In the May 5, 2000 Issue:

Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2002. Information in this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest was prepared under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Redistribution to all others interested in tech-based economic development is strongly encouraged — please cite the State Science & Technology Institute whenever portions are reproduced or redirected. Any opinions expressed in the Digest do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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Millions in Renewable Energy Funding Freed in Massachusetts
On April 19, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court cleared the way for the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund to begin operations with a unanimous ruling that the funding mechanism is constitutional. Between 1998 and 2003, the Trust, managed by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, will receive about $150 million to accelerate the use of cleaner sources of electricity and to invest in the development of the renewable energy industry in Massachusetts. In subsequent years, the Trust will receive about $20 million a year.

As an outgrowth of electric utility deregulation, the Trust was created in 1998 by the legislature to promote the development of renewable energy in the Commonwealth through a series of initiatives that exploit the advantage of renewable energy in a more competitive marketplace. The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative was selected by the legislature to lead this effort.

The ability to ramp up to full operation was initially constrained by a lawsuit challenging the Trust’s funding mechanism, a monthly charge on customer electric bills known as a systems benefit charge. For residential customers, it represents about $0.50 a month or roughly $6 a year.

MTC will now finish the strategic direction and operational plan for the Trust. Also a 15-member Advisory Committee for the Trust will be appointed by the Governor. More information can be found at http://www.mtpc.org

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NSF Places Prominent Scientists & Engineers in Middle Schools
More than 240 of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers, including 14 Nobel laureates, will begin sharing their passion for discovery with middle school students across the nation as a result of the “Scientists and Engineers in the Schools” program. Announced last week, the program is a new initiative of the National Science Foundation.

To reach students around the country as role models and mentors, the award-winning scientists and engineers will visit local middle schools during the 50th Anniversary year of the National Science Foundation (April 2000 to May 2001). In addition to the Nobel Laureates, 14 Medal of Science winners, 7 Medal of Technology recipients, 11 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientist & Engineers awardees, 186 CAREER recipients, and 8 A.T. Waterman award winners also have signed on to share their experiences with students throughout the country. The volunteer scientists and engineers reside in 37 states.

The purpose of these visits is to introduce students to the myriad opportunities science, engineering and technology afford them, and to foster more one-on-one interaction between professional scientists and students.

For more information, contact Kate Latta Hofherr at klatta@nsf.org More information is also available on a new NSF web site, http://www.nsfoutreach.org The web site is designed to educate the public about NSF’s role in bringing to fruition discoveries and innovations that have transformed the way Americans live and work. These "NSF-Nifty 50" discoveries include the Internet, Doppler Radar, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fiber optics, among others.

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Wisconsin Creates State Technology Council
Last Friday, Governor Tommy Thompson signed into law Senate Bill 429, establishing the Wisconsin Technology and Entrepreneurs Council (WITEC). The nonprofit corporation is to promote and support the creation, development, and retention of science-based and technology-based businesses “through the establishment and implementation of programs that focus on various elements that are important for the success of high-technology firms, such as entrepreneurs, seed and venture capital, universities and state government."

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is required to organize and assist in maintaining WITEC, including providing a one-time grant of $50,000 for start up expenses. Commerce may provide additional funding on a matching basis. The total maximum Commerce contributions to WITEC are limited to $250,000 in any fiscal year.

WITEC will be governed by a board of directors comprised of at least 11 members who represent entrepreneurs, high tech firms, venture capitalists, investment banking, universities and technical colleges, local government, and professionals experienced in providing services to science and technology-based businesses.

A copy of the bill can be found at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/1999/data/SB429.html

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Network of Incubators Proposed in Indiana
Purdue University plans to seek $15 million in matching funds from the state to establish and support five technology business incubators or regional technology centers around Indiana. The state also will be asked to provide $6.25 million in funding for administrative support over the first four years of the centers’ operations.

The focus for each center would depend on the region of the state and the potential that exists within that region. Purdue's plan calls for each regional technology center to create an advisory committee to establish criteria for use of its services and to evaluate each company's potential for growth and success. Each center would be expected to work in partnership with Purdue during the developmental years of the program.

No bill has been introduced yet (the second regular session of the state legislature has adjourned) but a similar recommendation was advanced by the General Assembly's Interim Study Committee on Economic Development Issues. The committee report calls for the state to create and provide start-up costs for five regional technology centers each biennium.

For more information, visit: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/UNS/html3month/000421.Gentry.incubators.html

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SSTI's Latest Issue Brief: Science, Technology and the Governors
Science and technology issues are well positioned on the radar screen of many governors, based on SSTI review of more than 50 gubernatorial addresses. In SSTI's latest issue brief, Science, Technology and the Governors: Excerpts from the 2000 Gubernatorial Addresses, SSTI compiles 117 excerpts across a range of S&T concerns: new initiatives, biotechnology, university research capacity, the New Economy, e-commerce, technology-related tax credits, seed and venture capital, information technology and workforce development.

Review of the governors’ addresses emphasizes again that state support for science and technology transcends political parties, demographics, and economic conditions. Quotes in the issue brief come from 38 governors. The 2000 review indicates a large increase in the number of governors talking about biotechnology (13 in 2000 versus 5 in 1999), a reflection of some states’ use of tobacco settlement funds for biotechnology research. There was a significant decline in the number of governors discussing access to higher education (7 in 2000 versus 20 in 1999); this may be due to action in 1999 establishing scholarship and forgivable loan programs.

SSTI sponsor organizations will be receiving their complimentary copies of Science, Technology and the Governors, next week. Digest subscribers and the general public may order individual copies of the 40-page issue brief for $15.00 (US). The price is $12.00 per unit for orders of five or more copies.

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Tech Programs Among Most Innovative
Six technology-related programs are among the 96 semifinalists for the 2000 Innovations in American Government Awards. The award, which recognizes innovation and effectiveness in public sector programs, has become one of the most prestigious public-service honors in the country. Innovations in American Government was established in 1986 by the Ford Foundation and is administered by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Announced last week, the 96 semifinalists were selected from more than 1,300 nominees across all levels of government. Twenty-five finalists will be named in late summer. The 10 top finalists each will receive $100,000; the remaining 15 will receive $20,000 a piece.

Technology-related semi-finalists include:

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Useful Stats: 1999 Patents by State
In February, the US Patent and Trademark Office released a table of all patent activity in 1999 by state, and the percentage change by state over 1998 activity. Nationally, patents grew by 3.7 percent between 1998 and 1999. The ten states that showed the greatest growth in patent activity are (percentage change from 1998 is provided in parentheses): Puerto Rico (57.1%), Idaho (40.6%), South Dakota (36.8%), Kentucky (25.7%), Arkansas (22.8%), Kansas (22.5%), Wyoming (18.4 %), Iowa (13.8%), Tennessee (11.6%) , and Alabama (11.1%).

The complete table can be found on page three of the 1999 Patenting Trends paper, downloadable at: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/speeches/pattr99.pdf

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Federal Funding Opportunities

Department of Education
The Office of Educational Research and Improvement invites proposals for the comprehensive school reform research grant competition. The program seeks to expand understanding of school reform through rigorous investigation of the large-scale implementation of research-based comprehensive school reform models as a strategy for increasing student achievement. Eligible applicants include: institutions of higher education; state and local education agencies; public and private organizations, institutions and agencies; and individuals. Applications will be available on May 12. Proposals are due June 22, 2000. Up to $5 million will be available; there is no limit to award size. More information is available at: http://www.ed.gov/GrantApps/

Department of Energy
The Office of Industrial Technology seeks applications for innovative research, development, and demonstration of technology that will enhance economic competitiveness, resource energy consumption, and reduce environmental impacts in the emerging renewable bioproducts industry. Research must address the high priority goals described in the “Technology Roadmap for Plant/Crop-based Renewable Resources 2020.” The deadline for applications is June 6, 2000. DOE anticipates making 3-6 multi-year awards. The total estimated DOE funding per year is $400,000 to $750,000 per award. Minimum cost share of 50 percent is required. Multiple-partner projects are encouraged; single organization proposals will not be considered. More information is available at: http://www.id.doe.gov/doeid/PSD/proc-div.html

The Office of Industrial Technology has announced a change for the Glass Industry of the Future solicitation (# DE-SC02-00CH11037). DOE has dropped the requirement for teaming arrangements as a qualification for consideration. Proposals are still due on or before June 12, 2000. For more information, visit: http://www.ch.doe.gov/business/ACQ.htm under the heading "Current Solicitations."

The Office of Power Technologies has issued Supplemental Announcement 6 to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Broad-based Solicitation (DE-PS36-00GO10482), issued October 19,1999. The supplemental announcement will support research in accredited colleges and universities for the advancement of solar dish/converter technology. Proposals are due June 20, 2000. A total of $2 million of DOE funding is anticipated over a three year period. Three to five awards are anticipated. While encouraged, cost-share is not required. This supplemental announcement is available on the Web at: 
http://www.eren.doe.gov/golden/solicitations.html

Pre-Solicitation Announcement: The National Energy Technology Laboratory intends to issue a solicitation for the development of Hybrid Power Systems that will produce affordable, safe, environmentally-friendly electrical power with a goal of eventually being 70+ percent efficient. Applicants must be a commercial producer of a major component of the proposed system or must partner with such commercial producers. While FY 2001 funds have not been appropriated yet for the program, two to four cooperative agreement awards are anticipated with an average total cost of $5-15 million. Cost share is expected to range between 20-50 percent. The solicitation will be available under “Solicitations” at http://www.netl.doe.gov/business

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