SSTI Digest

Over the last few months, three states have announced new strategies to encourage regional tech-based economic development. Several states have experimented with how best to support or encourage regional TBED in the past, resulting in both successes and failures. In some cases, state sought partnerships at the local level in the creation of new programs while other states took a more hands off approach, such as providing seed funding to create regional technology councils.   In Massachusetts, the John Adams Innovation Institute released its first grant solicitation inviting government and nonprofit organizations to develop projects that advance opportunities for the development, retention and growth of local cluster employment in tech-related sectors. Through its Project Award Program, the Institute offers two rounds of funding per year, with one-time grants ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. The $4 million program falls under the Innovation Institute Fund, a $15 million fund that supports regional TBED initiatives throughout the state.   In announcing the new initiative, the Institute notes, “Applicants must demonstrate…

Complete descriptions of the position openings described below are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm. The Life Sciences Discovery Fund (LSDF) Authority was created by the Washington State legislature to promote economic vitality in the State of Washington by fostering innovative scientific research designed to improve the health of the state’s citizens. In support of this mission, the LSDF is seeking a senior program officer to manage its grantmaking portfolios. He or she will be required to structure and maintain relationships with LSDF applicants, grantees and peer reviewers; establish and maintain effective, collegial relationships with applicant scientists and their institutions; travel within Washington State to familiarize applicants with LSDF granting programs and requests for proposals; and perform other responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have a master's degree in a life science or related area and at least eight years of life science research experience. A Ph.D. is highly desired. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) seeks an experienced technology transfer practitioner to direct…

State lottery would be leased to private company to finance fund, scholarships Two initiatives recently proposed by Gov. Mitch Daniels would keep graduating college students in-state and lure world-class researchers to Indiana's public universities. However, a lottery lease plan that would, in part, finance the initiatives may be more the center of attention with Indiana legislators. The initiatives: (1) a forgivable loan of up to $20,000 for students who attend four-year colleges or universities in Indiana and stay in the state for three years, else repay the loans, and (2) a fund that would create endowments to cover salary and start-up costs to draw the aforementioned researchers and scholars from outside of Indiana. The financing: Lease the Hoosier Lottery for a fixed term to a contractor that would operate the lottery and continue an annual payment of $200 million to the state. The state would then license and regulate the operator, which would provide an up-front payment to support the education initiatives, and possibly receive an ongoing percentage of the operator's revenue that is above a certain…

Complete descriptions of the position openings described below are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm. Griffin Analytical Technologies, LLC, a producer of premium chemical detection systems, is seeking a research specialist. Griffin serves U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security applications, environmental health and safety monitoring, and research and teaching laboratories. The research specialist will assist the science team with R&D efforts related to Griffin's products and will be responsible for exploring new applications for Griffin's technology. A Master of Science degree is preferred; however, a Bachelor of Science degree accompanied by five or more years of experience will be considered. Applicants also should have two or more years of applicable experience in mass spectrometer operation and development. The Penn State Industrial Research Office is seeking a senior technical specialist to facilitate long-term relationships with industry and government and enhance the university's potential for contract research and technology transfer. This person must maintain a thorough understanding of…

The two position opportunities described below were recently posted on the SSTI Job Corner. More information, including complete details on responsibilities, qualifications and application deadlines (when available), is available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm. Purdue University seeks an individual with vision and demonstrated leadership skills to serve as the Avrum and Joyce Gray Director of Purdue University's Burton D. Morgan Center of Entrepreneurship (BDMCE). The mission of the BDMCE is to facilitate the commercialization of promising Purdue University and Discovery Park intellectual property and technology, to involve and familiarize Purdue undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students with all aspects of entrepreneurship, and to enhance entrepreneurial activities throughout the state of Indiana. The director should hold a doctorate degree, and/or an MBA or its equivalent, and must have demonstrated success in entrepreneurial activities. The Rosen Center for Advanced Computing (RCAC), a research computing center at Purdue University, seeks a managing director to lead the daily computing activities of RCAC,…

Nathan Feltman was named Secretary of Commerce and president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC). Feltman, the organization's executive vice president and general counsel, replaces outgoing IEDC President Mickey Maurer.

Indiana Economic Development Corp. President Mickey Maurer will resign at the end of 2006, fulfilling his pledge to Gov. Mitch Daniels to serve two years.

Griffin Analytical Technologies, LLC, a producer of premium chemical detection systems, is seeking a director of laboratory operations and applications development. Griffin serves U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security applications, environmental health and safety monitoring, and research and teaching laboratories. The director will manage the workflow of Griffins labs, manage a staff of five, support research programs, and support sales and marketing efforts. A Ph.D. degree is preferred. Applicants also should have experience in mass spectrometry, seven or more years of related laboratory work, and at least three years of laboratory management experience. More information on this opportunity is available through the SSTI Job Corner at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.

Purdue University has hired Mark Smith as its new Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development project administrator.

Griffin Analytical Technologies, a producer of premium chemical detection systems, is seeking a proposal coordinator to generate research proposals in response to federal and state funding solicitations. Griffin serves U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security applications, environmental health and safety monitoring, and research and teaching laboratories. The proposal coordinator will work with Griffin's R&D and management teams and will report directly to the companys vice president of research and development. Applicants should have a Master of Science or Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline, or a bachelor's degree with five or more years of applicable proposal writing experience. More information on this opportunity is available through the SSTI Job Corner at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.

With assets totalling more than $15 billion, the Indiana Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF) has decided to place $100 million into higher-risk equity placements through its first Indiana Investment Fund. The fund will exclusively target venture capital deals within Indiana, according to the PERF news release. Like pension funds in many states, PERF has a requirement to place a certain percentage of its assets in private equity. The PERF goal is 5 percent and includes real estate deals as well. The new fund will help, as only one-half percent of PERF assets presently are invested in a manner to meet the requirement. The Indiana Investment Fund I will be managed by Credit Suisse, which is chipping in $5 million to raise the total available for placement to $100 million. Indiana business investment opportunities in the $1 million to $15 million range will be targeted. PERF's traditional investment decisions, for comparison, are typically in the $50 million to $100 million range. Indiana Investment Fund's launch more than doubles the amount of investment capital specifically targeted at Indiana ventures. Also, managed by…

The Purdue Center for Regional Development has appointed Ed Morrison to the position of economic policy advisor.