SSTI Digest

The Small Business Administration (SBA) released a new funding announcement for the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) Program — FAST awards are intended to fund projects that provide outreach, financial support and/or technical assistance to technology-based small business concerns participating in, or interested in participating in, the Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program. Proposed projects may serve a single or multiple states. SBA intends to commit approximately $1.9 million to support up to 20 awards to eligible applications. Only one application with gubernatorial endorsement per state will be accepted. Eligible applicants include public or private entities, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education and individuals. Applications from eligible institutions must be submitted by June 7, 2013. Read the federal announcement...

With a commitment of $25 million over the next two years to establish a biosciences institute, Indiana lawmakers gave their stamp of approval to a major policy goal touted by Gov. Mike Pence during the campaign. The governor and lawmakers hope to build an endowment of $300 million to $400 million over the next five to seven years drawn from corporate and philanthropic sources. The endowment would fund annual operations of the institute and help recruit world-class scientists with an emphasis on technology commercialization, reports the Indianapolis Business News. Funding for the initiative is part of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's (IEDC) budget. Earlier this week, the governor signed a bill aimed at increasing transparency in the state's economic development activities. Specifically, the bill requires IEDC to aggregate information on performance goals, jobs created, expected jobs, recaptured incentives and tax credits claimed each year.

This week, Colorado legislators approved the launch of an advanced industries acceleration program that would provide grants for proof-of-concept, early stage capital and retention, and infrastructure. HB 13-1001 would create the program, which would make $150,000 to $500,000 awards to support commercialization in key industries. A separate bill, HB 1193, would launch a new five-year, $300,000 export program within the state's international trade office to help export products developed under the acceleration program. Gov. Hickenlooper proposed the programs in January (see the January 16, 2013 issue) and is expected to sign both bills. Learn more about the program...

Manufacturing creates more high-value jobs than any sector in the global economy and is essential to sustainable economic growth in both the developing and developed world, according to the Manufacturing for Growth – Strategies for Driving Growth and Employment from the World Economic Forum (WEF). Written in collaboration with Deloitte LLP, the three-volume series of reports examines key trends, effective strategies and best practices related to the global manufacturing sector in three key areas:

SSTI conference attendees are invited to enjoy the Ecotrust Natural Capital Center's Rooftop Terrace and take in the stunning Pearl District skyline. The Opening Reception is being hosted by Business Oregon on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM PT. The history of Ecotrust is a story of innovation, adaptation and evolution. Led by Spencer Beebe, the organization's mission has evolved into an ambitious one: to lead an American economic revolution by deploying new business models that build economic, social and environmental wellbeing. Register now and save big on SSTI's 17^th Annual Conference being held Sept. 15-17 in Portland, OR - registration fees increase on June 16!

Envisioned as a comprehensive state-level program to support an entrepreneurial ecosystem, the HI Growth Initiative was approved by lawmakers to diversify the state's economy and promote the development of high-growth, entrepreneurial businesses. Backed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, the initiative has three main objectives focused on helping entrepreneurs commercialize intellectual property, access business mentors, network with global investors, and gain access to follow-on capital. Funds will be managed by the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation. Lawmakers approved $6 million for the effort in FY14. The governor had requested $20 million over two years (see the Feb. 27, 2013 issue of the Digest). View the bill: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/Bills/HB858_CD1_.PDF

Both venture capital dollars invested and total deals declined in the first quarter of the year, according to the PricewaterhouseCoopers/National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) Moneytree survey. The capital-intensive life science and clean technology sectors were particularly hard hit, along with seed and early stage investments. Within the data, however, a number of bright spots remained for entrepreneurs seeking capital. Seed and early stage investments continue to comprise more than 50 percent of all deals and first-time fundings remain within a healthy range. New reports from the University of New Hampshire's Center for Venture Research (CVR) and the annual Halo Report also suggest that the angel investment market continues to grow at a modest rate.

SSTI is hosting an informational call on May 8 at 3:30 PM ET to provide helpful hints on applying for the 2013 Excellence in TBED awards. Knowledge is power, and this is a great opportunity to gain a competitive edge by learning more about the application process. We also will share tips on writing an outstanding application. The awards recognize exceptional achievements in expanding research capacity, commercializing research, building entrepreneurial capacity, increasing access to capital, and improving competitiveness of existing industries. A promising initiative that has demonstrated innovativeness also will be recognized.  Register now at: http://www.sstiawards.org/.

NASA, USAID, the State Department and Nike have partnered to issue an innovation challenge for inventors to develop new, sustainable materials and methods for manufacturing fabric. The winners will have their technology presented at NASA's 2013 LAUNCH System Challenge Forum in Pasadena, CA. The LAUNCH Forum is directed by a council of entrepreneurs, scientists, government, academia, and business leaders and is used by NASA to promote sustainability initiatives, including projects related to global health, renewable energy, and agriculture. Read the announcement...

Innovation is not a causal, linear process, but a dynamic and ever-changing network of actors connected by activities and linkages, according to a report from the Council of Canadian Academies. Despite this complexity, however, by identifying behaviors that feed firm innovation, regions can make informed decisions about high-tech economic development. In the report, the council identifies quantitative ways to measure the actual and potential impact of innovation investments, along with presenting a new firm-centric model of innovation ecosystems.

Increase your visibility through Sponsorship Opportunities during SSTI's 17^th Annual Conference in Portland, OR, Sept. 15-17. Due to numerous requests, we have unveiled highly visible interactive opportunities at the right price point. A few of the exciting options include:

NIST MEP has finalized cooperative agreements to create new MEP Centers in Arizona and Rhode Island. NIST is awarding $1 million to the Arizona Commerce Authority and $750,000 to the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation to serve small- and mid-sized manufacturers in their states. Read the release...