SSTI Digest

As an SSTI conference sponsor, you have the chance to showcase your organization with the decision makers responsible for crafting and implementing local and state-level policies and programs that directly contribute to the nation's competitiveness. Today's marketplace is about belonging and staying connected. No other event brings together so many of the nation's top players in the TBED community.

SSTI believes conference sponsors deserve to stand out to attendees, so exhibits are placed prominently in a highly visible location. Only a select group of sponsors and host partners are provided with the opportunity to exhibit to avoid that trade show feel.

The conference draws on average more than 300 representatives from 39 states and 190 organizations.

As a conference sponsor you gain:

Now in its fifth year, SSTI's Excellence in TBED awards program has recognized 20 of the most effective, innovative and transferable initiatives for growing tech-based economies from across the country.

This year, six new programs will be crowned winners of this prestigious award, held as models of best practice worthy of emulation. Join your friends and colleagues for a special ceremony celebrating this outstanding achievement following our keynote speaker on Nov. 8. Our first ever recipient of the "Most Promising TBED Initiative" also will be announced.

Gain information and advice most fitting for your needs directly from the award winners during a dedicated breakout session later in the conference. Learn more...

Excellence in TBED Award Winners 2007-2010

Expanding the Research Capacity
Maine Technology Asset Fund (2010)
James & Esther King Biomedical Research Program (2009)
Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholars® Program (2007)

You've registered for the conference; booked your travel and hotel; made sure your iPod is charged... but have you told your friends and colleagues you'll be attending SSTI's biggest event of the year?

Don't forget to RSVP and look for updates on our social media sites.

Twitter: @ssti_org or #ssti2011
Facebook: ssti.org
LinkedIn: SSTI Annual Conference

This year SSTI is linking with the Ohio Early Stage Summit to offer the unique opportunity for attendees to maximize their time by attending two conferences, three receptions and endless networking opportunities in just three short days and all in the same location.

The Ohio Early Stage Summit provides an inside look at the growing ecosystem of technology companies and venture capital resources in the state. The Summit will include presentations by emerging high-potential Ohio companies seeking venture capital, an overview of Ohio venture capital and will showcase various elements of Ohio's growing entrepreneurial network. The Summit offers many opportunities to network with entrepreneurs, investors and economic development practitioners while highlighting the many reasons Ohio is a perfect place to launch and grow a technology or healthcare-based business.

The summit is sponsored by the Ohio Capital Fund and the Ohio Third Frontier Program, two critical components that are catalysts for early stage company formation and early stage as well as growth stage capital in the state.

Renée Winsky, chief executive officer of the Technology Council of Maryland (TCM), has been elected to the board of trustees of SSTI. Prior to joining TCM in 2009, Winsky served as the president and executive director of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation. An SSTI member since 1999, Winsky has been a speaker at SSTI conferences and accepted the 2008 Excellence in TBED award for Commercializing Research Category on behalf of the Maryland Technology Transfer Fund. She previously held positions at the Information Technology Association of America, the National League of Cities and its affiliate, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.

A list of current SSTI board members can be found here.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the 20 winners of the $37 million Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge. The multi-agency competition will support cluster-based, regional initiatives to spur job creation and economic growth. Descriptions of all 20 winning projects are available on the EDA site. Read the announcement...

President Obama last week announced several initiatives aimed at spurring technology commercialization following the signing of the America Invents Act, including two new programs to assist biomedical entrepreneurs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The administration also will develop a national plan focused on reforms to speed commercialization and open new markets. A blueprint outlining those efforts is due in January. Following is an overview of new and existing programs focused on accelerating commercialization:

The Association of American Universities (AAU) will undertake a five-year initiative to assess and improve the quality of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning focused on the first two years of college. Specifically, the group will create a demonstration program at a subset of AAU universities to implement its framework and develop tools to survey and assess the quality of teaching, the extent to which effective teaching methods are being used, and the effects of improved teaching on retention of STEM majors and completion of STEM degrees. The group plans to work with federal agencies, individual universities and the business community. Read the announcement...

SSTI is thrilled to announce that Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee will be the Keynote Speaker. Dr. Gee has held more university presidencies than any other American. He is the co-author of eight books and the author of numerous papers and articles on law and education. He is both an insightful and entertaining speaker that you won't want to miss. Be sure to register for the conference today!

The Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC) announced Innovation in Milwaukee (MiKE) — a new $500,000 initiative designed to align southeastern Wisconsin's global and advanced manufacturers with the region's design, technology and innovation companies. MiKE will be built around three core elements:

Startup America, the nationwide, White House-endorsed entrepreneurship initiative, officially began operations last week. Young companies may now register to receive support services from more than 25 private partners. Offerings include free and discounted software packages, professional network memberships and market data. Visit the site...

The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) released International Benchmarking of Countries' Policies and Programs Supporting SME Manufacturers — a new report that identifies and analyzes manufacturing support programs and practices for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been implemented in ten foreign countries (i.e., Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom), in addition to those of the United States. The authors, Stephen Ezell and Robert D. Atkinson Ph.D., provide a cross-national comparison of countries' SME manufacturing support programs and pratices across five categories: