscale
* Microfabrication and MEMS Devices
* Nanotechnology for Disease Detection and Drug Delivery
* Photonics
* High Performance, Greener Nanomaterials and Applications

...a full-day symposium on Solar Energy
Industry growth, materials overview and focus on thin film materials science breakthroughs

...three half-day short courses

* Nanotechnology 101: What Technology and Business Professionals Should Know
* Nanotechnology Commercialization: Intellectual Property and Patent Reform
* Arrayed Microchannel Technology Industry Forum

...a combined research poster session and company exhibition

...and an investor-led closing panel:
The Changing Face of Technology Transfer and Early Stage Venture Funding

The MNBC, now in its 6th year, is widely regarded as the best regional "small tech" event in the nation, and expects to attract over 300 professionals from the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

Sponsors to date include Hewlett-Packard, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, FEI Company, Stoel Rives, Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness, Life Technologies, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, Nanotechnology Now, and Eclipse Technologies.

The special rate for full conference registration is available until September 11, 2009 at www.micronbc.org.

For further information, please visit www.micronbc.org or contact the conference manager:

Skip Rung
President and Executive Director
ONAMI
skip@onami.us
541.231.4883

Event: 2009 Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference
When: September 21-23, 2009
Location: Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel, Portland, Oregon
Description: Science, commercialization and networking for the micro- and nano-tech innovation economy.
Registration: A special rate for full conference registration is available until September 11, 2009
Web site: http://www.micronbc.org
Contact: Robert D. "Skip" Rung, president and executive director, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute. E-mail: skip@onami.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.

About ONAMI
ONAMI (Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute) is Oregon's first Signature Research Center, with $37M in state investment since 2003. ONAMI's dual mission is to rapidly grow collaborative research and commercialization of NanoScience and MicroTechnologies to foster the creation of new products, companies and jobs in the Pacific Northwest. It unites the University of Oregon (Eugene), Oregon State University (Corvallis), Oregon Health and Science University and Portland State University with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (Richland, Wash.), the state of Oregon, private investors and leading companies in the world-leading "Silicon Forest" small-tech industry cluster. Principal activities include development a network of shared user facilities and management of a proof-of-concept stage gap grant fund that has so far enabled 14 new companies.

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Labels: Events, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, MNBC, ONAMI, Partner_News_and_More, WTC_News

The Bellingham waterfront Innovation Partnership Zone will be the program topic at the June 19, 2009 monthly luncheon hosted by TAG (Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington). Representatives from the Port of Bellingham, Western Washington University and Bellingham Technical College will be on hand to discuss this partnership to develop lab-to-market opportunities for innovation, commercialization and job creation.

Related external links (will open a new window):

More information and registration

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Labels: Bellingham, IPZs, Partner_News_and_More, Washington

Greenwood Technologies, a renewable heating solutions company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, has closed operations according to Michael Dulion, company president. Dulion stated, "Despite having an excellent product, the effects of the financial freeze made it difficult for Greenwood, like many small companies, to weather the recession." Greenwood is liquidating its inventory of wood furnaces and boilers on eBay.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Greenwood eBay Store

Related WTC links:

10/19/2008 - Greenwood Technologies secures $3 million in venture capital

Greenwood Technologies is a WTC client

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Labels: Closed, Company_and_Client_News, Greenwood_Technologies

EnerG2, a Seattle-based startup in the energy storage market, has raised $2.5 million in equity and options reports Xconomy. EnerG2's latest funding is on top of the fall 2008 $8.5 million financing round led by OVP Venture Partners of Kirkland and Firelake Capital Management of Palo Alto, California. EnerG2 uses University of Washington technology to create ultracapacitors which store and release more energy faster than conventional batteries.

Related external links (will open a new window):

EnerG2 Snaps Up $2.5M
Xconomy - Seattle - June 2, 2009

Related WTC links:

EnerG2 is a WTC client

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, EnerG2, Energy, Funding

TechFlash reports that Modumetal, a Seattle-based developer of nanostructured materials, has raised more than $1.5 million in a new funding round from Second Avenue Partners, the Alliance of Angels, and other investors.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Modumetal scores new funding
TechFlash - Seattle, WA - May 29, 2009

Related WTC links:

Modumetal is a WTC client

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Labels: Alliance_of_Angels, Defense_and_Security, Funding, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Modumetal, TechFlash

Flight International, an international aerospace news weekly magazine, goes behind the scenes of Insitu and Boeing to see how the organizations will pair their cultural strengths in the growing market for unmanned aerial systems.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Boeing's culture challenger
Flightglobal - UK - May 28, 2009

Related WTC links:

Boeing is a WTC client

Insitu is a WTC client

- end of post -

Labels: Aerospace, Boeing, Company_and_Client_News, Defense_and_Security, Insitu

Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary which makes unmanned aerial vehicles in Bingen, Washington, has received a five-year contract with a potential value of $250 million from U.S. Special Operations Command for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services using the ScanEagle unmanned aircraft. The camera-carrying drone aircraft was used recently in the U.S. Navy's rescue of an American ship captain held by Somali pirates.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read the Boeing press release

Related WTC links:

Insitu is a WTC client

Insitu unmanned aerial vehicles watched pirates

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Labels: Aerospace, Boeing, Company_and_Client_News, Defense_and_Security, Funding, Insitu

The Nanotech Health and Safety Forum is being presented in Seattle at the Edgewater on June 8-9, sponsored by Batelle, UW, Univ. of Oregon, Oregon State, Riddell, Intertox, and others.

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Date(s): June 8, 2009 (Monday) to June 9, 2009 (Tuesday)
Time: 12:00 PM to 12:00 PM
Location: The Edgewater Hotel, 2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67, Seattle, WA 98121
URL: http://www.nhsf2009.org/
Description:

This conference is being held in conjunction with the first-ever U.S. meeting of the International Standards Organization Technical Action Group 229. This group is focused in substantial part on drafting global standards for safe use of nano materials and is meeting just down the waterfront at Bell Harbor during that same week.

Assembled are an extraordinary faculty of panelists, including some of the top researchers, regulators, underwriters and loss control specialists in the country dealing with the critical issue for these uniquely capable materials: are they safe to work with and when will industry know? In addition, although the ISO/ANSI program is a closed meeting, there will be some overlap through a key reception and some cross over speakers, making this a great opportunity to meet the leading edge thinkers from 24 countries on this issue - over 200 scientists, corporate figures, insurers, regulators, and others.

There will also be an MIT Enterprise Forum on nano research and use in conjunction with the reception.

Featured Speakers
-Dr. Leroy Hood, renowned co-founder of the Institute for Systems Biology and recipient of the Biotechnology Heritage Award.

-Dr. Kenneth Dawson, Director of the Centre for BioNano Interactions (CBNI), the Irish national platform for excellence in the interaction of nanoparticles with living systems (www.cbni.eu).

-Dr. Justin Teeguarden, one of the authors of the recent National Research Council report "Review of the Federal Strategy to Address Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials."

For more confirmed speakers and panelists for the NHSF, please visit the website at www.nhsf2009.org.

Contact: Ammon Gilbert
206.443.2115
agilbert@intertox.com

- end of post -

Labels: Events, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Partner_News_and_More

Modumetal to develop an innovative commercial anti-corrosion technology in partnership with University of Washington's Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

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SEATTLE – May 20, 2009 – Washington Technology Center (WTC) has awarded an Entrepreneur's Access grant to the University of Washington to support an advanced material research collaboration with Modumetal, Inc. of Seattle, Washington.

Modumetal, Inc., a Seattle-based developer of nanostructured materials, is collaborating with the University of Washington's Department of Materials Science and Engineering on a project titled "Functionally-Graded Preceramic Polymer Coating for Corrosion Resistant Commercial Sulfuric Acid Pipelines."

"We are excited about this opportunity to partner with the exceptional researchers at the University of Washington to create this cutting-edge material for new commercial anti-corrosion application," says Leslie Warren, Modumetal's Project Manager and senior engineer in this effort. Christina Lomasney, the company's CEO confirms that "with support from partners like the WTC and University of Washington, Modumetal is poised to create a new technology that will have broad industrial application and will result in new jobs and economic growth in our region."

Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive substance used extensively in industrial processes. Typical anti-corrosion coatings have a weakness – if breached, they leave the metal surface underneath the coating vulnerable to acid attack. Modumetal has a unique production method that eliminates this surface weakness by allowing anti-corrosion materials to be functionally combined with metal.

With this project, the team of Modumetal and UW Professor Rajendra Bordia, Ph.D., plans to modify a preceramic polymer system developed at the University to merge with a functionally graded materials system developed by Modumetal for corrosion protection of commercial sulfuric acid production pipelines for ConocoPhillips.

"This project combines the research that has been done at the University of Washington and at Modumetal to develop a novel solution for a significant problem in the area of corrosion," said Dr. Bordia. "The short term EA funding from WTC gives us a chance to initiate this joint development and prepares us for long term collaboration with Modumetal. The need for corrosion resistant coatings is widespread and the proposed solution that we will be exploring with Modumetal has the potential to impact a broad range of industries."

Modumetal expects that successful application of this technology will lead to many opportunities in the $300 million corrosion-prevention market.

The $5,000 award for this project comes from an Entrepreneur's Access grant from Washington Technology Center (WTC). WTC competitively awards around $1 million in state funding annually for research and technology development projects. State funding 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 330 research and technology development projects.

"This grant is a great example of state government at its best," said Washington State Representative Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle). "The seed money from WTC, combined with world-class research facilities at the University of Washington and the innovative entrepreneurs at Modumetal, will create jobs and help the state maintain its lead in technology."

More information about the research and technology development program is available online at http://www.watechcenter.org/rtd.

About Modumetal, Inc.
Modumetal (www.modumetal.com) was co-founded in 2006 in Seattle, WA to realize the commercial potential of a unique class of advanced materials. Modumetal is creating revolutionary nanolaminated and functionally-graded materials that will change design and manufacturing forever by dramatically improving the structural, corrosion and high temperature performance of coatings, bulk materials and parts. Modumetal represents a whole new way of producing parts and is leveraging nanotechnology to achieve this unprecedented performance. Modumetal is made by a "green" electrochemical manufacturing approach, which reduces the carbon footprint of conventional metals manufacturing at the same time that it redefines materials performance.

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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Related WTC links:

Modumetal is a WTC client

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Defense_and_Security, Funding, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Modumetal, RTD, Seattle, UW, WTC_News

The next decade will see a renewed focus on extreme science, the realm of PhDs, exotic instrumentation, complex intellectual property, and lengthy clinical trials. Call it Sci-Tech rather than Hi-Tech. In this strange new world, where are the business opportunities for venturists and entrepreneurs?

On the 10th anniversary of the White House report that led to America's National Nano Initiative, MIT Enterprise Forum presents a panel of three exciting and very different start-up ventures that exploit molecular materials engineering across an array of markets.

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Date(s): June 8, 2009 (Monday)
Time: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Edgewater Hotel, Seattle
URL: http://www.mitwa.org/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=120&id=829
Description:

COME EARLY and hear a keynote address by Dr. LEROY HOOD, Founder of the Institute for Systems Biology, to attendees of the 2009 Nanotechnology Health and Safety Forum. And please consider joining them for their 2-day conference at the Edgewater (see details below).

MIT Enterprise Forum (starting from 7:00 pm) panelists include:

• Chris Wheaton, Chief Operating & Financial Officer of Seattle-based ENERG2, developing innovative energy storage solutions based on proprietary nano-structured carbon materials that are finely controlled and offer ultra-high surface areas.
• Bart Norton, Director of Sales at Redmond-based Asemblon, using molecular self-assembly to fabricate and efficiently tailor unique catalytic chemicals to enhance material processing in a variety of industries.
• Christina Lomasney, CEO and Founder of Seattle-based Modumetal, pioneering thin-film nano-laminate metallurgy techniques that grow metal parts through greener manufacturing to develop high-performance materials for industrial, maritime, aerospace and automotive applications.
• Moderator: John Martin, MIT Alumnus and former Director of the Washington State Nanotechnology Initiative; collaborator, 2009 Nano Health and Safety Forum (NHSF) and WA / ORE Micro / Nano Breakthrough Conference (MNBC).

Reception starts at 5:30 pm. MITEF program starts at 7:00 pm. $30 registration includes hors d'oeuvre reception and admission to NHSF Keynote Address by Dr. Leroy Hood.

Nanotechnology Health & Safety Forum (NHSF)
June 8-12, 2009

The Nanotechnology Health & Safety Forum (NHSF) sponsored by Battelle, the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, and Oregon State University, will focus on occupational and environmental health and safety standards of nanotechnology, providing attendees with important insights and answers. The NHSF has been scheduled to coincide with the first U.S.-hosted meeting of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 229 Nanotechnologies, which is taking place June 8-12, 2009.

Throughout two information packed days, NHSF will explore the science of nanotechnology, government regulations, insurance and risk management, along with the roles of corporations and non-profit organizations as related to the future of nanotechnology. For more information, please visit www.nhsf.org.

Contact: JaRon Snow
(425) 771-4790
mitenterpriseforum@verizon.net

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Labels: Events, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, MITEF

With the sun starting to make an appearance more frequently, WTIA is jumping head first into planning their annual Summer Celebration event! Mark your calendars for July, 30th and head over to Pyramid Brewery Beer Garden in Seattle for a memorable summer night!




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Date(s): July 30, 2009 (Thursday)
Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
URL: http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/events/events_events_wsaevent.asp?EventID=798
Description: Backstage Access to the Hottest Bands in the Technology Industry!

New to the Summer Celebration this year is a musical element that you won't want to miss. WTIA has teamed up with Xconomy to bring you Seattle's first ever 'Battle of the Tech Bands'! If you are part of a band whose members are involved in the technology industry and would like participate, please see the 'Battle of the Bands'tab and get jammin' for the selection process!

There are few better ways to enjoy a hot summer day than spending time with friends, a cold beer and good chow, and great music from local bands.

So, join WTIA and all their partners for the must-attend event of the summer!

Contact: Brittany Blackwell
206.448.3033 x 133
bblackwell@washingtontechnology.org

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Labels: Events, WTIA

The Angel Capital Association Summit 2009, held April 15-17 in Atlanta, highlighted current statistics and trends in early-stage investing. WTC Angel Network Manager Elaine Kong attended the conference and filed these notes.

Investment Trends

Currently, there are about 300 angel groups in the US.

In 2008, each angel group:

• Made an average of 6.3 investments;
  
• Invested an average of $1.77M;
  
• Invested an average of $277K per round;
  
• Invested in an average of 3.7 new companies.
  

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In 2008, 62.7% had follow-on or co-investments with VC firms and 23.4% had 1 or more positive exits.

Major trends: A survey conducted in March 2009 indicated:

• 40% of angels believe that deals and dollars will be down in 2009.
  
• Over 53% will be involved in co-investments with other angels or angel groups.
  

Investment preference (in order of decreasing preference):

• Medical Devices and Equipment
  
• Software
  
• Biotechnology
  
• IT Services
  
• Energy
  
• Business Products and Services
  

Alternative Means of Exit

Secondary markets: Funds that focus on acquiring direct investments, portfolios of investments, and limited partnership interests in VC.

Provide new path to liquidity: Take some chips off the table; lock in return; use proceeds to back new investments; and possible participation in future upside.

Secondary markets have ballooned from $3B in 2007 to $5.7B in 2008.

Bridge Notes

Company has a signed term sheet, but does not close soon enough. Lead investor proposes bridge note. Important to give lead investor significant position so that incentives are aligned between lead, bridge note holders and company. This way, it incentivizes next round investors to honor bridge note terms.

Most often, bridge note is used in the following situation: Company requires cash but has no lead investor or term sheet for next round. Therefore, company and some existing investors agree on a bridge note to fund company until next round investors are found. Usually, the note is structured with interest plus a price discount on next round or warrants. Problem with this is that the note is an agreement between company and some existing investors; however, note terms is applied to the next round led by a third party. Some of the remedies include: specifying that bridge note share price discount paid via dilution of existing shareholders; separating note or veto power on any terms changes; prohibiting company from accepting term sheet that eliminates share price discount.

Standard terms to consider in all bridge notes:

• Participation rights in next round
  
• Approval of any additional debt
  
• Premium if company is acquired
  
• Resolution if cash not raised by note due date
  

Angel Group Management and Compensation

Management Activities:

• Member recruitment
  
• Communication with members
  
• Investment Activities: fund raising, deal flow, deal negotiations
  
• Portfolio Management
  
• Relationships with service providers
  

Management compensation: Average direct pay of $75K (can be up to $150K), some receive portion of carried interest.

Form of compensation: Salary, benefits, bonus, and performance-based compensation.

Public Policy

Stimulus Bill – New 75% exclusion of capital gains for qualified small business stock held more than five years and purchased between 2.17.09 and 12.31.10.

House Proposed Legislation – SBA Office of Angel Investing $50M over 3 years

Administration Budget Proposal - $2B to mach seed funds and angel group investments

State Programs – Over 30 states support angel investing. It is coined the most cost effective economic development dollar spent. State tax credits: 20% - 100%. Co-investment funds $1M - $8M. There are also education and administration grants as well as technology councils and economic development structures supporting angel activities.

Syndication

Co-investment is the most prominent trend amongst angel groups. Most angels prefer to co-invest with other angels or angel groups over co-investments with VCs.

WTC’s regional co-investment call is featured in the ACA published syndication guide as a model to follow. The Pacific Northwest is recognized as one of the leaders in co-investment.

The ACA Collaboration Committee (in which Elaine Kong is a member) is testing out nationwide syndication by selecting and presenting four companies at the ACA Summit. The Collaboration Committee will reconvene in June to analyze interests and results.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Expert: Venture capital will focus on cleantech
Bizjournals.com - Apr 17, 2009

Berkus details 'Age of Recommendation'
Bizjournals.com - Apr 17, 2009

Visit the Angel Capital Association Web site

Related WTC links:

Angel investing declined 10 percent in 2008

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Labels: Angel_Capital_Association, Funding, Partner_News_and_More

LSDF plans to award up to $750,000 in its 2009 Summer Commercialization Grants Competition. Individual awards will be up to $150,000 in total costs, with work expected to be completed within one year. A required pre-proposal is due Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

According to the LSDF announcement, grants will fund research and development of new technologies to reduce the risk associated with their commercialization. This work, often referred to as "prototype development," or "proof of principle" or "reduction to practice" experimentation is supported by LSDF to improve health and health care and to foster economic development within Washington state. Full proposals are due on Wednesday, September 9 and awards will be announced in mid December.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Learn more at the Life Sciences Discovery Fund

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Labels: Funding, Life_Sciences, Life_Sciences_Discovery_Fund, Partner_News_and_More

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer profiles the rural economic impact of Insitu, an unmanned aircraft maker based in Bingen, Washington. The company started in a garage 15 years ago and has since grown to more than 500 employees at 21 locations located primarily in Klickitak and Skamania counties along the Columbia Gorge. Now a wholly-owned but independent subsidiary of Boeing, Insitu plans to keep its headquarters in the Columbia Gorge and is considering options for expanding and consolidating its operations.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Drones play big role in Columbia Gorge economy
Seattle Post Intelligencer - USA - May 13, 2009

Related WTC links:

Insitu is a WTC client

Insitu unmanned aerial vehicles watched pirates

Insitu awarded $20.9 M defense contract for unmanned air systems

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Labels: Aerospace, Company_and_Client_News, Defense_and_Security, Insitu

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed into law E2SSB 6015 which directs the department of community, trade, and economic development (CTED) to review commercialization and innovation in the life sciences and technology sectors.

According to the final bill report, CTED is required to report to the Legislature and the Governor by December 1, 2009, on methods Washington can use to encourage and support innovation in life sciences and information technology. CTED must look at ways to increase the amount of regional capital for early investments, examine state laws regarding these technologies, evaluate Washington's technology-based economic development efforts, and review the status of technology transfer efforts at research universities.

CTED must provide a draft report to the Washington Economic Development Council (EDC), which must prepare written observations about the draft report and its relation to the overall strategies proposed by the EDC.

Related external links (will open a new window):

View bill information for E2SSB 6015

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Labels: CTED, Governor, Legislature, Life_Sciences, Partner_News_and_More, WEDC

IsoRay, Inc., a Richland-based developer of therapies for prostate and other cancers, has announced that Health Canada’s Therapeutic Products Directorate has approved IsoRay's Proxcelan Cs-131 brachytherapy seeds for sale throughout Canada.

In a press release, IsoRay CEO Dwight Babcock stated, “This completes another step in being able to expand the potential distribution of cesium-131 brachytherapy seeds. We initially plan to leverage the relationships of our exclusive U.S. distributor, BrachySciences, and contacts we have made with Canadian physicians who are interested in using cesium-131 to treat their patients. Through these channels we hope to begin to penetrate the Canadian brachytherapy market.”

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read the IsoRay press release

Related WTC links:

IsoRay is a WTC client

IsoRay signs distribution agreement for prostate brachytherapy product

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, IsoRay, Life_Sciences

Microvision, a Redmond-based developer of light scanning technologies, moves a step closer to shipping its new pico projector to users with the announcement that it has landed Corning as a supplier of green lasers. For two years, Microvision has been waiting for a company to be able to supply production-level quantities of green lasers. Microvision expects its Show WX pico project to be commercially available mid-2009. The Show WX projector uses lasers, not optical lenses, to project images ranging smaller than 6 inches to larger than 100 inches diagonally from a device the size of a portable music player. A key benefit -- in addition to the small size -- is that focusing is not necessary with laser projection technology.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Corning and Microvision Announce Agreement for Supply of Green Lasers for Microprojectors
Microvision press release - May 4, 2009

Green lasers arrive for pico projectors
EE Times - May 6, 2009

Related WTC links:

Microvision is a WTC client

Microvision demonstrates a preproduction pico projector at Macworld and CES

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Microvision

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed into law SSB 5921 which requires the governor to convene a temporary Clean Energy Leadership Council. The Council, in collaboration with a statewide, public-private alliance, will prepare a strategy for growing the clean energy technology sector in Washington state.

According to the bill, the Council is to submit an interim clean energy strategy and initial recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2009, and the final clean energy strategy and recommendations by December 1, 2010. The Department of Community Trade and Economic Development is to consider the clean energy strategy when preparing its application for federal state energy program funding and determining the type and number of projects to fund, and is to consult the Clean Energy Leadership Council prior to awarding federal energy stimulus funding for clean energy projects.

"We must coordinate the efforts of alternative energy entrepreneurs and innovators with public and private resources," said Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D–Kitsap County, primary sponsor of the bill. "This will help move their ideas into commercial application and create clean energy job opportunities."

Related external links (will open a new window):

View bill information for SSB 5921

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Labels: CTED, Energy, Governor, Legislature, Partner_News_and_More, Washington

Washington's tech sector added 11,300 jobs in 2007 -- marking the fourth consecutive year of job growth -- data shows in TechAmerica's recently released Cyberstates 2009 report.

"Although Washington experienced its fourth year of job growth in 2007, the outlook for the future remains uncertain, and our expectations for growth are tempered by the current economic situation," said Terry Byington, Executive Director, TechAmerica Washington.

Washington's National Tech Sector Employment Rankings:

1st in software publishers employment with 47,600 jobs
8th in electromedical equipment manufacturing with 3,600 jobs
13th in R&D and testing labs employment with 20,100 jobs

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read more at TechAmerica

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Labels: Partner_News_and_More, TechAmerica

CTED (Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development) has been invited by business-to-business Web site Alibaba.com to promote Washington companies and products around the globe. With over 16 million users, Alibaba is the world’s largest B2B marketplace and a great place to sell and to buy. CTED's "State Your Products Program" is a free service for Washington businesses and there will be no financial obligations for participating companies.

By completing CTED's online survey, your company and the products you post will be processed and placed onto the Alibaba.com marketplace. Participants must be a registered business in the state of Washington and supply all required product and contact information. If you include the URL of your product catalog in the survey, CTED will integrate that directly into the portal at no cost to you or your company. Alibaba.com will notify you via email when your products are posted and you will be able to review your company and product profiles. You will also be able to edit and add images to customize your store front.

To have your company listed on Alibaba.com, simply fill out the online registration form using the link below. For specific questions, please contact Troy DeFrank at 206-256-6145.

Related external links (will open a new window):

CTED's online survey and registration form

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Labels: CTED, Partner_News_and_More

Attracting angel investments requires a good understanding of what these unique investors are looking for. Learn to stand out from the startup masses at May's Focus On.

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Seattle Chamber: Focus On Attracting Angel Investors - May 7, 2009

Date(s): May 7, 2009 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: One Union Square Boardroom (600 University St.Seattle 98101)
URL: http://list.seattlechamber.com/t/5506/168216/2189/0/
Description: Attracting Angel Investors

Attracting angel investments requires a good understanding of what these unique investors are looking for. Learn to stand out from the startup masses at May's Focus On. Join us as Glenn Gregory of Obsidian Investment Advisors helps small businesses de-mystify the processes of angel investing and gaining startup capital.

Focus On: Attracting Angel Investors
Presented by Glenn Gregory
Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Place: One Union Square Boardroom (600 University St.Seattle 98101)
Cost: $20 ($25 after 5/5; lunch provided)
Register: Online or contact Nikki Ross at nikkir@seattlechamber.com or 206.389.7338.

About the presenter:
Glenn Gregory is principal of Obsidian Investment Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm he founded in 1998. Obsidian has the distinction of being one of only two African-American owned registered investment advisory firms in Washington State. Gregory is highly respected for his financial acumen, business ethics and depth of knowledge. Prior to Obsidian, Gregory worked in international business developmet, traveling the globe structuring joint ventures and turning-around several underperforming divisions. His international business management experience includes, operations and finance, working with British Petroleum, Delphi Automotive Systems, and Microsoft Corporation.

Contact: Nikki Ross
206.389.7338
nikkir@seattlechamber.com

Related external links (will open a new window):

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Labels: Events, Funding, Partner_News_and_More, Seattle_Chamber

Washington State University received $26.7 million in the state legislature's 2009-11 capital budget for construction of a new engineering facility at WSU Vancouver. The four-story WSU teaching and research facility, called the Applied Technology Classroom Building, will meet some of the most pressing employment needs of Southwest Washington and the entire state in computer science and electrical engineering. Construction is planned to begin this year.

Related external links (will open a new window):

WSUV wins millions for building
The Columbian - Vancouver, WA - April 24, 2009

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Labels: Partner_News_and_More, Vancouver, WSU

The Center for Nanotechnology at the University of Washington will be holding its annual IGERT Nanotechnology Conference jointly with Japan’s National Institute for Material Science (NIMS) on June 10th, 11th and 12th at the UW Tower. The themes for this year’s conference are photonics, energy and bio-nanotechnology.

The three day event will consist of plenary sessions, poster session and reception and facility tours of the Center for Nanotechnology. Featured speakers include George Whitesides from Harvard University, James Gimzewski from UCLA, and Bryon Gates from Simon Fraser University.

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IGERT Nanotechnology Conference

Frontiers in Nanotechnology

Date(s): June 10, 2009 (Wednesday) to June 12, 2009 (Friday)
Time: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: UW Tower Seattle, WA
URL: http://depts.washington.edu/ntuf/outreach/workshop09.php

A list of invited speakers and tentative schedule can be found on the event Web site while planning is being finished. Registration is FREE, but seating is limited to 200 people. Please registrar using the link above to attend this event.

RSVP: No fee to attend, but seating is limited.

Contact: Mack Carter
206.616.9320
mcarter@U.WASHINGTON.EDU

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Labels: MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Partner_News_and_More, UW, UW_Center_for_Nanotechnology

From Senator Cantwell's "energy is the mother of all markets" to McKinstry proving potential energy savings before financing a client's improvement project, Washington's Innovation Summit 2009 had many highlights and 'lightbulb' moments for the 350 attendees. Read on for Summit highlights and media coverage.



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Summit Highlights

Sustainable energy:
-Jet fuel replacement is critical, as electricity is not an option as in cars
-Algae, tallow and biomass will be the key sustainable biofuel sectors
-Regulatory assistance is critical to helping small companies navigate bureaucracy.
-Early-stage funding is very difficult; need political will for government assistance (need a 'man on the moon' mission for sustainable energy sector).

Healthy ecosystems:
-Green chemistry: replacing molecules to make things non-toxic or less toxic
-Bio Security: nanotechnology to address water safety issue
-Washington has leading research institutions, but needs to focus additional effort on commercialization

Urban sustainability:
-Monitoring and making visible the energy usage in buildings
-Energy savings are dependent on users changing behavior
-Focus on how to lessen dependence on single-occupancy vehicles

Innovative materials and manufacturing:
-The future of airplane construction could involve wood again in the form of nanocrystalline cellulose particles

Related external links (will open a new window):

Washington Innovation Summit Roundup
Blogging Innovation from Braden Kelley of Business Strategy Innovation - Seattle, WA - April 16, 2009

From Microsoft to Olympia: Q&A With Rogers Weed, New Washington Commerce Chief
Xconomy - Seattle, WA - April 15, 2009

Jet Biofuel, the Carbon Slaughterhouse and Green Jobs: Washington's Innovation Summit
WorldChanging Seattle - Seattle, WA - April 13, 2009

How Cleantech Ideas Happen: Report from an Innovation Summit
Energy Priorities - Seattle, WA - April 10, 2009

Bellevue tech summit highlights innovation
Seattle Post Intelligencer - USA - April 10, 2009

Brother, Can You Spare a Stimulus Dime? Washington Innovation Summit Notebook
Xconomy - Seattle, WA - April 10, 2009

Innovation Summit: Using wood to build airplanes, again
The Seattle Times - WA - April 9, 2009

Cantwell: Smart grid "mother of all markets"
The Seattle Times - WA - April 9, 2009

Technology Innovations in Washington
Weekday from KUOW.org - Seattle, WA - April 6, 2009

Related WTC links:

Washington's Innovation Summit 2009

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Labels: Energy, Life_Sciences, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Summit, WTC_News

Play your part in shaping Washington's clean energy economy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) offers an unprecedented opportunity to use federal "stimulus" funds to advance our state's transition to a new clean energy economy.

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Date(s): May 4, 2009 (Monday)
Time: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center - Seattle, Washington
URL: http://wastateenergysummit2009.eventbrite.com/

Description:

Join your fellow business and community leaders from around the state to learn the latest about Recovery Act funding for clean energy programs.

Keynote speakers include:
• Chris Gregoire, Governor, State of Washington
• Matt Rogers, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy (invited)
• Rogers Weed, Director, Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development

Highlights of the full-day Washington State Energy Summit include:
• Up-to-date information on funding sources and federal guidance
• Networking and matchmaking opportunities for prospective competitive grant proposal partners
• First look at the draft State Energy Program (SEP) funding plan that will invest over $60 million in state and local projects for the next two years

Who should attend? Businesses interested in applying for federal clean energy funds, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations who want to know how the state can use ARRA dollars as a catalyst for the transition to a clean energy economy.

Contact: Linda Alongi
360.725.4031
lindaa@cted.wa.gov

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Labels: CTED, Energy, Events, Funding

CEO Rick Luebbe of EnerG2, a Seattle-based startup in the energy storage market, and nine other CEOs and venture capitalists offer advice on attracting venture funding in a recent CNNMoney article. EnerG2 raised $8.5 million from OVP Venture Partners and others for its nanoscale energy storage technology.

Related external links (will open a new window):

The venture game: What investors want
CNNMoney.com - USA - April 15, 2009

10 steps to catch VC cash
CNNMoney.com - USA - April 15, 2009

Related WTC links:

EnerG2 is a WTC client

EnerG2 raises $8.5 M in financing round

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, EnerG2, Energy, Funding

Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary which makes unmanned aerial vehicles in Bingen, Washington, supplied the drone that assisted the Navy's USS Bainbridge in its rescue of an American captain captured by Somali pirates. Insitu's ScanEagle weighs 40 pounds, has a 10-foot wingspan, can fly 20 hours, and transmits day and night surveillance video. In other news, the Canadian Department of National Defence recently awarded Insitu a $30 million one-year contract to continue providing unmanned aerial vehicle services to its military.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Insitu assists in American hostage rescue
The Enterprise - White Salmon - April 22, 2009

Off Beat: Locally made unmanned aircraft kept electronic eye on pirate drama
Columbian.com - Vancouver, WA - April 20, 2009

Drone built by Boeing subsidiary watches pirates
Seattle Times - WA - April 13, 2009

New contract for small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV) will boost economy
Government of Canada - April 6, 2009

Related WTC links:

Insitu is a WTC client

Insitu awarded $20.9 M defense contract for unmanned air systems

- end of post -

Labels: Aerospace, Company_and_Client_News, Defense_and_Security, Insitu

Now in its 34th year, Washington Business Week exposes high school students to business concepts and opportunities. The program isn't just about business though — it's about showing students how what they learn in school has value and application in the real world. At the same time they develop life skills that will be valuable regardless of any chosen career or college path.

Students can choose to attend a traditional Business Week Program or a pathway in Healthcare or Construction. The programs are open to any high school student, grade 9-12, including private and home-schooled students. Two college credits are available. Download an application, information and a summer schedule at www.wbw.org or call 800-686-6442.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Washington Business Week

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Labels: Workforce

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced a 2009 competition for multiyear research funding in two major areas of national interest, civil infrastructure and manufacturing, under its Technology Innovation Program (TIP). TIP expects to provide $15 million in cost-shared funding for approximately 25 new R&D projects.

TIP promotes technological innovation by providing funding support to challenging, high-risk research projects that address critical national needs. The merit-based, competitive program can fund R&D projects by single small-sized or medium-sized businesses or by joint ventures that also may include institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations and national laboratories. The 2009 TIP competition is open to projects developing new technologies for the practical application of advanced materials, including nanomaterials, advanced alloys and composites, in manufacturing; and the monitoring or retrofit of major public infrastructure systems, including water systems, dams and levees, and bridges, roads and highways.

Related external links (will open a new window):

NIST TIP Web site

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Labels: Funding, Partner_News_and_More

Joe Eichinger, co-founder and president of medical-device company CoAptus Medical Corp in Redmond, advises university researchers to fully form their intellectual property before pursuing commercialization, he says in an interview with Xconomy. Eichinger is providing early-stage business advice to University of Washington researchers as part of UW TechTransfer's LaunchPad Entrepreneur Advisers program. Eichinger, a start-up veteran and co-founder of WTC-funded EKOS Corporation, cautions would-be entrepreneurs to flesh out several potential applications of their technology to avoid prematurely locking in on the first 'good' business idea.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Putting UW Startup Dreams on Hold: Entrepreneur Advises Researchers to Nurture Ideas More
Xconomy - Seattle, WA - April 7, 2009

Related WTC links:

UW TechTransfer bringing entrepreneurs to UW campus

- end of post -

Labels: Partner_News_and_More, UW, UW TechTransfer

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd., a Seattle-based provider of diagnostic tools to monitor patients with heart disease, announced it raised total proceeds of $1,052,317 in debenture financing. Health Canada has granted licensed approval for VentriPoint's diagnostic tool which is based upon technology received by VentriPoint through its exclusive technology license with the University of Washington. The diagnostic tool, together with its associated online service, is being developed for a variety of heart related diseases, including congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read more in the VentriPoint press release

Related WTC links:

VentriPoint is a WTC client

- end of post -

Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Life_Sciences, RTD, UW, VentriPoint

In these turbulent economic times, one thing remains unchanged: innovation driven productivity advances are the only basis for prosperous, high-wage regional economies ...

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Date(s): September 21, 2009 (Monday) to September 23, 2009 (Wednesday)
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Doubletree Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon
URL: http://www.micronbc.org
Description: Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute and Washington Technology Center present the Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference 2009.

In these turbulent economic times, one thing remains unchanged: innovation driven productivity advances are the only basis for prosperous, high-wage regional economies, and commercialized scientific research is the best and most durable source of innovation advantage. More than ever before, the Pacific Northwest region needs to gather to advance science, commercialization and networking for the micro- and nanotech innovation economy.

Who should attend:

If you are involved in the transformation from discovery and development to commercialization of products this conference is for you.

Scientists
Engineers
Entrepreneurs
Venture Capitalists
R&D Managers
Administrators
Product Development Managers
Government Officials
Policy Makers
Non-Government Organization Officials
Students
Technology transfer specialists
Strategic Planners
Business Development Managers
Product Development Professionals
Investors
Investment Analysts
Proposal Writers
Legislators
Academicians
Legislative Assistants & Analysts
Intellectual Property Managers

Presentations on:

Advanced MEMS devices and applications
Sensors and systems, e.g. for motion control
Nanoelectronics and biolectronics
Nanoscale patterning and fabrication processes
Printed and solution-processed devices and systems
Nanomaterial design, synthesis and scale-up
Nanomaterials for clean-tech applications
Nano-bio technologies
Micro-energy and chemical systems
Nanoscale imaging and chemical analysis
Nanomedicine and cancer therapies
Nano-optics and optoelectronic technologies

Contact: Robert D.
541.713.1348
skip@onami.us

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Labels: Events, ONAMI

A one day workshop emphasizing real world solutions to thin film and nano-particle characterization using the latest analytical methods, instrumental techniques, and software algorithms.

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Date(s): May 14, 2009 (Thursday)
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Lorry I. Lokey Laboratories, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
URL: http://camcor.uoregon.edu/includes/events/event_14may2009.html
Description:

A one day workshop emphasizing real world solutions to thin film and nano-particle characterization using the latest analytical methods, instrumental techniques, and software algorithms. Workshop will be held in the new Integrated Science Complex, Lorry I. Lokey Laboratory.

Focus on instrumental methods and applications for characterization of thin films and nano-particles using a wide variety of instrumental techniques including XRD, XPS, EPMA, TEM, FIB, SIMS and Auger. Application oriented presentations by analytical experts and applied materials scientists at University of Oregon, Oregon State University and Portland State University.

Presentations: Dave Johnson, University of Oregon, Department of Chemistry
Doug Keszler, Oregon State University, Department of Chemistry
John Donovan, University of Oregon, CAMCOR
Steve Golledge, University of Oregon, CAMCOR
Kurt Langworthy, University of Oregon, CAMCOR
Mark Lonergan, University of Oregon, Department of Chemistry
Jim Hutchison, University of Oregon, Department of Chemistry
Janet Tate, Oregon State University, Department of Physics
Dave Schut, Voxtel, Inc
Peter Moeck, Portland State University, Department of Physics

Meals: Lunch will be provided
Contact: Paula Matano
(541) 346-4850
pmatano@uoregon.edu

- end of post -

Labels: Events, University_of_Oregon

Join the Technology Alliance and business, research and government leaders at the premier annual event for Washington's technology community, featuring a keynote conversation with Ray Ozzie, Chief Software Architect, Microsoft.

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Date(s): May 1, 2009 (Friday)
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: The Westin Seattle
URL: http://www.technology-alliance.com/events/luncheon.html
Description:

Ray Ozzie has made a career out of anticipating the next wave in computing. An experienced entrepreneur and industry visionary, Ozzie drives Microsoft's technical strategy and is spearheading development of its next-generation software services platform. In a rare public appearance at the State of Technology Luncheon, Ozzie will frame the future of computing and explore what's next for one of the world's preeminent high tech companies - and what it means for our economy, our region, and ourselves.

Also featuring:
Governor Chris Gregoire
Jeremy Jaech, CEO, Verdiem
Ed Lazowska, Bill & Melinda Gates Chair in Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington
Marty Smith, Managing Director, MetaJure

Registration & Networking: 11:00am
Luncheon: 11:30am-1:30pm

Individual tickets: $85 with advance registration online / $100 at the door.

TA Patron package for individuals: $550 (includes 2 reserved seats at the luncheon and 1 membership in the 2009-10 Science & Technology Discovery Series).

Corporate sponsorship packages featuring premium reserved seating and other benefits are available; contact Katy Tollefson at katy@technology-alliance.com or (206) 389-7259 for details.

Contact: Amy Bell Rousso
(206) 389-7261
amy@technology-alliance.com

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Labels: Events, Technology_Alliance

A two-day workshop focusing on X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), arguably the most widely used surface analytical technique.

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Date(s): April 27, 2009 (Monday) to April 28, 2009 (Tuesday)
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
URL: http://camcor.uoregon.edu/includes/events/event_27-28apr2009.html
Description:

A two-day workshop focusing on X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), arguably the most widely used surface analytical technique. The presentations will be appropriate both for researchers new to XPS and for those with significant experience with the technique. Thematic emphases will be on quantitative aspects of XPS analysis and analytical issues particular to nanoscale materials, as well as the importance of multi-technique analysis.

The workshop will include instrument demonstrations and a tutorial on using Sven Tougaard's QUASES program for quantitative XPS analysis conducted personally by Professor Tougaard. It will be held in the new Integrated Science Complex, Lorry I. Lokey Laboratory.

Presentations: Dave Castner, University of Washington
Sven Tougaard, University of Southern Denmark
Scott Lea, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Don Baer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Andrew Wright, ThermoFisher Scientific
Bill Stickle, Hewlett‐Packard

Location: Surface Analytical Facility
Lorry I. Lokey Laboratories
University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon

Meals: Morning & afternoon refreshments, Lunch is "on your own"
Contact: Paula Matano
(541) 346-4850
pmatano@uoregon.edu

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Labels: Events, University_of_Oregon

Therese Adlhoch Smith of The Adlhoch Group will show you how to grow your business by stretching your marketing dollars and focusing on the most important tools and programs. She will also share the 7 marketing essentials for survival.

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Date(s): April 10, 2009 (Friday)
Time: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: Bellevue Harbor Club
URL: http://www.nwen.org/index.php?option=com_events&Itemid=15&id=177
Description:

Cost:
Regular Registration: $25 for members, $40 for non-members.
After April 6: $30 for members, $45 for non-members
Members, bring a friend at 50% off!

What You Will Learn:
When times are tough, often the first thing to go is the marketing budget even though it’s difficult to build your business without marketing. What can you do to survive and thrive in a down economy? Therese Adlhoch Smith of The Adlhoch Group will show you how to grow your business by stretching your marketing dollars and focusing on the most important tools and programs. She will present the results of The Adlhoch Group’s 2009 survey of start-up CEOs and small business owners, “Front Line Advice to Weather the Storm.” You’ll learn from executives and entrepreneurs who have survived tough times, gaining their candid perspectives on what they’ve done right and what they’d do differently. She will also share the 7 marketing essentials for survival.

Therese Adlhoch Smith
Therese Adlhoch Smith is a marketing specialist with an extensive background in product management, marketing communications and business analysis. With more than 17 years of experience helping companies develop products and metrics-driven marketing programs, she has worked in a variety of industries including B2B e-commerce, telecommunications, electronic discovery, biotechnology, marine science, health technology, stock photography, consumer finance, online consumer services and consumer multimedia.

Therese founded The Adlhoch Group, LLC after holding vice president and director of marketing positions with a number of public and privately held Northwest businesses. She has hands-on expertise in market analysis, product planning and national marketing programs for early-stage and established businesses. Therese holds a Master of Business Administration in marketing and international business from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Science in finance, summa cum laude, from California State University, Northridge.

Join us on April 10 to hear Therese Adlhoch Smith discuss marketing strategies to survive and thrive in a down economy. Please register today to ensure a seat, as this Venture Breakfast promises to be one you won't want to miss!

About the Northwest Entrepreneur Network
The Northwest Entrepreneur Network, with nearly 900 members, is a nonprofit, professional association dedicated to helping entrepreneurs accelerate the growth of their companies. In addition to its monthly Venture Breakfasts, the Network provides educational programs, networking events, opportunities for “face time,” and tools and resources entrepreneurs can use to help their businesses grow and prosper. For more information about the Northwest Entrepreneur Network, call (425) 564-4074 or visit www.nwen.org.

Contact: Northwest Entrepreneur Network
425-564-5701
info@nwen.org

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Labels: Events, Funding, NWEN

The Washington State House and Senate released their proposed 2009-2011 operating budgets in March -- with each proposing a 20% reduction in state funding for Washington Technology Center. From a base of $5.676 million for the biennium, pass-through funding to the Washington Technology Center through CTED is reduced by $1.135 million.

Related external links (will open a new window):

2009-2011 Budget Proposals

Related WTC links:

WTC Chair testified to House committee on proposed budget cuts

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Labels: Legislature, WTC_News

Are you working on innovative technology applications with near-term commercial potential? Consider applying for a Washington Technology Center grant to offset the costs of your R&D. Applications are due April 23.

www.watechcenter.org/rtd

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Washington Technology Center awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding to Washington-based research teams in an effort to help transition great ideas out of the laboratory and into the marketplace.

If you are a Washington technology business looking to partner with an academic or non-profit researcher on a collaborative research endeavor, you may be eligible for a funding award through Washington Technology Center's Research & Technology Development (RTD) grants program.

These awards help Washington companies grow faster, create jobs and attract investors by providing the critical funding needed to advance scientific research and product development.

RTD awards pay up to 80% of the cost of research projects -- allowing you to channel your capital to other business growth needs or continue working on breakthrough scientific discoveries. Project teams are eligible to receive up to $100,000 for initial proof-of-concept projects and up to $300,000 total for multi-phase projects.

Washington Technology Center allocates $1 million annually for these grants, which are awarded on a competitive basis to collaborative research teams working on innovative technology projects with strong commercial potential.

Washington Technology Center is now accepting proposals for its next round of grants which will be awarded in June. Projects begin July 1. But hurry, applications are due April 23.

Free informational meetings are held throughout Washington state each year.

For more information about the RTD Grants Program, visit http://www.watechcenter.org/rtd. Here you will find everything from Eligibility Criteria to Downloadable Proposal Materials. Or, for additional information, please contact Russell Paez, 206.616.3102, rpaez@watechcenter.org.

More than 300 companies have benefited from the RTD grant program. You could be next.

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Labels: Funding, RTD, WTC_News

Tuesday is the final day to register online for Thursday's Innovation Summmit. More than 350 attendees have pre-registered, and total registration is expected to reach close to 400. View the agenda and speakers at www.watechcenter.org/summit.

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Labels: Summit, WTC_News

­The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) released the 2009 Guide for Small Business in Washington State. The comprehensive guide provides entrepreneurs and small business owners clickable access to a variety of resources needed to start and successfully manage a business.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Download the free guide [PDF]

Read the announcement by Larry Williams, CTED assistant director

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Labels: CTED, Partner_News_and_More

3TIER, a Seattle-based provider of renewable energy assessment and power forecasting services, announced the expansion of its global operations with new offices in Germany, Australia and India. "These offices provide a 'local' presence for financiers, developers, operators or governments who need 3TIER's expertise in wind, solar and hydro assessment and forecasting," said Pascal Storck, Ph.D, president of global operations at 3TIER. Storck says the offices will help them develop partnerships in the rapidly growing markets of Europe, the Pacific Rim and India.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read more in the 3TIER press release [PDF]

Related WTC links:

3TIER is a WTC client

3TIER launches global wind prospecting tool

3TIER receives $10M in venture funding

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Labels: 3TIER, Company_and_Client_News, Energy, RTD

Healionics Corporation, a start-up biomaterials company in Redmond, announced the sale and shipment of the first commercial product featuring Healionics' STAR® biomaterial. A company press release says the product, TR-ClarifEYE™, an innovative veterinary glaucoma implant marketed by TR BioSurgical, LLC (TRBIO), is scheduled for limited market launch in April 2009. "We are very excited to announce the first commercial shipment of STAR, which is a significant milestone for Healionics and represents the Company’s first revenue from product sales," said Healionics CEO Michel Alvarez. In related news, Alvarez replaces Rob Brown as CEO in a management change.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read more in the Healionics press release

Read more in Xconomy

Related WTC links:

Healionics is a WTC client

Healionics raises $2.6 million

Healionics announces first commercial product for biomaterial

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Labels: Company_and_Client_News, Healionics, Life_Sciences, RTD

KUOW's Weekday host Steve Scher talks to industry leaders about technology innovation. Guest panelists on the Monday April 6th 10 a.m. live show include Ash Awad of McKinstry, John Barclay of Prometheus Energy, Lee Cheatham of Washington Technology Center, and Richard Pleus of Intertox.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Listen to Weekday online

McKinstry

Intertox

Prometheus Energy

Related WTC links:

Washington's Innovation Summit 2009

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Labels: KUOW, Summit, WTC_News

A sustainable nuclear energy approach will be essential for meeting our nation’s future energy needs. So says Jim Buelt, nuclear energy sector manager at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash.

Buelt will make his case at Washington’s Innovation Summit 2009 on April 9 in Bellevue, Wash., contending that only by closing the fuel cycle – recycling spent nuclear fuel – will power plants get full use of the fuel’s stored energy content and realize nuclear energy's full potential.

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"Nuclear power – paving the road to sustainable energy"

The PNNL manager recognizes nuclear power as a key contributor in solving both energy and carbon stabilization demands. Moreover, given its impressive nuclear workforce and existing infrastructure, he believes Washington state is prepared to make important contributions in technology development and implementation.

Buelt will present “Used Nuclear Fuel: From Waste to Resource” at Washington’s Innovation Summit 2009 next Thursday.

With America’s electricity needs predicted to double by 2050 and with a global desire to stabilize carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change, Buelt considers nuclear power an essential element in the nation’s energy portfolio.

For more information about the presentation, contact Geoff Harvey, PNNL Media Relations, at (509) 372-6083 (Geoffrey.Harvey@pnl.gov).

Related WTC links:

Learn more about Washington's Innovation Summit 2009

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Labels: Partner_News_and_More, PNNL, Summit

From the DoD press release: Insitu, Inc., Bingen, Wash., is being awarded a $20,917,403 firm fixed price contract for the procurement of ScanEagle Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) hardware for four operational sites, 3 spare/operational float packages, and critical spares kits in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash., and is expected to be completed in Jul. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to the FAR 6.302-2. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0005).

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read the U.S. Department of Defense press release

Related WTC links:

Insitu is a WTC client

Insitu CEO and President Steve Sliwa, and other company heads, give acquisition advice in TechFlash

Insitu acquired by Boeing

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Labels: Aerospace, Company_and_Client_News, Defense_and_Security, Insitu

The Washington State Economic Development Commission has issued a proposal called "The Washington Innovation Economy: A New Economic Strategy for Prosperity."

Here's an excerpt: "Washington State is in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis that increases the need to make new policy choices and investment priorities. While policy attention will necessarily focus on the immediate and short term, we must also address longer term challenges. Our economy is undergoing a profound structural adjustment and facing new global realities. We need to come out of this recession stronger, more agile and more innovative."

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read the full strategy [PDF]

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Labels: Partner_News_and_More, WEDC

UW TechTransfer has introduced two programs to support researchers looking to start companies or to commercialize their technologies. The Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program is aimed at entrepreneurs who are looking for commercializable ideas from the University. The LaunchPad Entrepreneur Advisers program creates a pool of business people available to mentor UW researchers about starting a company.

"This is part of building an innovation ecosystem for the state of Washington," said Janis Machala, director of LaunchPad Services, a division of UW TechTransfer that helps create UW startups.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read more in University Week

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Labels: Partner_News_and_More, UW, UW TechTransfer

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has named former Microsoft executive Rogers Weed to head the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). Weed started his new role March 15. Governor Gregoire requested the legislature to rename CTED to the Department of Commerce in order to sharpen the department's focus on keeping jobs and attracting business to the state. The bill to rename CTED has passed the House and is now before the Senate.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read more in the Seattle Times

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Labels: CTED, Partner_News_and_More