France Biotech Reports a 79% Fall in Equity Investments in French Biotech Companies in 2008 and Asks the Government to Implement a Stimulus Plan for Young, Innovative Companies
Missouri, Ohio and Texas Governors Seek Increased Support for TBED Efforts
Not all of the news coming out of governors' offices is bad for TBED strategies. For example, just in the past week, governors in Missouri, Ohio and Texas proposed increases in state investments for job creation in emerging fields, higher education scholarships, and technology commercialization and research programs. The following overview provides highlights of their recommendations for TBED proposals in the upcoming fiscal year or biennium.
Tech Talkin' Govs, Part V
The fifth installment of the Tech Talkin' Govs series includes highlights from state of the state, budget and inaugural addresses from governors in Alabama, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Utah.
U.S. Economic Troubles Lead to Drop in 2008 Venture Capital Activity
Geographic Concentration Continues as California Share Grows, SSTI's VC Dashboard Shows
State Legislatures Shift Right, Sweeping Proposals Expected
Legislative control will shift from Democratic to Republican majority in eleven states and Republicans now control the legislature and governor's office of 20 states, up from nine, after adding more than 675 seats in last week's midterm elections, reports the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The GOP gained control in one or both chambers in the following states: Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Funding Higher Ed in the Post Recession Era: CO, TX and VA Offer Recommendations
With the end of federal stimulus funding for higher education on the horizon, states are considering proposals to retool current funding formulas for colleges and universities and looking to alternative funding sources to sustain their programs and services in the coming years. Ahead of the 2011 legislative session, groups commissioned by governors in Colorado and Virginia recommended a voter-approved tax and more stable funding streams from the state, respectively.
Seed Stage Angel Capital Becoming Scarce
Angel investors continue to move their focus from seed stage startups to later stage deals, according to recent analysis by the University of New Hampshire's Center for Venture Research. During the first half of 2010, 26 percent of angel capital was invested in seed and startup stage companies, down from 35 percent in 2009 and 45 percent in 2008. Meanwhile, overall angel funding fell to $8.5 billion, a 6.5 percent decrease from the first half of 2009.
Solar Jobs Could Grow by 26 Percent, Solar Census Shows
U.S. jobs in solar energy could increase by 26 percent by this time next year, according to the first nationwide solar census from The Solar Foundation. The census estimates that there are currently 93, 000 solar workers in the U.S., and 50 percent of solar firms plan to add jobs in the next 12 months. Solar workers are defined as employees who spend more than 50 percent of their time supporting solar activities. Read the census at: http://www.thesolarfoundation.org.
Useful Stats: Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project Grants and Credits by State, FY 2009-10
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the list of projects approved for Qualifying Therapeutic Discover Project grants and credits. Introduced in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed earlier this year, the program supports projects that show a reasonable potential to create new therapies, lower health care costs or advance the cause of curing cancer within the next 30 years. The credit or grant covers up to 50 percent of the cost of qualifying biomedical research at firms with no more than 250 employees.
TBED People
The Tennessee Biotechnology Association has changed their name to Life Science Tennessee.
Ann Arbor SPARK recently added Bill Mayer as director of their business accelerator team.
Budget Proposals Produce Mixed Bag for TBED Programs
As governors across the nation seek to fill record deficits, many new and longstanding TBED initiatives are facing challenging cuts or elimination. At the same time, governors are shoring up support for critical, targeted investments in the economy that they say are needed now more than ever.
Maryland Budget Proposal Increases Support for State's Bio 2020 Initiative
In support of the state's goal to attract and grow biotechnology companies, Gov.
Tax Proposals Fail to Garner Much Support in Statewide Proposals
Voters disapproved of several tax-cutting measures appearing on statewide ballots across the nation — a good sign for states facing huge budget deficits. A proposal to roll back the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent failed to garner support in Massachusetts, saving the state's projected deficit from doubling in the next year, according to Stateline.org. Colorado voters also rejected tax-cutting measures, including an amendment to prohibit the state from borrowing.
Job Corner
The Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is seeking a new president who will play a leading role in developing strategy for modernizing Oklahoma's industrial base. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership skills, demonstrated administrative ability, entrepreneurial management skills, organizational awareness, political sensitivity, and the ability to establish rapport with numerous constituencies.
Tech Talkin' Govs, Part III
Kansas Gov Puts TBED Programs in Jeopardy with Budget Request
S&T Figures Prominently In Federal Recovery Plans
ITIF Provides Insight Into Stimulus' Potential Impact on High-Tech Employment
Tech Talkin' Govs, Part II
Governor's Budget Eliminates Indiana's $20M Life Sciences Fund
A Matter of Scale: Florida Governor Outlines "Small" Business Stimulus Package
Facing a $2.3 billion deficit in FY 2010, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has proposed a new financing program to promote small business growth through the current financial crisis. Calling it an Economic Stimulus Plan, the governors.'s proposal will target small Florida-based companies with high-growth potential through direct loans and other support services.
Six Themes That Make Next Week's SSTI Conference a "Can't Miss"
What are the steps in building a successful regional alliance?
How can my region benefit from the Obama administration's vision for innovation?
Where should I look for funding now with state budgets so tight?