We're pleased to announce that Washington Governor Chris Gregoire will deliver the opening speech at Washington's Innovation Summit 2010. She'll set the stage for a full day of examples from aerospace, defense and energy that are helping companies of every size innovate across a range of sectors.

The Governor's address will be followed by a morning keynote from former astronaut Dr. Bonnie Dunbar of the Museum of Flight, and a morning panel discussion featuring aerospace, defense and energy leaders Scott Hamilton of Leeham Co., Congressman Adam Smith and Mike Davis of PNNL.

Labels: Summit, WTC_News

An impressive group of speakers and innovative companies will be in attendance April 9, 2010 in Tacoma at Washington's Innovation Summit 2010 to discuss opportunities and challenges in Washington's aerospace, defense and energy sectors. Through January 31, readers of the WTC news can use discount code "FriendofWTC" to take an additional 5% off the early-bird registration rate. Also through January 31 is an exhibitor 20/10 special -- 20% off of exhibit space, but only 10 spaces available at that rate.

Visit the summit program, speaker biographies, sponsor opportunities and registration

Labels: Aerospace, Defense_and_Security, Energy, innovation, Summit, WTC_News

Washington Technology Center is traveling the state to tell companies about state funding available to advance R&D efforts. Proposals for the next round of RTD grants are due April 22. Lab access award proposals are accepted anytime.

Research & Technology Development Program Info Sessions
RSVP Russell Paez, rpaez@watechcenter.org, 206-616-3102

PULLMAN
February 4, 2010
11 a.m. to noon
Washington State University Campus
Neill Hall, Room 416
Pullman, WA 99164

SEATTLE
February 10, 2010
March 2, 2010
10-11 a.m.
University of Washington Campus
4000 Mason Road
Fluke Hall, Bowen Room
Seattle, WA 98195

SPOKANE
February 18, 2010
11 a.m. to noon
Sirti Building
665 N. Riverpoint Blvd, Room 432
Spokane, WA 99202

TRI-CITIES
February 9, 2010
11 a.m. to noon
Applied Process Engineering Laboratory (APEL)
350 Hills Street, APEL Conference Room
Richland, WA 99354

TELE-SEMINAR
March 5, 2010
10-11 a.m.
Tele-seminars are live with two-way audio delivered via a toll-free telephone conference call.

Learn more about the RTD grant program
Learn more about the lab access program

Labels: Access_Award, RTD, WTC_News

Stratos Genomics will use WTC facilities and equipment to further its product development on the pathway to commercialization.

SEATTLE - January 6, 2010 - Washington Technology Center has awarded access to WTC facilities and equipment to Stratos Genomics, a Seattle-based startup biotechnology company, to further its DNA sequencing product development. This award is the first made by Washington Technology Center as part of its new Microfabrication Laboratory Access Program, a technology stimulus program for small businesses in Washington.

"We created this stimulus program to address a common barrier faced by small companies -- access to expensive equipment," said Chris Coleman, interim executive director of Washington Technology Center. "By removing that barrier and reducing the cost of innovation, we're able to help companies such as Stratos Genomics accelerate their growth, and ultimately create jobs in Washington."

Stratos Genomics is developing a new method of DNA sequencing that will dramatically reduce the time and costs of high-throughput DNA sequencing.

The company is receiving three months of WTC facility access for a proposal entitled "Nanopore Noise Reduction Project." The project will aim to meet a technical goal as Stratos Genomics develops a robust proof-of-concept for its technology. The technology creates, encodes and measures surrogate molecules derived from DNA targets to produce DNA sequence information.

Successful demonstration of the technology will open the door for company growth to address the next commercialization steps.

"It is great to see Washington Technology Center able to provide assistance to a small business in these difficult economic times," said state Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle). "Helping an innovative company like Stratos Genomics can lead to new technologies that not only improve health, but also create jobs."

"Young, innovative companies such as Stratos Genomics remind us of Washington's history of creating the best technology ideas and jobs," said Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle). "By providing early support to Stratos Genomics, the state will have helped them to unlock a promising medical advancement. I commend Washington Technology Center for helping to make sure they can become successful in our state."

About the Microfabrication Laboratory Access Program
Washington Technology Center's new Microfabrication Laboratory Access Program is a technology stimulus program that awards short-term access to sophisticated MEMS fabrication equipment to small businesses in Washington. More information about the lab access program is available online at http://www.watechcenter.org/accessprogram.

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 $630 million in additional investment for Washington companies and researchers. For more information how Washington Technology Center can help research and development projects succeed, visit http://www.watechcenter.org/ or call 206-685-1920.

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Labels: Access_Award, Company_and_Client_News, Life_Sciences, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Microfabrication_Lab, Stratos_Genomics, WTC_News

Four University of Washington researchers have been awarded state funding for partnerships with Washington companies developing innovative commercial technologies.

SEATTLE -- January 4, 2010 -- Washington Technology Center has awarded a total of $394,910 in state funding to four University of Washington researchers working with companies to develop commercially promising technologies. The Washington-based companies expect commercial adoption of the technologies to create 140 new jobs in the state during the next five years.

The company partners are: Applied Precision, Inc., of Issaquah; Enertechnix, of Maple Valley; inVision Technology LLC, of Bellevue; and Omeros Corporation, of Seattle. Winning proposals from the University of Washington describe innovation in computer systems and microelectronics, advanced materials and manufacturing, and biotechnology and biomedical devices.

"Innovation is an essential economic driver for Washington, and I commend Washington Technology Center for helping these companies and their research partners grow new business opportunities," said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire in support of this round of award winners. "We must do all we can to support our 21st century industries as they move cutting-edge ideas out of our laboratories and into Washington products and Washington jobs.

"Our state's economy has benefited immensely from innovation," said state Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney (D-Seattle), Chair of the House Community and Economic Development and Trade Committee. "That's why it makes sense to support joint efforts between our outstanding research institutions and the small businesses that are creating new products and new opportunities for our state's workforce."

"We believe that investing in innovation is critical," said Chris Coleman, interim executive director of Washington Technology Center. "WTC's Research and Technology Development program helps identify and accelerate cutting-edge research that holds promise for commercial impact and job creation. Congratulations to these four companies and research teams for their outstanding efforts."

This round of projects addresses a wide range of innovation:

Applied Precision, Inc., a manufacturer of biomedical imaging systems located in Issaquah, is collaborating with the University of Washington's School of Medicine to develop a microfluidic imaging technology for biomedical applications. Successful commercialization of the technology will meet an expanding market need. In this Phase II project, UW will receive $95,215 in research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center. Read more.

Enertechnix, a manufacturer of high-temperature imaging systems located in Maple Valley, is partnered with the University of Washington's Department of Electrical Engineering to develop energy-efficiency technology to control the cleaning of heat-transfer surfaces in industrial paper and pulp processes. In this Phase II project, UW will receive $100,000 in research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center. Read more.

inVision Technology LLC, a Seattle-based developer of integrated composite components technology, is teamed with the University of Washington's Department of Materials Science & Engineering to develop an optimized design and manufacturing process for producing high-strength, low-weight composite structures. inVision plans to apply this technology initially to the rapidly growing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market. University of Washington will receive $100,000 in research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center for this Phase I project. Read more.

Omeros Corporation, a Seattle-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is collaborating with the University of Washington's Department of Bioengineering to develop a cancer-targeting technology. In this preclinical Phase III project, UW will receive $99,695 in research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center. Read 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. Since 1996, the RTD program has supported 339 research commercialization projects developed between companies and non-profit research institutions. Applications for the next round of funding are due April 22, 2010. 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 $630 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: Applied_Precision, Company_and_Client_News, Enertechnix, Funding, inVision_Technology, Omeros, RTD, WTC_News

Lee Cheatham, Washington Technology Center's executive director, has accepted the position of operations director at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University beginning in January 2010. He will also serve as general manager of the Biodesign Institute’s Impact Accelerator program.

"Under Lee's direction, Washington Technology Center has continued as a champion for innovative, growing companies in Washington," said Mike Schwenk, chair of the WTC board of directors. "In his 11 years with WTC, the center has helped position companies and researchers to generate an astounding $500 million in external support for product development, manufacturing and jobs in this state. That is a truly remarkable accomplishment made possible by a state investment of less than $3 million annually. Lee leaves WTC in a strong position for further growing its services and the value it provides. We thank Lee for his service to WTC and wish him well in his new post."

During Cheatham's 11-year tenure, WTC remained committed to developing its Research and Technology Development Program and its Microfabrication Laboratory, flagship programs which provide companies with critical access to researchers, facilities and tools. The center expanded access to capital for Washington's small growing companies through the creation of the WTC Angel Network and the SBIR assistance program. WTC focused on connecting companies to industry resources with new initiatives such as the annual "Washington's Innovation Summit" and WTC's federally-funded nanotechnology research program.

Chris Coleman, WTC's current CFO and director of business operations, has been appointed Interim Executive Director. The search for a WTC executive director will begin in 2010.

Related external links (will open a new window):

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University

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Labels: Lee_Cheatham, WTC_News

Sustaining a world-class economy through innovation and industry development is a collaborative effort. As part of this effort, Washington's Innovation Summit 2010 will bring together the region's leading companies and thought leaders for a full day devoted to accelerating creativity and innovation around aerospace, defense and energy. Join more than 35 speakers and 350 attendees focused on one theme: Collaborate. Create. Grow.

Read more

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Labels: Aerospace, Defense_and_Security, Energy, innovation, Summit, WTC_News

Mike Schwenk, vice president and director of technology deployment and outreach at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., discussed innovation -- and why big goals are critical -- at the Grant County EDC Winter 2008 Luncheon.



Related external links (will open a new window):

Winter Membership Luncheon Recap
Grant County EDC - December 18, 2008

Related WTC links:

Mike Schwenk is chair of the WTC board of directors

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Labels: innovation, WTC_News

IN A REFLECTION OF AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, this year presented a set of opportunities and challenges not often seen in Washington Technology Center's 26-year history. In our fiscal year 2009 plan, we anticipated a year with a smaller resource base and a need to focus on our strengths. We acted, and as a result we finished fiscal year 2009 registering success in our joint research and laboratory programs.

Download the 2009 Annual Report to read client success stories and details of research commercialization in the State of Washington.

Major Accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2009

AWARDED $875,686 to Washington researchers helping 16 companies grow.

PROVIDED access to Microfabrication Laboratory services and equipment to 21 companies and 25 academic groups, with a total of 93 users.

ASSISTED 128 potential federal grant applicants through SBIR workshops.

SUPPORTED angel groups as they invested $2.44 million in 12 emerging companies.

HOSTED Washington's Innovation Summit 2009 and co-hosted the Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference 2008, which connected more than 650 industry and public-sector innovators.

REFERRED ten companies to Boeing through our technology identification service.

ASSISTED 195 business consulting clients with funding strategies and business analyses.

RECEIVED $136,000 in stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to continue our research into nano-scale solar energy technology.

INVESTED in equipment that will lead to significant, new fabrication capability in 2010.

POSITIONED clients to generate more than $30 million in external funding, an 11:1 leverage of state investment.

Want to receive a printed copy of the 2009 Annual Report?

Please send an email to info@watechcenter.org with the subject line 2009 Annual Report and your full mailing information in the body of the email.

Related WTC links:

Additional data and metrics at www.watechcenter.org/data

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Labels: WTC_News

Washington Technology Center's state-funded Research and Technology Development Program was honored by SSTI for outstanding achievement in technology-based economic development.


SEATTLE - October 22, 2009 - Washington Technology Center was named one of six recipients of The State Science and Technology Institute's 2009 Excellence in TBED awards for initiating successful programs to sustain the nation's position as a global leader for innovation and competitiveness. WTC's Research and Technology Development (RTD) Program was honored as a best-practice model for demonstrating leadership and meaningful impact to state and regional economies.

"The Washington Technology Center's RTD Program stands out because of the substantial impact it has achieved from its persistent assistance to Washington companies over 17 years. Impressively, the RTD Program's more than 330 funded projects have resulted in almost a half-billion dollars in follow-on support from private and federal sources," said Dan Berglund, SSTI President and CEO.

"This award recognizes the effectiveness of our staff and partners' research commercialization efforts," said Lee Cheatham, Ph.D., executive director of Washington Technology Center. "We're pleased that Washington is receiving national attention for efficiently delivering economic development services, specifically by leveraging state dollars to create new job opportunities in advanced technology."

"Successes such as this are possible only because of the support of the Washington State Legislature and our research institution partners, and the commitment of our all-volunteer Board of Directors and Advisory Committees," said Cheatham.

WTC's Research and Technology Development Program awards $1 million in applied research funding each year to teams comprised of companies and researchers in the state of Washington. The grant program helps move innovative ideas out of the laboratory and into the commercial marketplace.

"WTC's RTD program fills an important gap," said Rick Luebbe, CEO of EnerG2, a Seattle-based startup company that has recently raised $32 million to commercialize technology from the University of Washington. "It supplemented our R&D costs and helped us position our company for the energy storage market."

SSTI's third-annual awards follow a nationwide competition recognizing outstanding achievements in tech-based economic development (TBED) emphasizing impact, strategic value and replicability. Recipients were selected by a panel of accomplished former and current practitioners and were honored today during a ceremony at SSTI's 13th Annual Conference in Overland Park, Kansas, attended by top economic development professionals from across the nation. More information about the awards is available online at http://www.prnewswire.com.

About SSTI
The State Science and Technology Institute is a national nonprofit organization that leads, supports and strengthens efforts to improve state and regional economies through science, technology and innovation. www.ssti.org.

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. 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 $630 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: RTD, SSTI, WTC_News

Washington Technology Center announces that Governor Chris Gregoire has appointed Scott Keeney of nLIGHT Corporation, Ken Myer of the Washington Technology Industry Association, and M. Grant Norton of Washington State University to the Board of Directors for Washington Technology Center.

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Scott Keeney is co-founder and President/CEO of nLIGHT Corporation (www.nlight.net), a leading semiconductor laser manufacturer with facilities in Vancouver, Washington; Hillsboro, Oregon; Shanghai, China; Heilbronn, Germany; and Lohja, Finland. nLIGHT supplies lasers for industrial, medical, defense, and consumer applications. nLIGHT has raised over $90 million from leading venture capital investors including Oak Investment Partners, Menlo Ventures, and MDV. In 2009, nLIGHT was named one of the fastest growing companies in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 program for the fourth year in a row. In 2008 nLIGHT was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award from The Oregon Entrepreneur's Network. In 2006, Scott was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Technology in the Pacific Northwest. Previously, Scott was CEO of Aculight (acquired by Lockheed) and a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Scott is founder and Chairman for nConnect NW (www.nconnect.org) an education non-profit focused on enhancing rigorous high school programs in the Northwest. Scott is the former chair of the Southwest Washington High Tech Council and is a board member of the Community Foundation in SW Washington. Scott holds an M.B.A. from Harvard and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Washington where he graduated summa cum laude.

Ken Myer is currently the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), the largest state technology association in North America. Ken has over 20 years of successful experience in the technology industry leading companies ranging in size from start up to Fortune 100. As co-founder of Interval Systems, Myer helped position the company as one of the leading providers of software tools to industrial engineers for implementing lean manufacturing. As Executive Vice President of publicly traded Active Voice Corporation, Myer led the worldwide marketing, sales, technical services, and customer service teams as they launched a new product line into the Fortune 2500 market. The success of the launch helped pave the way for an eventual buyout by Cisco in 2001 for $300M. At IBM Corporation Myer held a variety of executive positions including General Manager of the Northwest and Intermountain Region, National Executive for the Computer Services Industries, and CFO IBM Northwest. Myer holds an MBA and Masters of Speech Communication from the University of Washington and participates in national and regional commercial and non-profit boards including Esna Technologies, Cascade Land Conservancy, University of Washington Information School, University of Washington Masters of Communications in Digital Media, and the Technology Alliance, where he has served as Board President.

M. Grant Norton is Professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University and serves as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs in the College of Engineering and Architecture. Professor Norton obtained his PhD in Materials from Imperial College, London and spent a two-year postdoctoral at Cornell University before joining the Washington State University faculty in 1991. In 2003 and 2004 he was an AFOSR Faculty Research Associate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and spent the 1999/2000 academic year as a Visiting Professor at Oxford University. From 2000 to 2005 Professor Norton was Chair of Materials Science at Washington State University. He is author or co-author of over 160 papers in the archival literature, several book chapters, and two textbooks, one on X-ray diffraction and most recently Ceramic Materials: Science and Engineering, published by Springer. Professor Norton serves as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Materials Science, is on the International Editorial Board Journal of Materials Education, and is on the Editorial Board of Journal of Nanotechnology. Prior to entering academia, Norton worked for two major European multinationals. Professor Norton has consulted for a number of companies and organizations, including an interesting project on the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. He recently formed GoNano Technologies, Inc., a university spin off company focused on alternative energy applications for nanomaterials.

A complete list of board members and a link to their biographies can be found online at http://www.watechcenter.org/?s=17.

Washington Technology Center’s Board of Directors is comprised of business and academic leaders who serve as the governing arm of the state-charted agency, which promotes technology and innovation-based economic development throughout Washington.

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: WTC_News

Washington Small Business Development Centers and Washington Technology Center present this must-see seminar, based on Foresight Science & Technology's instruction to SBIR awardees of the agencies Foresight supports as an SBIR Commercialization Support Contractor.

The seminar provides an overview of the process of commercialization including how to

* Determine entry markets
* Find customers
* Develop a commercialization strategy
* Find commercialization partners and funding
* Value your technology
* Determine royalty rates
* Develop a term sheet
* Conduct negotiations

The presentation includes many real-world examples and attendees are encouraged to ask questions.

Speaker:

Phyl Speser, J.D., Ph.D., author of the best selling text book, "The Art & Science
of Technology Transfer"

Location:

WSU West
Pike Tower Building
520 Pike Street, Suite 1101
Seattle, WA
Parking available: Pike Tower Bldg., Convention Center; Washington Athletic Club.

Registration:

$20
Space limited to 35 registrants.
Deadline Oct. 9, 2009.

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Foresight Science & Technology commercializes between 500-800 new technologies each year. Among our customers, we serve as a Commercialization Support Contractor for the US DOE, EPA, NSF, NIST, USDA, DOD, and NIH Small Business Innovation Research Programs as well as state programs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Indiana, etc. The company also supports individual small and large business, universities and technical institutes, government laboratories, and foundations such as the Wallace Coulter Foundation and the Kauffman Foundation. For more information on services and customers see http://www.ForesightST.com.

Dr. Phyl Speser has been called one of the founders of the modern practice of technology transfer by Ashley Stevens, President of the Association of University Technology Managers and Executive Director of the technology transfer office at Boston University; He has supported successful commercialization of technologies in fields from optics to software and pharmaceuticals to wind power. His is also the author of many publications on technology transfer, commercialization, and science policy - including the best selling textbook The Art and Science of Technology Transfer (John Wiley and Sons, 2006) and a frequent presenter at professional meetings. Dr. Speser is a member of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, the Association of University Technology Managers (where he is on the Public Policy Committee) and the Licensing Executives Society (where he is Chair, Strategic Alliance Committee). He served two terms on the Board of the Technology Transfer Society, is a recipient of their Certificate of Appreciation (1991). He also was Chairman of its Task Force on National Technology Transfer Policy (1989-1991), and received Best Paper, Annual Meeting (1987). He was a gubernatorial appointment to the Board of the Washington Technology Center from 1994 to 1997. Dr. Speser has taught intellectual property at the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, anthropology at The American University, Washington, DC, and political science at the Universitat Mannheim, Germany and the State University of New York at Buffalo. Prior to founding Foresight, he was Special Assistant for Science Policy at the Federation of American Scientists. He was the lead lobbyist for the Small Business Innovation Development Act, developer of the STTR concept with Roland Tibbetts, and a lobbyist for the Technology Transfer Act of 1989, among other legislation. During the 1980's, he also was the point person for the science community on the Federal budget as Executive Director of the National Coalition for Science & Technology. Dr. Speser holds a Ph.D. and a J.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

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Labels: Events, Funding, Partner_News_and_More, SBIR, Seattle, WTC_News

Washington Technology Center's new Microfabrication Laboratory Access Program will award short-term access to sophisticated MEMS fabrication equipment to help companies develop job-growing, innovative commercial technologies.

SEATTLE - August 24, 2009 - Washington Technology Center announces today the launch of the Microfabrication Laboratory Access Program, a new stimulus program that will award short-term access to sophisticated MEMS fabrication equipment to help small companies in Washington develop job-growing, innovative commercial technologies.

"In these difficult economic times, I commend Washington Technology Center for offering companies increased access to resources for developing market-ready products," said Washington's Director of Commerce Rogers Weed. "This kind of collaboration between the public and private sectors helps support our state's 21st century industries, and more importantly, helps to create quality jobs right here in Washington."

"Our new lab access program is one of three state-funded programs that we're using to invest in innovation in Washington state," said Lee Cheatham, Ph.D., executive director of Washington Technology Center. "We believe this program will help small companies more effectively leverage limited funding for technology development in the current economy.

Washington Technology Center will accept proposals from companies with fewer than 100 employees in any technical area or industry that can utilize the facilities and equipment of the center's 15,000-square-foot Microfabrication Laboratory. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: proof of concept, prototyping, testing, process development, and small-scale production.

Proposals selected for awards will need to show clear potential for economic impact and a well-defined work plan. As the award program is focused on companies that have an immediate need for laboratory facilities, lab access projects are limited to a maximum of three consecutive months of no-cost Microfabrication Laboratory use.

Tours of the Microfabrication Laboratory will be held Aug. 28 and Sept. 29, 2009.

More information about the Microfabrication Laboratory Access Program is available online at http://www.watechcenter.org/accessprogram.

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: Funding, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Microfabrication_Lab, Quote-Partner, Quote-WTC, WTC_News

Washington State University celebrated August 19, 2009 with a ground breaking in Vancouver for the $43.5 million Applied Technology Classroom building. The four-story 56,000-square-foot building will open in 2011 for use by WSU Vancouver's new undergraduate electrical engineering program. The building is the only new capital project funded by Washington state in the current biennium. Funding for a proposed adjoining semiconductor user facility -- to be operated by Washington Technology Center -- is being sought from federal sources.

Related external links (will open a new window):

WSU elevates high-tech offerings
The Columbian - Vancouver, WA - August 19, 2009

In Our View, Aug. 21: Progress on Parade
The Columbian - Vancouver, WA - August 21, 2009

Related WTC links:

Vancouver user facility featured in The Columbian’s B2B magazine
Posted 7/19/2008

Funding secured for Washington Technology Center user facility in Vancouver
Posted 10/19/2007

New High-Tech Research Lab Slated for Vancouver
Posted 7/21/2006

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Labels: MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Microfabrication_Lab, Vancouver, Vancouver_User_Facility, WSU, WTC_News

September 21-23, Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel, Portland, Oregon www.micronbc.org

SEATTLE - August 11, 2009 - The 2009 Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference, co-hosted by the Washington Technology Center and Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute and presented by Hewlett-Packard Co. and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, announces the panelists for its closing plenary panel and reception.

MNBC 2009 will be addressing head-on the challenging environment for early stage funding with an outstanding panel of tech transfer and early stage investment experts, addressing such topics as:

If recessions are when great opportunities are born, how exactly does one take advantage of that?
Is the VC model as we know it dead?
If so, what will replace it?
What first steps must the technology entrepreneur get right?

The panelists are:
Dr. Fiona Wills, Director of Technology Licensing, UW TechTransfer, University of Washington
Cheryl Cejka, Director of Technology Commercialization, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Jim Torina, President and CEO of The University Funds, LLC.
Rick LeFaivre, Ph.D, Partner, OVP Venture Partners
Michael Hochberg, Ph.D, EE professor (and entrepreneur), University of Washington
Lewis Lee, co-founder of Lee & Hayes PLLC
Chris Hurley, co-founder and Principal at Beacon Law Advisors

Panel Moderator: Pat Murphy, COO, The University Funds, LLC

And for the first time, MNBC will accept conference participants' questions for the panelists in advance. Questions may be submitted (attributed or anonymous) at:

https://surveys.bus.oregonstate.edu/BsgSurvey2_0/main.aspx?SurveyID=3210

More about MNBC 2009

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.

The peer-reviewed conference presentation program, posted at http://oregonstate.edu/conferences/MNBC/MNBC09_Program.pdf features:

* Technical Sessions
* Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage
* Sensor Systems
* Microtechnology for Energy Applications
* Nanotechnologies for Proteomics
* 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 Materials 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
Pacific Northwest Micro and Nanoscale Engineering Workshop

...a combined research poster session and company exhibition

...and an outstanding slate of keynote speakers addressing nanotechnology for renewable energy, environmental and medical applications

The advance registration rate of $195 and deeply discounted hotel block rate of $116 are available until August 31, 2009. See 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

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, Nanotechnology, ONAMI, WTC_News

Washington Technology Center is seeking a Microfabrication Laboratory outreach manager to increase awareness of both the lab and economic development programs at WTC, and in so doing increase the number of lab users.

The Microfabrication Laboratory (MFL) is a class 10,000 cleanroom focused on silicon processing with additional equipment to process glass and compound semiconductors. The major sector of work is Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), with significant work done in life sciences, optics, and material research. The facility is used for device research, development of novel fabrication techniques, pilot production, and some teaching.

Lab customers range from academic users from various universities, to small businesses in a startup or preproduction phase, to large established companies interested in new research or proof of concept that might not be possible in their own facilities.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Through the following, increase the number of MFL users.
• Develop and implement an annual MFL outreach strategy that increases awareness of MFL capabilities among current and prospective industry and academic users.
• Represent WTC and the MFL at conferences, events, and meetings.
• Act as the primary WTC point of contact for existing MFL users.
• Track lab metrics including: revenue, customer satisfaction, and leverage.
• Work with the MFL Lab Manager to coordinate possible contract work for long distance users interested in the facility.

To learn more about the position, including how to apply, visit the WTC job openings page.

Related WTC links:

WTC Job Openings

WTC Microfabrication Laboratory Web site

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Labels: Jobs, Microfabrication_Lab, WTC_News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Cantwell plans to discuss how, if the U.S. is to compete in a 21st Century global marketplace, we must increase our investment in, and commitment to, research and development of new technologies, education and training for our workforce, and support for new and emerging industries.

Related WTC links:

Register for Washington's Innovation Summit 2009

Post questions or offer your views -- your comments will help shape the Summit discussion

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Labels: Events, Senator Cantwell, Summit, WTC_News

Washington Technology Center presents a workshop featuring Jim Greenwood of Greenwood Consulting Group, well-known SBIR/STTR consultants. The session focuses on the cost proposal and accounting for SBIR and STTR awards. It covers basic terms and concepts including direct versus indirect rates, allowable and unallowable costs, cost proposal format variations between Federal agencies, and includes an exercise to estimate the indirect/facilities & administrative rate for your business. The workshop will be offered in the Seattle area March 31 and at Washington State University Vancouver April 1.

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Who should attend: CEOs, CFOs, CTOs; Researchers, Universities' Office of Grants & Sponsored Research; CPAs & Yellow Book Auditors

Extra Feature: Pre-registered attendees are eligible for indirect rate calculation review or SBIR / STTR cost proposal critique from Greenwood Consulting Group within one year of attendance. Limited number of consultations available.

Fee: $75 for pre-registrations by 3/27; $85 at the door. Event includes continental breakfast and box lunch.

Questions: contact Suzanne Mitchell at (509) 372-5146.

Locations:

March 31, 2009
Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th Street SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Get directions from Google Maps
Register for this location

April 1, 2009
Washington State University Vancouver
Firstenburg Student Commons
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686
Get directions from Google Maps
Register for this location

Agenda:
7:30am - Continental breakfast; on-site registration; Welcome & Introductions
8:00 - Government Accounting Concepts, FAR, Cost Proposal Format
Tracking Expense & Estimating Costs; Cost Proposal formats of different
SBIR / STTR Agencies
12:00pm - Working Lunch - box lunch provided for pre-registered attendees
12:30 - Exercise: preparing basic Phase I SBIR Cost proposal
2:00pm - Workshop close; Questions; Networking

Related external links (will open a new window):

Register for the Seattle area workshop

Register for the WSU Vancouver workshop

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Labels: Events, Funding, Seattle, Vancouver, WTC_News

Senate Bill 5553, in the interest of increasing technology commercialization in Washington, directs Washington Technology Center to expand commercialization resources and assistance available to innovative firms.

Senator Derek Kilmer reports in the Senate Democrats Blog that SB 5553, sponsored by the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation, passed the Senate unanimously.

The Senate Bill Report summary provides details.

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"The WTC is given a number of new commercialization obligations, which it may meet directly or meet via contract. The center is to work with state universities and colleges, private and federal research institutions, and economic development and technology assistance organizations to: (1) train and assist small businesses to win federal technology innovation program awards; (2) supply a guide to the commercialization process at research and academic institutions; (3) make a recommendation on integrating and accessing databases of technologies and inventions available in the state; and (4) provide training to technical assistance providers on the provision of commercialization assistance.

"The center is also to develop a funding resource guide, offer workshops on accessing financing for commercialization, help novice investors learn about investing in technology-based companies, host events to connect entrepreneurs and investors, and maintain a website for entrepreneurs and investors. Finally, the center is to report on the impact of commercialization activities annually."

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.

Related external links (will open a new window):

Read more in the Senate Democrats Blog

Bill Information for SB 5553 - 2009-10

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Labels: Legislature, WTC_News

Washington Technology Center has launched a news forum covering innovation and technology in Washington. We'll track news, events and funding opportunities related to the companies we work with in Washington's high impact sectors such as energy, life sciences, aerospace, defense and security, and MEMS and nanotechnology. News forum readers have the ability to leave comments, view news by topic labels, and subscribe to forum posts with our news feed. We'll continue our quarterly email newsletter, which will serve as a quarterly 'news in review.' Let us know what you think about our news forum. Post your comments or send us an email at info@watechcenter.org.

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Labels: WTC_News

Washington Technology Center actively works with Boeing’s Technology Sourcing, Evaluation and Integration team to identify new technologies that address a variety of Boeing’s current and future technology needs. WTC manager Elaine Kong periodically distributes non-proprietary Boeing need statements to her network. She also assists companies that are interested in working with Boeing to quickly determine if opportunities are a good fit. Please contact Elaine (elainek@watechcenter.org) if you would like to receive the Boeing need statements.

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Labels: Aerospace, Boeing, WTC_News

Washington Technology Center announces that Governor Chris Gregoire has appointed Brent Reys of Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Group, Linden Rhoads of UW TechTransfer, and Stephen Zirschky of WatchGuard Technologies to the Board of Directors for Washington Technology Center.

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Brent Reys is vice president and regional director of Commercial Advisory Services for Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking Group. Commercial Advisory Services is a newly formed group that provides consulting services in the areas of business succession and liquidity planning activities, and integrates strategic planning solutions through Wells Fargo Securities and Wells Fargo- The Private Bank. During his 16-year career in finance, he has served as a commercial and private banker, investment banker, CFO/controller, strategic planner and executive advisor -- all roles that have provided him with business expertise and the financial aptitude to simplify complex situations and find innovation solutions for a variety of private companies and shareholders. Brent holds a B.A. Corporate Finance degree from Seattle Pacific University and has served on several non-profits boards including Museum of History and Industry and Cancer Lifeline. He is also a founding member of the Gage Academy, formerly Seattle Academy of Fine Art. A native of Seattle, Reys lives in the Leschi area with his wife and young son and enjoys experiencing the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.

Linden Rhoads is the Vice Provost of UW TechTransfer, the unit of the University that seeks to commercialize discoveries made from research conducted at the UW. Previously, Ms. Rhoads was a veteran executive in the Seattle high tech community. She co-founded or served as an active director and/or interim CEO of a number of successful Seattle-based startups, including ChiliSoft, Singingfish.com, AdRelevance, GBI and Nimble Technology. A graduate of Smith College, Ms. Rhoads majored in Geophysics. While working full time, she attended the UW School of Law, where she focused on intellectual property. Ms. Rhoads has been an active member of the UW community, serving on the board of the Washington Technology Center, the Dean's Advisory Board at the UW Law School, the steering committee for the UW Law School Capital Campaign and the campaign committee for the Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science and Engineering.

Stephen Zirschky is currently the General Counsel for WatchGuard Technologies, an international technology corporation located in Seattle. He also serves as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Latvia to foster business relationships between interested companies. A former Professor of Business and Acquisition Management at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Stephen also served as legal counsel for Microvision, located in Redmond, Washington. Stephen received his law degree from Western State and a B.A. in Speech Communications from Chapman University.

A complete list of board members and a link to their biographies can be found online at http://www.watechcenter.org/?s=17.

Washington Technology Center’s Board of Directors is comprised of business and academic leaders who serve as the governing arm of the state-charted agency, which promotes technology and innovation-based economic development throughout Washington.

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Labels: WTC_News

Washington Technology Center board of directors chair Robin Halliday testified January 15, 2009 before the Washington State House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee on the Governor’s proposed 2009-11 operating budget and the proposed 30% reduction in state funding for WTC.

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Video from TVW (Testimony begins at 1 minute 15 seconds into the video)

[Prepared Remarks]

Madame Chair and members of the committee. My name is Robin Halliday. I am a retired small business owner from Bellingham and currently serve as the Chair of the Washington Technology Center Board of Directors.

The proposed budget calls for a massive reduction in the support for WTC’s work with small businesses across the state -- a reduction of $1.7M, or more than 30% of WTC’s total state funding.

Members of WTC’s board of directors and I are puzzled.

We understand that the state faces one of the most serious financial difficulties in memory. We also believe this is exactly the time to invest in those organizations with a proven record of positive economic impact.

WTC has just such a record. Over the past 13 years, WTC has leveraged the state’s annual investment of less than $3 million, by assisting companies in all parts of the state to attract an additional $600M for research, manufacturing and new jobs.

WTC has also done its part to attract other sources of support. Six years ago the state provided more than 80% of WTC’s funding, today the state provides about half.

Without restoring state support, WTC will not be able to attract the private and federal funds that now make up 50% of its budget.

Other state economic development investments have not declined at this rate. In fact, CTED’s proposed budget for 2009 is reduced by only 8.9% and WTC’s sister organization SIRTI, also considered a state agency, is reduced by only 5.4%.

In hard times it appears easy to make significant reductions by cutting grants and contracts to organizations such as WTC. However, these are often the organizations that most efficiently and effectively deliver economic development services, specifically by leveraging these state dollars to create partnerships with the private sector

In a handout, I am providing examples of economic growth and new jobs created in your communities through your investment in the Washington Technology Center.

I ask that when you consider the state’s economic development budget, you take time to consider how WTC has positively affected the state for the past 25 years and then reinstate full funding.

Thank you.

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Labels: Legislature, WTC_News

Washington Technology Center awarded research and technology development funding totaling $485,261 to seven* projects developed between companies and Washington researchers.

Companies with winning projects for January 2009 are: Applied Precision, of Issaquah; ATS, of Silverdale; The Boeing Company and HEATCON® Composite Systems, of Seattle; Enertechnix, of Maple Valley; GeoMonkey, Inc., of Vancouver; Omeros Corporation, of Seattle; and Theo Chocolate, Inc., of Seattle. Winning proposals described innovative research in computer systems and microelectronics, advanced materials and manufacturing, food safety and quality, and biotechnology and biomedical devices.

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"Washington’s success in research and development is known globally," said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire in support of this round of award winners. "And the bold innovations created by these companies will help keep Washington’s economy robust. Congratulations to each of you."

Washington Technology Center competitively awards around $1 million in state funding annually as part of the Research and Technology Development Grant Program. 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 329 Research and Technology Development projects.

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.

This round of projects addresses a wide range of innovation:

Applied Precision, Inc., an Issaquah-based manufacturer of biomedical imaging systems, is collaborating with the University of Washington’s School of Medicine to commercialize a microfluidic imaging technology for biomedical applications. UW will receive $95,215 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $22,500 from Applied Precision for the project. More

ATS, a Silverdale-based provider of intelligent search software and services, is working with Washington State University’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science to develop data merging algorithms. WSU will receive $50,000 in Phase II research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $17,500 from ATS for the project. More

The Boeing Company’s Research & Technology group and HEATCON® Composite Systems, a Seattle-based composite repair equipment supplier, are collaborating with the University of Washington’s Mechanical Engineering Department to improve the efficiency of composite-structural repairs. UW will receive $75,190 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $20,000 from The Boeing Company for the project. More

Enertechnix, a Maple Valley-based manufacturer of high-temperature imaging systems, is collaborating with the University of Washington’s Department of Electrical Engineering to develop algorithms to control the cleaning of heat-transfer surfaces in industrial processes. UW will receive $100,000 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $20,000 from Enertechnix for the project. More

GeoMonkey (doing business as MapWith.Us), 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. More

Omeros Corporation, a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company, is working with the University of Washington’s Department of Bioengineering to develop a new drug delivery platform for applications in medical imaging and cancer therapy. UW will receive $99,274 in Phase II research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $34,746 from Omeros Corporation for the project. More

Theo Chocolate, Inc., a Seattle-based manufacturer of artisan chocolates and confections, is collaborating with the University of Washington’s Department of Chemistry to develop food-safety and quality-analysis technology. UW will receive $30,000 in Phase I research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center and $6,000 from Theo Chocolate for the project. More

This round of funding is anticipated to generate more than 350 full-time technology jobs in Washington during the next five years. Washington Technology Center estimates that through its work with entrepreneurs, more than 7,000 new technology jobs have been created in Washington state, many of these from award recipients. New project funding is awarded twice annually.

Annual follow-up surveys show that the Research and Technology Development Grant Program has helped Washington companies transition novel technologies into commercially-viable ventures.

Proposals for the next round of funding are due April 23, 2009. More information about the Research and Technology Development Grant Program is available online at http://www.watechcenter.org/rtd.

* (Update 2/10/09: an eighth project -- Greenwood Technologies -- has been canceled)

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Labels: Applied_Precision, ATS, Boeing, Company_and_Client_News, Enertechnix, Funding, GeoMonkey, Heatcon, Omeros, RTD, Theo_Chocolate, WTC_News