Special offer to FPC members for Lasers & PhotonicsMarketplace Seminar at Photonics West

To All Florida Photonics Cluster Members:

Mr. Steve Anderson, Assoc. Publisher and Editorial Director of Laser Focus World, has graciously extended a special offer to members of the Florida, Arizona, and New York photonics clusters. The offer is an extension to January 5 of the "early bird" discount rate $300 discount) for the Pennwell "Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar" on Monday, 26 January at Photonics West. Full information is in the note below from Steve.

If any of your employees will be attending Photonics West, this seminar is an excellent opportunity to get some informed insights into the market and its outlook from an excellent array of seminar speakers. And the discount is a very attractive one.

Jim Pearson
FPC Executive Director

Hi Jim

Good to hear from you. Per your suggestion, Laser Focus World will extend the early bird discount rate of $995 for Big 3 cluster members only until Jan 5.

However, note that our online registration system will not accommodate such “specials” so your members will have to use the attached form (which can also be downloaded from the seminar website) and fax it to the number provided on the form.

They should clearly mark the form as “Cluster Member” to obtain the discounted rate.
The seminar website address is www.marketplaceseminar.com and contains the full program with other details. Also it’s my understanding that there are only a few rooms left available at the Fairmont Hotel so your members should book sooner rather than later.

Best regards

Steve

PRESS RELEASE: Ocean Optics Acquires Oerlikon Optics USA Operation

Ocean Optics Acquires Oerlikon Optics USA OperationAgreement is reached on the thin film supplier’s North American operation in Golden, Colorado Dunedin, Florida (December 1, 2008) – Optical sensing pioneer Ocean Optics, Inc. has acquired the Oerlikon Optics business unit in Golden, Colo. Under terms of the agreement, Oerlikon will be fully integrated into Ocean Optics’ Thin Films Division.

Oerlikon Optics USA is a supplier of custom optical components and subassemblies. Its Golden, Colo., operation, including plant assets and customer and supplier relationships, will be transferred to Ocean Optics and become part of the latter’s Thin Films Division.
“Oerlikon has a rich tradition of excellence in both design and manufacturing arts in the optics and thin films industry,“ said Phi Buchsbaum, Vice President of the Thin Films Division of Ocean Optics. “The additional expertise and manufacturing capacity the acquisition provides are the perfect complement to Ocean Optics’ unique optical thin films processes. Our combined resources will result in a new generation of quality, innovative optical and thin film products benefiting an array of industries.”

Ocean Optics (www.OceanOptics.com) is creator of the world’s first miniature fiber optic spectrometer and a leading supplier of solutions for optical sensing – fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter. With locations in North America, Europe and Asia, the company has sold more than 120,000 spectrometers worldwide since 1992. Ocean Optics’ extensive line of complementary technologies includes chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers, thin films and optics. The company is a subsidiary of Halma p.l.c., an international market leader in safety, health and sensor technology.
The Ocean Optics Thin Films Division designs and manufactures patented dichroic filters for entertainment, architectural and display products, as well as precision optics and coatings for scientific applications, defense and metrology. The division has nearly 70 employees, including 10 scientists and engineers. Located in a recently expanded 30,000-square-foot facility in Largo, Florida, the group utilizes advanced lithography equipment and vacuum deposition systems to provide optimal patterned solutions for both established and prototype optical systems. The management team is expert in lithography and optical coating, with extensive experience in avionics, fire control, and spectral sensing projects.

More information is available at www.oceanoptics.com, by calling the Thin Films Division of Ocean Optics at +1 727.545.0741 or by e-mailing OTFinfo@oceanoptics.com.

NIST Technology Innovation Program (TIP) Call for White Papers

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Technology Innovation Program (TIP) is seeking white papers to fulfill its mission "to support, promote, and accelerate innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward research in areas of critical national need."

TIP is seeking white papers to help shape the Program's collaborative outreach and competitions in the future. TIP is interested in receiving white papers from anyone including academia; Federal, State, and local governments; industry; and professional organizations/societies.
In this call for white papers, TIP is seeking information in all areas of critical national need, but also seeks information to assist TIP in further defining several topic areas under development. White papers may discuss any area of critical national need of interest to the submitter, or may address any of the following topic areas: civil infrastructure, complex networks and complex systems, energy, ensuring future water supply, manufacturing, nanomaterials/nanotechnology, personalized medicine, and sustainable chemistry.

Please see the Federal Register Notice at http://www.nist.gov/tip/frn_seeking_whitepapers.pdf for further details.

These white papers, along with the vision of the Administration, NIST, other government agencies, the technical communities, and other stakeholders, will be incorporated into the TIP competition selection process for the purpose of understanding the significance and scope needed to adequately address areas of critical national need and associated societal challenges.
For detailed instructions on how to prepare and submit white papers please refer to "A Guide for Preparing and Submitting White Papers on Areas of Critical National Need," available at http://www.nist.gov/tip/guide_for_white_papers.pdf

The deadlines for submission of white papers to TIP are January 15, March 9, May 11, and July 13, 2009.

University of Central Florida Spring 2009 Career Expo andInternship Fair

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Offices of Career Services and Experiential Learning are pleased to invite you to recruit on our campus through the Spring 2009 Career Expo, Internship Fair and On-Campus Recruiting program. These offices help UCF students plan their careers; enhance learning through co-op, internship, and service-learning opportunities; and obtain employment. Additionally, we help employers and community partners access talented people to meet their workforce needs.

The Spring 2009 Career Expo will be held on January 27, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the New UCF Arena. This career fair typically attracts over 200 employers and over 1,500 students and alumni seeking full-time, professional positions.
The Spring 2009 Internship Fair will be held on January 28 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the UCF Student Union Pegasus Ballroom. You may register for the Spring 2009 Career Expo and/or the Internship Fair by following the online event registration instructions below.
Registration Deadlines for the Internship Fair and Career Expo Early Registration Deadline: January 9, 2009 Regular Registration Deadline: January 16, 2009

Career Expo Registration Fees
Early Registration: $550.00 per table
Regular Registration: $600.00 per table
Internship Fair Registration Fees
Early Registration: $150.00 per table
Regular Registration: $200.00 per table

New Registration & Payment Policy

Credit cards will be processed within five business days. The early registration payment deadline is January 9, 2009. Failure to provide payment by this date will cause those with unpaid balances to be dropped from the event list. At that time, the regular registration fee will be due in order to participate. Registrations made after January 16, 2009, will be required to pay the regular registration fee due immediately at the time of registration.
Space is limited and table assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, a maximum of five representatives (for Expo) and three representatives (Internship Fair) may staff each table. Registration for these events will close on January 16, 2009, or when the event is sold out, whichever occurs first. To ensure your participation and inclusion in all related publicity, please submit your online registration as soon as possible. Please note that your registration will not be confirmed until payment is received. After January 16, 2009 payment is required at the time of registration. Changes to your registration must be submitted in writing to egould@mail.ucf.edu no later than January 16, 2009. No changes will be made after this date.

To reserve your space, please complete your online registration.
Online Event Registration Instructions for employers with an existing KnightLink account

• Go to http://www.career.ucf.edu/
• On the right side of the home page, under Career Services Spotlight, click on the event you would like to register for
• Click on "Click Here to Register" under employer
• Login to KnightLink using your existing username and password (sign-in tab at the top of the page)
• Click on the Spring 2009 Career Expo or Spring 2009 Internship Fair Registration link
• Complete the registration form and submit
Online Event Registration Instructions for employers without a KnightLink account
• Go to http://www.career.ucf.edu/
• On the right side of the home page, under Career Services Spotlight, click on the event you would like to register for
• Click on "Click Here to Register" under employer
• To create a KnightLink account, click on "Register" tab at the top of the page
• Complete company information (be sure to select career fair in the services requested section)
• After your information is submitted, you will receive your system generated username and password within 24 hours
• Once this information is received, you must log back into http://www.career.ucf.edu/ and follow the above event registration instructions for employers with an existing KnightLink account to register for Spring 2009 Career Expo or Spring 2009 Internship Fair.

We look forward to having your organization participate in the Spring 2009 Events. We will do our best to ensure that your visit will be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. To schedule on-campus interviews to follow-up with UCF candidates for full-time employment, log into your KnightLink account and select "Request a Schedule" under On-Campus Recruiting (OCR) or call (407) 823-2361. To schedule follow-up interviews for internships, please contact the Office of Experiential Learning at 407-823-2667.

Sincerely,

Earnestine Gould Jackson, Events Manager Career Services

Sale of Inventory of Optoelectronic Equipment

OPIN have been approached by Continuun Technologies (an asset management company) who has recently obtained a huge inventory of optoelectronic equipment. As a service to you, they have agreed to disseminate the information below so that you may ascertain for yourselves if you are interested in purchasing some of the assets they have in their possession. Continuun Technologies is endeavoring to offer pricing far below what can be obtained from other suppliers, and they can supply pictures and data sheets for most of the material upon request at any time.

They also have a vast amount of materials that are yet to be inventoried, along with a fair supply of used testing equipment, stages (newport), terminal blocks, various polishing equipment, DFB Lasermodules and optical filters. They have provided us with lists of optoelectronic equipment and electronic components they have in inventory, and the Excel spreadsheets are attached to this e-mail. Almost all materials are reportedly brand new and in their original packaging.

Additionally, they have almost 5,000 units of the following in stock: KYOCERA CORP 3322 916 2831-5 BTF 25 OHM 5.5MM FA 30 MICRONS SPECThe contact information for Continuum Technologies is as follows:

Tom Potts
Account Manager
Continuum Technologies
Ottawa, ON Phone: 613-253-9888
Fax: 613-253-3386Email: tom.potts@continuumtech.ca
Website http://www.continuumtech.ca <http://www.continuumtech.ca/>
Messenger tom.potts@continuumtech.ca

If you have any questions regarding any of the materials listed in the attached spreadsheets, please contact Tom Potts directly.

Please note: OPIN is not endorsing any of the materials or making any guarantees of quality, as they are simply relaying the information to you. Please use your best judgment as to the value of the materials listed. If you have any questions about OPIN, or wish to join as a member, they will be happy to hear from you at the coordinates below.

Ontario Photonics Industry Network
2625 Queensview Drive, Suite 200
Ottawa, ON K2B 8K2
Phone: 613-828-6274, ext. 272
E-mail: <mailto:Joseph@ontariophpotonics.com> Joseph@ontariophotonics.com
Website: www.ontariophotonics.com <http://www.ontariophotonics.com/>

Florida Small Businesses and Universities Win NASA SBIR, STTR Contracts (Source: NASA/FLORIDA SPACErePORT)

NASA has awarded contracts for 382 "Phase-One" Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) projects that address critical research and technology needs for the agency. Fifteen of the projects include Florida companies or universities (eight companies and two universities).

Florida SBIR companies/projects include: Prioria, Inc. of Gainesville for Multi-Platform Sensor Surveillance Network for Range Control; Zyberwear, Inc. of Ocoee for Multi-layer Far-Infrared Component Technology; United Materials and Systems of Orlando for Low Cost Light Weight Polymer Derived Ceramic Telescope Mirror; Eclipse Energy Systems of St. Petersburg for Thermal Control Nano-Sat; Sol-gel Solutions of Gainesville for Photocatalytic and Adsorptive System for Odor Control in Lunar Surface Systems Using Silica-Titania Composites; and Aeronix of Melbourne for Radiation Tolerant 802.16 Wireless Network.

Among the STTR universities and companies are: University of Florida (with Alabama's cFD Research Corp.) for High-Fidelity Gas and Granular Flow Physics Models for Rocket Exhaust Interaction with Lunar Soil; Keystone Synergistic Enterprises of Port St. Lucie (with Mississippi State University) for Thermal Stir Welding of High Strength and High Temperature Alloys for Aerospace Applications; Streamline Numerics of Gainesville (with Mississippi State University) for Advanced Simulation Framework for Design and Analysis of Space Propulsion Systems; University of Central Florida (with Maryland's Intelligent Automation Inc.) for HPC Benchmark Suite NMx; University of Florida (with Massachusetts' Aerodyne Research Inc.) for Non-Dispersive Atomic Absorption System for Engine Health Monitoring; University of Florida (with New Jersey's NEI Corp.) for High Capacity and High Voltage Composite Oxide Cathode for Li-ion Batteries; and University of Florida (with Pennsylvania's Combustion Research and Flow Technology) for Integrated Component and System Analyses of Instabilities in Test Stands. (11/24)

Randy Berridge Recognized by TechJournal South

Local Tech Partnership Leader Earns Repeat Regional Recognition
FHTCC President Randy Berridge Named for Second Straight Year as One of
TechJournal South’s ‘25 Most Influential People in Southeast Tech’

HEATHROW, Fla. (Nov. 24, 2008) – For the second straight year, Orlando’s Randy Berridge, president of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC), has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the technology and entrepreneurial industry in the Southeastern United States, according to TechJournal South’s “25 of the Most Influential People in Southeast Technology Community.”

“This continued recognition illustrates that people across the Southeast recognize and appreciate the tremendous role that Randy Berridge and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council have played in helping to cultivate the growth of technology industry clusters across Florida’s High Tech Corridor,” said Bill McDermott, economic development director for Seminole County and chairman of the Corridor Council’s marketing committee.

Berridge was nominated by venture capitalists, tech organizations and entrepreneurs to become part of the Southeast’s top 25.

Based in Heathrow, Fla., Berridge and the Council have spent the last dozen years working to attract, retain and grow high tech industry and the workforce that supports it in the heart of Florida. Since Berridge took the lead of the organization at its formation in 1996, he has helped develop an extremely successful Matching Grants Research Program that connects companies with funding for research as well as the expertise of university faculty and students.

Over the last 12 years, the Council has partnered with more than 300 companies on 924 research projects in sectors ranging from Agritechnology to Sustainable Energy. The nearly $50 million in funds that have been invested by the Council have been matched by corporate cash and in-kind investments of more than $130 million, generating an additional $457 million in quantifiable downstream impacts, resulting in a return of $587 million and a total project value of nearly $635 million.

The entire list of the TechJournal South Top 25 is featured in the current edition of the magazine, which can be downloaded from the publication’s Web site at http://www.techjournalsouth.com/.

About FHTCC

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) is an economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF). The mission of FHTCC is to attract, retain and grow high tech industry and the workforce to support it within the 23-county Corridor.

A partnership involving more than 20 local and regional economic development organizations (EDOs) and 14 community colleges, the Council is co-chaired by the presidents of UCF, USF and UF. The Council includes the presidents of two of the community colleges, the president of Florida Institute of Technology and representatives of high tech industry.

The unique partnership has resulted in a strategic approach to high tech economic development that involves matching funds research, workforce development and a marketing program leveraging governmental, EDO and corporate budgets on a regional rather than local basis.

For more information, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/.

DARPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

DARPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is designed to provide small, high-tech businesses and academic institutions the opportunity to propose radical, innovative, high-risk approaches to address existing and emerging national security threats; thereby supporting DARPA's overall strategy to bridge the gap between fundamental discoveries and the provision of new military capabilities. Visit http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/solicitations/sbir091/darpa091.htm

Courtesey: ERAU Grant Opportunities Update

Attention FPC Members: Photonics Cluster Survey Closing!

You should recently have received a letter requesting your participationin an important survey effort being undertaken by the Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC).

Your input is very valuable to us, and we hope you will take the time to complete the short survey at http://fpcsurvey.com and to share this email with other Florida photonics, lasers, and optics organizations that you know.Participants will be entered into a drawing to receive an AT&T giftcertificate for an iPhone, a one-year industrial affiliate membership to the UCF CREOL, and a one year membership to the Florida Photonics Cluster association. If you choose, you will also be entered into a statewide directory of photonics companies, researchers and professionals, and will be able to download a free copy of the completed industry cluster report.

The survey can be completed by November 12 at: http://fpcsurvey.com/

Precision Optics Technician Skill Standard Review Invitation

Dear Colleague,

I am writing to you as a representative of an optics and photonics industry cluster to ask for your support in an effort to develop skills standards for Precision Optics Technicians (POTs).

We define Precision Optics Technicians as:

“Specialists in the technical field of optical component fabrication where required surface tolerances are of the order of 1/16th wavelength (38 nanometers) and positional tolerances are 10 wavelengths (6350 nanometers). They work in optical shops for optics manufacturers, and in quality control (incoming inspection) departments for organizations that incorporate precision optics into various systems.”

Based upon preliminary research, there is a strong demand for these highly skilled technicians but scarcely any capability in our nation’s colleges for preparing them.

The National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OP-TEC) has received a supplemental grant from the National Science Foundation to explore the need and feasibility for a national multi-year project to initiate college programs to educate and train POTs. As part of this study, OP-TEC has developed a draft set of skill standards to help define what workers in this field should know and be able to do on the job.

These draft standards now need to be reviewed by employers who have POTs working for them. To expedite this review OP-TEC has developed on its website a questionnaire type of survey. This survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed at www.op-tec.org. Once on the website, click on the “Review POT Skill Standards” link on the top right side of the home page to enter the survey.

We need your assistance in this review effort. If you know employers who have POTs working for them, please forward this e-mail and encourage them to complete the survey before December 1, 2008.

Please direct any questions on these standards to Dan Hull hull@cord.org or John Souders souders@cord.org.

Thank you, in advance, for lending your expertise in developing the standards that will form a foundation for developing education and training programs designed to meet the skilled technician needs of the U.S. optics industry!

"Excellence in Entrepreneurship Certificate Course"

The UCF Incubation Program and UCF Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation announce the next offering of the
"Excellence in Entrepreneurship Certificate Course"

This dynamic, intense short course explores the realities of planning and starting a company and helps you learn how to successfully develop and launch a business.

aught by experienced entrepreneurs, professional service providers and entrepreneurship faculty from the University of Central Florida, the course will help you clarify your business concept and walk you through the steps of planning and starting a business. The course will introduce you to resources and advisors that provide invaluable support in laying the foundation for a successful company. Below are comments from some of the participants in our last class:

"This course has been extremely helpful and beneficial. I really appreciate how 'the good, the bad and the ugly' were presented and the wealth of resources in Central Florida I learned about."

"We've had an amazing restructuring due to what we learned in class and are experiencing an increase in business."

"The class really helped to crystallize what I was doing, how to do it better and who
I am doing it for. Thanks!"

"I'm better prepared to build a quality team and I'm excited about the marketing ideas
I learned. The course is an outstanding value!"

The course begins Tuesday, January 20, 2009 and concludes Tuesday, February 10, 2009. Classes will be held from 6-9pm at the Disney Entrepreneur Center facility located on 315 E. Robinson Street, Suite 100, Orlando FL., 32801.

The course fee is $400 for the first participant from a company and $200 for each additional participant from the same company.

• Class Schedule
  
  Tuesday, January 20, 2009
  Session 1 - Developing Successful Business Ideas
  Is your business concept an idea or truly an opportunity? Learn how to tell the difference. Learn how to analyze the opportunity to develop an effective business model.
  
  Thursday, January 22, 2009
  Session 2 - Building a Strong Business Team
  The product or service you will offer is important. Even more important is the team you build - management, employees, Board, investors, service providers. Learn how to build the best team possible to drive the success of your new venture.
  
  Tuesday, January 27, 2009
  Session 3 - Proper Legal and Ethical Foundations
  Many decisions are involved in establishing a new venture. Learn what the legal options are. Explore how to establish high standards of business ethics.
  
  Thursday, January 29, 2009
  Session 4 - Marketing Strategies and Effective Sales
  No matter how beneficial your product or service is, if you don't know who the customer is and tell the message in an effective way to get their attention, you won't have sales.
  
  Tuesday, February 3, 2009
  Session 5 - Funding and Financing
  You've analyzed the opportunity and begun to build a team to drive success. You've written a great business plan. How do you secure the financial resources to make it all happen?
  
  Thursday, February 5, 2009
  Session 6 - Entrepreneurial Insights
  A panel of experienced entrepreneurs will share their insights "from the trenches". What have they learned? What would they do differently? What is their advice to you?
  
  Monday, February 9, 2009 and Tuesday, February 10, 2009
  Session 7 - Business Presentations
  You will have the opportunity to make a presentation to a group of experienced entrepreneurs and get feedback about your business, market and financial opportunities
  

Register by January 13, 2009!

ENROLLMENT FOR EACH COURSE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 20 REGISTRATIONS.

Please contact us at (407) 882-2296 or email Melissa Wasserman (mwasserm@mail.ucf.edu). For more information on the UCF Incubation Program visit: www.incubator.ucf.edu

I2V: University of Central Florida 2008

It's Not Too Late to Register for:

I2V: University of Central Florida 2008

Date: Friday, November 14, 2008

Time: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Location: UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center, Orlando, FL

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Dean Monaco, serial entrepreneur & UCF alumnus

Got an idea for a technology venture?

I2V: Central Florida 2008 is a fast-paced day of practical information and networking opportunities that can help take your ideas to commercialization. The workshop will consist of seven critical-to-success sessions led by real-world entrepreneurial speakers, practitioners, and panelists. Session topics include:

* Is Technology Entrepreneurship for You?

* Idea Validation and Opportunity Assessment

* Marketing and Sales for Early-Stage Companies

* Issues in Intellectual Property Licensing* Building the Team

* The Perfect Business Plan, Slide Show, & Elevator Speech

* Finding the Money

Invention to Venture workshops are held in cooperation with the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA).

Who Should Attend

Aspiring technological entrepreneurs, including students, faculty, researchers, and community members; and business and investor community people seeking connections to new technology opportunities.

Fees

• Students $13
• Faculty, Staff, Alumni $30
• All Others $40
  

What You Will Learn

How to take ideas to commercialization and how to make valuable networking connections.Your future business partner or investor may be sitting beside to you!

Sponsors

UCF Alumni Association, Myers & Kaplan Intellectual Property Law, Sweet!

For more information or to register go to: I2V:Central Florida 2008

TRDA: ROADMAP TO SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

Technological Research and Development Authority Business Innovation Center

ROADMAP TO SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES -- FINAL PRESENTATIONS

November 12, 2008 - 6:00 p.m.

The Fall 2008 class of TRDA emerging companies will present their key strategies for growth and profitability on November 12th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in high-tech business development, you will want to hear the presentations of these talented entrepreneurs!

To RSVP or for more information, 321-872-1050 x107 or email Bonnie O'Regan, Incubator Manager

PRESENTING COMPANIES

• Accuputt International, Inc. - Golf putt training device


• Aerospace Technologies, Inc. - "Priceline" for launch vehicle payloads


• FishBid.com- On-line wholesale seafood auctionKunal Mitra - Optical biopsy for cancer detection


• Moving Target, Inc. - Internet TV program content production


• OEMS, LLC - Manufacturing outsource consulting


• Sigarca, Inc. - Bioenergy and fertilizer products from animal waste


• Syed Murshid - Optical fiber modulation capacity retrofit


• Telemedicine and Telehealth Technologies - Telemedicine system integrator

Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA)
1050 West NASA Boulevard
Melbourne, Florida 32901321-872-1050

Florida Photonics Cluster and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council Research Study: Optics and Photonics in Florida

We are asking your participation in a landmark survey effort.  For the first time, we are documenting the full extent of optics and photonics activity across the entire state of Florida.  Our 1999 research study helped to attract funding for the UCF Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) and photonics technician degree programs, and economic development and marketing support for the photonics industry. Your participation will help the photonics cluster grow even stronger through the next decade.

If you complete the 15 minute survey at the following link, you will be entered into a drawing to receive an iPhone, a one-year industrial affiliate membership to the UCF CREOL, and a one year membership to the Florida Photonics Cluster association.  You will also be entered into a statewide directory of photonics companies, researchers and professionals, and will be able to download a free copy of the completed industry cluster report. 

Complete the survey by November 5 at: http://fpcsurvey.com/

This survey is sponsored jointly by the Florida Photonics Cluster and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council Inc.  Your participation is very important to our efforts, and we will keep your responses confidential.

OSA Action Alert: View Candidate Science and Tech Platforms

This is a friendly reminder from OSA’s Public Policy Team that Election Day in the U.S. is this Tuesday, Nov. 4. OSA has provided a set of resources outlining the Presidential Candidates’ Science and Technology Platforms. Visit http://emessaging.vertexcommunication.com/ct/3649528:1609663920:m:1:39824304:796DAEAF36DE3D27D0EDEE257215341F to learn more.

In addition to the U.S. Presidential elections, several states and districts are holding U.S. House and Senate elections as well. U.S. members can find the location of their polling place by visiting Google Maps’ 2008 Voter Info. To find out what measures will appear on each state’s ballot, visit Project Vote Smart.

If you are interested in tracking election activities in other parts of the world, check out http://emessaging.vertexcommunication.com/ct/3649531:1609663920:m:1:39824304:796DAEAF36DE3D27D0EDEE257215341F.

Sincerely,

OSA Public Policy Team
public-policy@osa.org

P.S. Want to stay up to date on science policy issues happening in the U.S. Congress? Bookmark OSA’s Washington Updates – www.osa.org/WashingtonUpdates.

The Optical Society

2010 Massachusetts Ave.,

N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036

USA+1 202.223.8130

Letter from ASTRA: "10 Points for America's Future"

October 2008

Dear Concerned American:

Please consider signing our "10 Points for America's Future," a virtual petition to our next President, today!

Our community needs to show our new President that we will support the bold moves he must take in order for the U.S. to deal with changing global innovation and competitiveness frameworks. And we should make sure the new Administration takes advantage of the intellectual and policy research needed to help the new team move forward quickly, since the world will not wait for our own domestic political cycles.

As former Undersecretaries for Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce, we believe that the immediate need for increased federal support for scientific R&D investments and the adoption of effective national innovation and competitiveness policies are issues that transcend partisan goals. Our concerns are "about the economy" — we cannot afford stagnation and incoherence in our future policies or we will certainly pay a very steep price as a society.
We actively support the "10 Points for America's Future" petition, attached. It has been developed by numerous scientific, engineering, educational and technology organizations and individuals over the past few years. Its contents are nonpartisan, forward looking, and a represent a fair consensus as to what our nation's top innovation priorities and strategies should be.

We now ask that you, your associates, and any organizations to which you may belong consider signing this unique "virtual" petition. Individuals, companies, executives, universities, teachers, researchers, schools, students, businesses, entrepreneurs, unions, associations, Chambers of Commerce, civic, cultural and fraternal organizations are all welcome to sign on to the petition, which will be delivered in early 2009 to our new President.

Please share this message. Just forward this email to friends and associates. Feel free to direct questions to rboege@comcast.net for more details. We can even prepare a similar "10 Points Petition" for your own organization if you wish. Simply contact rboege@comcast.net for more details.

If you agree with us, please sign this Petition electronically. All you need do is simply "click through" to http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/get.link?linkid=1002121&subscriberid=81037014&campaignid=288115&linkurl=http://www.usinnovation.org/petition/petition.asp. It will receive the information you are being asked to provide.

Whether you choose to disclose your affiliation(s) is a personal matter, although we would like to know your place of residence to demonstrate the truly national — and global — scope of our community.

Thank you for joining us in this important initiative.

Phillip J. Bond

President and CEO

Information Technology

Association of America

Arlington, VA

Former Undersecretary of Commerce for Technology 2001 - 2005

Dr. Mary L. Good

Dean, Donaghey College of

Engineering and Information Technology

University of Arkansas

Little Rock, AR

Former Undersecretary of Commerce

for Technology 1993 - 1996

This Petition Project is a joint effort of ASTRA, The Alliance for Science & Technology Research in America, and theInformation Technology Association of America. For more information about ASTRA, see www.aboutastra.org andwww.usinnovation.org for ITAA, see www.itaa.org

© 2008 ASTRA, The Alliance for Science & Technology Research in America

OP-TEC Supplemental Grant to Prepare for Precision Optics Technician Programs

I am pleased to announce that OP-TEC has received a supplemental grant from NSF
to explore the need and feasibility for a national, multi-year project to initiate college
programs to educate/train Precision Optics Technicians (POTs). The attachment
describes POTs, their roles in critical, emerging technologies—and in the defense
of our country. Based on preliminary research, there is strong demand for these
highly-skilled technicians but scarcely any capability in our nation’s colleges for
preparing them.

In this one-year effort, OP-TEC will quantify the need, develop the skill standard,
design a model curriculum, form 4-5 college/industry partnerships and identify a “lead college-industry partnership” to manage the multi-year project which will be proposed to NSF in fall 2009. OP-TEC will assist and support the follow-on work,but I believe it should be led by a community college/photonics cluster partnership, if possible.

Dan Hull
Executive Director
OP-TEC
254-741-8332
hull@cord.org

New OP-TEC Blog!

Keep up with what's happening in Photonics Education by visiting the new OP-TEC Blog today!
OP-TEC is pleased to announce their new OP-TEC Blog. This blog will allow OP-TEC to connect with you and disseminate up-to-date information on news and issues affecting Photonics Education. The blog will also collect feedback and information from you! OP-TEC will continue to post announcements to the website, http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FJZqggrMW1d96IIozT_UZjsIuy7KsBrUETvfOWgZbAXo2r43bNyPm6ypknL4RvYbdHAqqVdfljVNFcjGYJngFBOiXrna7L8iyGgoFovkgOY=, and use the blog to get information to you more quickly.

We invite you to visit OP-TEC's blog today and read their first official post from OP-TEC's Director, Dan Hull. Please be sure and bookmark the blog site or if you prefer, sign up to follow the blog. The link to "follow this blog" is located in the bottom right-hand corner of the blog page. You can also subscribe to RSS feeds for the blog.

We hope you will visit the blog today and then check back often for new posts!Click here to visit the blog now!

From bioOrlando: Governor Crist Names Senator Jeremy Ring Chair of Biotech Competitiveness Task Force

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced Senator Jeremy Ring as the chair of the Task Force for the Study of Biotech Competitiveness. Created by the 2007 Florida Legislature, the task force will study economic policies necessary for increasing Florida’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining biotech manufacturing and distribution businesses.

“The number of biotech companies that have chosen to establish a presence in the Sunshine State demonstrates our success in strengthening Florida’s attractiveness to the world’s top R&D organizations,” Governor Crist said. “We must continue to focus on ensuring Florida maintains a competitive edge, while securing the biotech industry’s key role in our economic development strategy.”

The 17-member task force will also evaluate Florida’s education and workforce training opportunities to ensure a workforce prepared for jobs in biotech. The task force will recommend changes to the state’s corporate tax structure, water policies and health insurance policies to ensure they support the biotech industry.

“Now more than ever we must rely on innovation to strengthen our economy," Senator Ring said. "Floridians should be proud of the investments made in biotech, to help assure long-term economic stability and growth.”

The task force’s recommendations are due to the Governor, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives by January 1, 2009. The task force members – seven appointed by the Governor and five appointed by the each the President of the Senate and five by the Speaker of the House – will receive assistance from the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.

About Florida's Biotech Business Hub

In December 2007, Governor Crist announced the creation of the Florida Max Planck Institute of Bio-imaging in Jupiter, followed by announcements of VGTI Florida’s expansion to Port St. Lucie in January 2008, the creation of the University of Miami Human Genomics Institute in February 2008. In July 2008, the Cambridge, Mass.-based Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc. announced plans to establish the BioMEMS R&D Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa and Multi Chip Module (MCM) Center in St. Petersburg.

Other biotech organizations that have established a research and development presence in Florida include the Scripps Research Institute, the Burnham Institute for Medical Research and Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies.

Source: bioBUZZ: News from bioOrlando - bioOrlando is a council ofMetro Orlando Economic Development Commission

http://www.bioorlando.com/

UCF/CREOL Proposal for NSF "Partnership For Innovation" Program

The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has a program designed to promote innovation through partnerships among universities and industry. The NSF program is called "Partnership For Innovation". Information on the PFI program can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5261&org=IIP&from=home, and I have attached a brief synopsis of the program.

UCF/CREOL is preparing a proposal to the PFI program, in partnership with the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester and with the College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. Our proposal will be supported by other regional clusters and organizations such as SPIE and OSA, to build and begin operation of a network of photonics organizations that will facilitate photonics education and the rapid development and transfer of photonics technologies into a wide range of applications. The network we envision will contain universities, companies, professional societies, trade associations, and economic development organizations. I would like to include your company as a supporter of our proposal and as a participant in the network the program will build if we are successful in obtaining funding.

The funding from NSF for the PFI program is quite modest, so there would be no funding available in our proposal for your company. However, no funding from your company to UCF or the program will be required -- your contribution will be "in-kind" to the degree that the program supports your organization's objectives unless you would want to make a cash donation to the work of the project.

What I do ask that you consider is writing a letter of support for our proposal indicating your willingness to participate as a participant in the network that the proposed program will create. The schedule we are working to is as follows:

• Letter of Intent to NSF -- Oct 31, 2008
• Final proposal to NSF -- Dec. 31, 2008
  

All I need at this time is a letter or email from you indicating your willingness to support our proposal. If you can support us, I will provide you more information on exactly what we are proposing so that you can write a customized letter of support to go in the proposal.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of my request. I look forward to hearing from you.

James E. Pearson, PhD
Executive Director, Florida Photonics Cluster
Director, Research & Admin,
CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics
& Special Asst. to the VP for ResearchUniversity of Central Florida
CREOL: (407)823-6858
Alt office: (678)455-3459
Cell: (407)451-2199
jpearson@creol.ucf.edu

Northrop Grumman Laser Systems becomes first Patron Sponsor member of the FPC!

When Northrop Grumman Laser Systems in Apopka, Florida renewed their FPC membership for 2009, they made an additional cash donation to become a Bronze Patron member of the FPC. This additional donation will help the FPC in its work of supporting the optics and photonics industry in Florida and in achieving its goals and mission. On behalf of the Board of Directors and all the members of the FPC, I want to express my appreciation to NGC/LS for their generosity and support of the FPC.

Alex Fong,
FPC President

Need Participants for Follow-Up Discussion on Photonics Technician Training Survey

Based on the results of our recently conducted a survey of companies to determine their needs for photonics technicians. It is clear that there is a significant need. But it is also clear that there could be great value in getting industry leaders together with the program leaders at the two Florida schools who have photonics tech programs: Valencia Community College and Indian River Community College, to discuss their current programs and exchange ideas on how to enhance them in both content and enrollment.

In addition to representatives from VCC and IRCC, Dan Hull from CORD/OP-TEC has said he will be glad to join our meeting, and Seminole CC may participate (they have indicated interest in possibly reviving their photonics program). The OP-TEC program at CORD is an NSF-funded program developing curricula and programs specifically for optics/photonics technicians. They recently received an additional NSF grant to add optical fabrication techs to their studies. Info on this program can be seen at http://www.op-tec.org/ Representatives from Workforce Florida and the Central Florida Development Council will also be invited to participate in the meeting (FPC members participate on the boards of these two organizations, which may be able to provide program development funds).

Would you, or appropriate other staff at your company, would be interested in participating in such a meeting? If so, please contact us by Monday 20 October so that we can complete the plans for the meeting.

James E. Pearson, PhD
Director, Research & Admin,
CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics &
Special Asst. to the VP for Research
University of Central Florida
CREOL: (407)823-6858
Alt office: (678)455-3459
Cell: (407)451-2199
jpearson@creol.ucf.edu

Florida Photonics Cluster in October 2008 Issue of SPIE Professional

The October 2008 issue of SPIE Professional (http://spie.org/x4274.xml), includes an article entitled "SPIE Supports Clusters" (page 9 of print version). The FPC's efforts are discussed as well as those of other clusters world-wide and SPIE's involvement. Here is an excerpt from the online version:

"Whether in Florida or Arizona or in numerous regions throughout Europe and Asia, members of optics and photonics clusters around the world are actively building and maintaining research and workforce ties to strengthen the industry.

A new Web site for photonics clusters (spie.org/clusters) includes a comprehensive directory of 30 groups of optics-related firms and universities who network with local industry and government leaders, create jobs, and generally promote the benefits of a regional association of companies and institutions. SPIE also hosts a number of business and social gatherings at symposia to support these clusters. A cluster summit will be held at SPIE Photonics West in January 2009.

Study Shows Diversity of Development For Clusters

SPIE is distributing a study on developing photonics clusters, comparing four major photonics clusters in Germany, England, and the United States. It concludes that cluster boundaries and identities are often blurred because of the enabling character of many photonics technologies.
The 2007 study by AIM Research describes the varied ways a photonics cluster can be developed and sustained and notes that none were being led by a single "hub firm." Instead, they are collaboratively created and governed by a diverse group of mostly research firms, university research centers, and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The report is titled Developing Photonics Clusters: Commonalities, Contrasts and Contradictions and is available at no cost at spie.org/clusters

Cluster Meetings

• A Cluster "Meet-Up" at SPIE Optics+Photonics in August brought a small group of optics educators and industry representatives together to discuss ways to enhance their political lobbying and public awareness efforts for optics and science.
• The first European Photonics Clusters meeting at SPIE Europe Photonics Europe in France in April resulted in agreement among 55 attendees that most clusters could use some form of public funding, particularly for startup activities. European clusters have a diverse membership, with clusters oriented around a single specialized technology, and those that encompass the whole spectrum of optics in industry and academia.
• The Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC) has expanded its services and announced a meeting and open house for 2 October where a seminar on online marketing and search engine optimization will be given. FPC president Alex Fong, vice president for marketing at Optronic Laboratories in Orlando, and FPC executive director James Pearson of the University of Central Florida report that 30 organizations are now members of the FPC. A podcast, "Shining a Spotlight on the Science of Light" is available on iTunes.
• Representatives from Le Pôle Optique et Photonique Sud, the photonics cluster known as POPsud, met with SPIE leadership, volunteers, and others at the Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille (LAM) in June during the SPIE Astronomical Instrumentation Symposium. Among those discussing the work of photonics clusters were SPIE President-Elect María Yzuel; Jacques Boulesteix, director of LAM and president of the Scientific Council of POPsud; François Flory, treasurer of POPsud; and Jean-Gabriel Cuby, also of LAM.
• The New York Photonics cluster is hosting the 10th annual Glass Cartel Clambake 20 October in Rochester."

Source: SPIE

Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast (EDC) - International Trade Grants

The EDC is offering two types of International Trade Grants funded through the State of Florida and Enterprise Florida (EFI) to Brevard County small to mid-size manufacturing and high-tech companies. The International Tradeshow Exhibition Grant Program will reimburse qualified companies for fees associated with exhibition in targeted international tradeshows. The International Trade Gold Key Service Grant Program Will provide companies a $700 grant for Gold Key Service through the U.S. Department of Commerce to qualified companies traveling abroad or participating in international tradeshows. Apply online today at: http://www.spacecoastedc.org/InternationalTradeGrants.aspx

The Florida Venture Forum: An Update From SRI and Their Plans For The Future in Florida

The Florida Venture Forum and TiE Are Proud to Present: An Update From SRI and Their Plans For The Future in Florida

Thursday, October 16, 2008
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

With nearly 20 years of business development experience Peter Marcotullio serves as the Director, Business Development of the Engineering and Systems Division of SRI International. At SRI he directs market research and analysis; intellectual property management; commercialization and business strategy development; new venture creation; marketing; and mergers and acquisitions activity. His prior management experience includes various venture, business development and M&A positions with Thermo Electron's Ventures Group, Primex Technologies and Olin Corporation. Peter holds three patents with several more pending and has lead the creation of several SRI venture companies and serves on the board of directors of Artificial Muscle, Inc. Mr. Marcotullio holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. He has taken graduate and executive management courses at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and Stanford Business School. Mr. Marcotullio is also a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College.

Silicon Valley-based SRI International is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. Founded as Stanford Research Institute in 1946, SRI has been meeting the strategic needs of clients for more than 60 years. The nonprofit research institute performs client-sponsored research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses, and private foundations. In addition to conducting contract R&D, SRI licenses its technologies, forms strategic partnerships, and creates spin-off companies.

Join us for this unique and clarifying look into the Florida economy.

Special Guest Speaker:
Peter Marcotullio serves as the Director, Business Development of the Engineering and Systems Division of SRI International. At SRI he directs market research and analysis

Place:

The Citrus Club
1800 BB&T Bank Tower (Citrus Center)
255 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801

407-841-6683
(Parking is available at the Citrus Center parking garage, accessible
off of Jackson Street)

Time:
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Registration
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Presentation
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception

Cost:

$60.00 per person in advance*
$70.00 per person at the door
*All No-Shows will be Billed

R.S.V.P.:
(813) 335-8116 by Tuesday, October 14, 2008

OP-TEC Report to Partners & Associates

OP-TEC successfully completed its first two years of operation on August 31, 2008. Much of the work in these two years was focused on “building the infrastructure” and strengthening the enrollment and capabilities of our Partner Colleges. A brief summary of our accomplishments is shown in the first attachment titled “Y2 Accomplishments”. Among the infrastructure accomplishments were the revision of the Skill Standards, preparation of Program Planning Guides, completion of curriculum materials and engaging our Employer Council.

You may recall that our last survey of employer requirements indicated that we need 1800 new photonics techs/year. We also conducted a study this summer to determine the capacity from all U.S. colleges. We have about 20 colleges, a total enrollment of 700 students, and about 200 completers per year. OP-TEC’s mission is to “close the gap”. Our strategies are to restore some declining programs, increase enrollment in current programs, add programs in other colleges and prepare our colleges to retrain existing workers.

The “Y2 Accomplishments” in our report shows that we are increasing enrollment in existing programs (item 1). Two new programs are being added (item 6). We have also provided information and presentations that have resulted in 270 colleges interested in adding photonics and 26 colleges beginning the planning process (items 2-4). To help “build the high school pipeline” and to train incumbent workers, we have developed hybrid, online courses that will be piloted in Year 3 (item 12).

Early in Y3, we will conduct a new employer needs assessment to validate or change our earlier estimate of 1800 techs/year (item 3). We are currently working through the list of interested colleges to encourage and assist them to begin planning to add photonics; our staff and Partner Colleges are providing technical assistance to those colleges in the planning stages. Our goal is 20 more colleges (item 3). We will also begin retraining of incumbent workers (item 5).

OP-TEC staff and Partner Colleges cannot accomplish our mission without your assistance and cooperation. We value the excellent support we have received to date from our Employer Council, the technical and educational societies, other colleges/related organizations, and individuals and equipment suppliers. Your advice, contributions, donation of exhibit space and sharing of secondary school science/technology posters and career information products have all been used effectively—and are greatly appreciated. This year, we also began working with the Photonics Clusters. I anticipate that these relationships will become even more valued in Y3, as we provide more support and encouragement to colleges that are planning new educational programs.

We are also pleased to announce that we have received a supplemental grant to begin the process to establish college programs to educate/train Precision Optics Technicians. I will provide you more information about this critical initiative in the near future.

On behalf of the entire OP-TEC and our Partner Colleges, we thank you, again, for working with us and supporting our mission. We look forward to our continued partnerships with you as we enter this important and productive Year 3.

Please call or e-mail M.J. Soileau (OP-TEC’s CoPI for Employers and Technical Societies) or me anytime you have questions or suggestions.

Sincerely,

Dan Hull
Director of OPTEC
The National Center for Optics and Photonics Education
(254)741-8332
hull@cord.org

From the Florida High Tech Corridor Council: Draper 2008 Technology Exposition

As part of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council’s continued commitment to support companies and economic development partners across the Corridor, I wanted to make you aware of an upcoming eventthat is being supported by the Tampa Bay Partnership and the University of South Florida.

The Draper 2008 Technology Exposition will take place October 21-22 at the USF Research Park (3802 SpectrumBoulevard, Tampa, FL 33612). They will have scientists on hand withdisplays of some of their latest work in strategic systems, biomedical engineering, space systems, geospatial systems, tactical systems, energy initiative, special operations, and independent R&D.

Draper holds this event annually and because of its new BioMEMS Research & Development Center at USF and the MCM Center in St.Petersburg, they chose to hold their 2008 Tech Expo in the Tampa Bayregion.You can find further information about the event at www.draper.com or by contacting Rachel Ramos at 617-258-1462 or rramos@draper.com.

Randy Berridge
FHTCC

UCF Hosts 6th Annual Invention to Venture Workshop

News Release For Immediate Release

UCF Hosts 6th Annual Invention to Venture Workshop
Nationally Renowned Entrepreneur to Share Insight
Event Serves as Prelude to Weeklong Global Celebration of Entrepreneurship

(Orlando, FL) – The nationally recognized Invention to Venture (I2V) workshop is coming back to Orlando for the sixth consecutive year. The University of Central Florida and the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA), are partnering together to teach entrepreneurship basics, while helping to build networks and create a framework for moving fresh business ideas forward.

Over 200 attendees comprised of business, science and technology students and faculty, as well as members of the surrounding business community will converge to attend the Orlando workshop, serving as the prelude to Global Entrepreneurship Week, a week long celebration of entrepreneurship around the world.

Invention to Venture is scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2008, from 8:00am to 4:30pm, followed by a networking reception, at the Fairwinds Alumni Center at UCF. I2V is a program of the NCIIA with sponsorship from the Lemelson Foundation and the Kauffman Foundation. Local sponsors include the UCF Alumni Association, Myers & Kaplan, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. This year’s workshop will feature an exciting lineup that includes nationally and internationally recognized entrepreneur, Dean Monaco.

Dean Monaco began his career in banking and finance after graduating from UCF with a degree in accounting. He has worked for a number of Fortune 100 companies before venturing out on his own. In the last decade, Monaco has owned, operated and/or served on the Board of Directors for over 20 companies. As an entrepreneur, his business background has been very diverse, including everything from restaurants to technology. His business experiences have led him to work both on a national level, as well as internationally.

Monaco remains involved in his community and has received the Jefferson Awards for Public Service for his efforts in working with Charity Challenge for 16 years. He currently sits on the board for the charity which has raised over 5 million dollars since its inception. He is a lifetime member of the UCF Alumni Association and enjoys being a part of UCF’s future. Currently, Monaco is partnering with UCF, working with students and faculty in several start-up companies focused on the development of both his and others’ inventions in technology.

According to Monaco, “Some of the best lessons I learned as an entrepreneur were from failures. I hope to share that insight at Invention to Venture, as a way to inspire and encourage others to follow their dreams. I’m fortunate to be in a position now to become involved in the creation and building of companies, which is an energizing and positive experience. UCF provides a phenomenal support system for entrepreneurs and it just keeps gaining momentum.”

Invention to Venture is an introduction to the process and practice of technology entrepreneurship. Attendees will hear from real entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors on how to create a successful business around their technology idea or invention, through workshop activities and hands-on experience they can use the moment they leave the event. Topics include idea validation and opportunity assessment, sales and marketing, intellectual property, the management team, presenting the business plan, and financing your venture.

"UCF is excited to host the 6th annual Invention to Venture workshop in Central Florida," says Dr. Tom O'Neal, Associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida and Executive Director of the UCF Incubation Program. “By partnering with the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA), UCF is able to provide one of the best one day programs available to help emerging entrepreneurs understand the complexities of turning and idea into a business. I encourage any faculty, student, staff or community member with an interest in technology entrepreneurship to take advantage of this opportunity.”

I2V has been conducted at top colleges and universities such as: University of Maryland; University of Florida; Illinois Institute of Technology; University of California San Diego; Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and University of Southern Mississippi.

Invention to Venture will be held at the UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center, located at 4000 Central Florida Blvd, (Bldg 126), Orlando, FL, 32816. Early registration by October 15 is $8 for all Students, $25 for UCF Faculty/Staff/Alumni, and $35 for Others. After October 15th, admission is $13 for all students, $30 for UCF Faculty/Staff/Alumni, and $40 for others.

To register, please visit www.invention2venture.org/ucf. Contact Melissa Wasserman at (407) 882-2296 or via email at mwasserm@mail.ucf.edu for additional information.

National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA)
The NCIIA (http://www.nciia.com/) works with colleges and universities to create experiential learning programs that are intended to help nurture a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who have strong technical and business skills as well as the tools and the ambition to make this world a better place. Invention to Venture workshops are conducted at universities around the country and feature a nationally recognized curriculum delivered by regional speakers from the business community.

University of Central Florida (UCF)
UCF is the university that seeks opportunities, creates opportunities, and brings them to
fruition. The university’s culture of opportunity is driven by the diverse people it attracts and
serves, its Orlando environment, its history of entrepreneurship, and its youth, relevance and
energy.. Visit http://www.ucf.edu/ for more information.

(from L to R) Ron Eaglin, UCF professor and inventor, meets with Dean Monaco to discuss their next business venture "iseecards.com" at Wackadoo's (Monaco's successful restaurant venture in the Student Union at the UCF main campus)

UCF Office of Research & Commercialization

Contact: Christa Santos
407/882-1576
researchinfo@mail.ucf.edu

Career Opportunity at LightPath Technologies: Applications Engineer/Product Specialist

Applications Engineer/Product Specialist

LightPath Technologies is a recognized leader in optical solutions for industrial, defense, communications, test and measurement, and medical applications. For over 20 years, LightPath has built a strong portfolio of optical components and technologies that serve these industries. These products include molded glass aspheric lenses, optical isolators, fused fiber collimators, and gradient index GRADIUM^® lenses.

We are currently seeking an Applications Engineer/Product Specialist to join our professional team in Orlando, FL!

Job Description:

This individual will act as the main technical contact for customers and field sales team for LightPath products including molded aspheric lenses, fiber collimators, and Gradium lenses. 

The Applications Engineer will have duties that include:

• Visiting customer sites with Sales team and attend Trade Shows and exhibitions as the technical contact for customers discussions
• Reviewing Technical Documentation and drawings for RFQs
• Interacting with Engineering and production teams to issue Quotes based on customer’s requirements
• Providing after sales support for optics and optical assembly products
• Delivering Technical Seminars for customer education
• Driving the development of new products based on market information

Job Requirements:

• BS in Optics, Physics or other technical field with Optics Experience
• Experience with Zemax or other optical molding software
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and sales contracts
• 3-5 yrs experience in Applications Engineering, Optical Manufacturing or Optical Design

Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Exceptional company benefits offered

Please apply online!

http://www.lightpath.com/

SEIA: Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended for 8 Years, US Poised to Become Largest Solar Market in the World

Industry Leaders Forecast Dramatic Growth in the U.S. Solar Market by 2016 with Extension of Credit 

WASHINGTON – Today, by a vote of 263-171 , the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation that extends the 30-percent federal investment tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations for 8 years. This landmark legislation is part of H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, designed to address the U.S. financial crisis. It is the most significant federal policy ever enacted for the solar industry. President Bush has vowed to sign the bill into law. The Senate passed the bill on Wednesday night. 

“This bill is a major step in our long journey toward energy independence and ensures that solar energy will be a significant part of America’s energy future,” said SEIA president Rhone Resch. “This long-term extension of the solar tax credits will create a domestic solar industry with hundreds of thousands of jobs while providing clean, affordable, carbon-free energy to millions of American families, businesses, and communities.”

“On behalf of the 60,000 Americans employed by the solar energy industry, we would like to thank Leaders Reid and McConnell and Senators Baucus, Grassley, Cantwell and Ensign for their dogged support of the solar tax credit extension. In the House we are thankful to Leaders Pelosi, Hoyer, Boehner, and Blunt, and Chairman Rangel, Ranking Republican McCrery and Rep. Camp among many others who have long worked to bring solar energy to the mainstream. These leaders have broken through partisan politics and have provided a bright future for solar energy in the United States,” said Resch     

“By passing this bill, Congress has finally given the solar energy industry ‘policy certainty’ that will attract investment, expand manufacturing and lower the cost of solar energy to consumers,” said Roger Efird, SEIA chairman and president of Suntech America, a leading Chinese solar power manufacturing company. “This will allow companies like mine to move forward with expansion plans to serve the growing U.S. market.”

“This bill puts the sun to work for every American,” added Resch. “And by 2016, we expect solar energy to be the least expensive source of electricity for consumers.”

 The solar investment tax credit (ITC) provisions will:

•  Extend for 8 years the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations; 
• Eliminate the $2,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent tax credit (effective for property placed in service after December 31, 2008);   
• Eliminate the prohibition on utilities from benefiting from the credit;
• Allow Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and individuals, to take the credit;
•  Authorize $800 million for clean energy bonds for renewable energy generating facilities, including solar.

The solar tax credits were originally enacted in the 2005 and have created unprecedented growth in the U.S. The amount of solar electric capacity installed in 2007 was double that installed in 2006.

“Over the last 2 years, these tax credits have turned the solar industry from a small, cottage industry into an economic engine for America. Electricians, plumbers, roofers and construction workers can now get back to work. These jobs are the backbone of the American economy and the solar industry is creating them at a time when they are needed the most,” said Resch.     

According to a new economic study by Navigant Consulting, Inc., the 8-year extension of the ITC will create 440,000 permanent jobs and unleash $325 billion in private investment in the solar industry. This study did not factor in elimination of $2,000 monetary cap on the residential credit, so the actual job creation and investment could be even greater.

“This is a big boost for the residential market in particular, allowing homeowners to contribute to our nation’s energy independence,” said Efird. “It also opens the floodgates for building large, utility-scale solar power projects that need longer timeframes to complete.”

To date, there are 27 such utility-scale solar power projects totaling 5,400 megawatts of power in various stages of development; most were on hold due to uncertainty surrounding the expiring tax credits. 

Because solar energy components are manufactured near their markets, this extension will create manufacturing and installation jobs in all 50 states. The states that will enjoy the largest economic boost are California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

Similarly, the economies of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and the rest of the Great Lakes region will grow significantly as a result of the extension. This area of the country has suffered greatly from a huge decline in jobs in the automotive and traditional manufacturing industries.

According to the same study, more than 28 gigawatts of electricity will be produced from solar energy by 2016 – enough to power more than 7 million homes. 

“Success has not come easy. It required a strategic campaign that included dedicated SEIA staff, a committed board, and active membership all focused on one goal. It took seven votes in the House and 10 votes in the Senate, but in the end, Congress came through. This effort has established SEIA as a major energy player on Capitol Hill,” said Resch. “We have a lot of opportunity in front of us and will be back next year to work on critical issues such as transmission infrastructure, renewable electricity standards, and combating global warming.”

###

Contact:
Monique Hanis, 202-682-0556, ext. 4, mhanis@seia.org 
Jared Blanton, 202-682-0556, ext. 96, jblanton@seia.org

Mark Sokolove (Tiger Communications), 703-302-8382, mark@tigercomm.us

Background Resources:

• 9.15.08 Navigant Consulting, Inc. “Economic Impacts of Extending Federal Solar Tax Credits”:http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/Navigant%20Consulting%20Report%209.15.08.pdf
  
• H.R. 1424 Bill Summary: http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/HR_1424_Solar_Memo.pdf
  
• H.R. 1424 Full Bill Text: http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/Fin_Stab_Bill_Text.pdf
  
• Background on the ITC: http://seia.org/cs/federal_issues/itc_resources
  
• 2007 Solar Energy Industry Year in Review: http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/Year_in_Review_2007_sm.pdf
  
• House Solar Voting Scorecard: http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/House_Score_Sheet_110_Congress_new.pdf
  
• Senate Solar Voting Scorecard: http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/Senate_Score_Sheet_110_Congress.pdf
  

About SEIA: Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of 750 solar energy manufacturers, project developers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants and financiers. Established in 1974, SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar. Learn more at www.seia.org