Sunday, January 31, 2010

Cleantech Event - Feb. 18 - 8am - Noon

The UCF Venture Lab and Orange County are organizing another Cleantech Symposium scheduled for Feb. 18 from 8am – Noon at the UCF Executive Development Center in downtown Orlando.

The purpose of this event to dig into the “state of the union” on RPS issues within FL and policy best practices in other states. The organizers have indicated that they want this to be an open, active dialog with an audience that understands the issue and that is able to provide feedback to our region and state policy makers.

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS CONVENE TO DISCUSS RPS POLICY IN FLORIDA

Cleantech Symposium Workshops Align with Florida’s Energy Goals

FACT SHEET

WHO: Orange County Government in partnership with the UCF Venture Lab is hosting a Cleantech Symposium Workshop to discuss the creation of a statewide Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.

WHAT: The Cleantech Symposium will feature experts in Cleantech policy, technology and finance to discuss ways to increase renewable energy production such as the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. Attendees will have the opportunity to actively provide input toward and learn more about Cleantech initiatives that will impact Central Florida and the state.WHEN: Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 8:00 AM to Noon

WHERE: The UCF Executive Development Center, located in Downtown Orlando at 36 West Pine Street.

DETAILS: The Cleantech Symposium will provide the form for open dialogue with industry experts on the creation of a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard for Florida, based on feedback received from the Cleantech community in Central Florida last year. A Renewable Portfolio Standard is currently being proposed at the Florida Legislature that would require the increased production of energy from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal. The Renewable Portfolio Standard would create renewable energy production in Florida by requiring utilities to produce 20% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2020.

If you have any further questions or require additional information, please contact
Christa K. Santos
CKS Marketing Communications
407-230-7018
http://www.cksmarketing.com/

A Focus on Economic Development

Several UCF professors and administrators joined U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce John Fernandez and Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas Friday, January 29, 2010, for a discussion about how the federal government can help companies grow and create more jobs. The discussion was held at CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, home to the photonics campus of UCF’s Business Incubation Program. Provost and Executive Vice President Terry Hickey and college Dean Bahaa Saleh welcomed the guests. Professor Peter Delfyett and Larissa Glebova, director of glass marketing for OptiGrate, led lab tours after the discussion.

For more information, go to http://today.ucf.edu/blog/2010/01/29/a-focus-on-economic-development/

[This Blog was adapted from UCF Today: http://today.ucf.edu]

Saturday, January 30, 2010

UCF Business Incubation Program presents: The Lunch Connection sponsored by Jason Walker, Build A Business, LLC

Title: Are you on the path to success?
Date: Thursday, February 11th
Time: 11:30-1:00
Fee: $20, Make checks out to the UCF Research Foundation. (Free to Incubator Clients)
Location: University Tower, 12201 Research Parkway, 2nd floor large conference room, Orlando, FL.,32826
Are you on the path to success, or on track to becoming a statistic? Every year, enthusiastic and confident men and women start businesses with creative products and services
that they sincerely believe address real industry needs. These entrepreneurs are absolutely certain that nothing will stop them from succeeding. Unfortunately, 33% of businesses
fail within 2 years; 56% fail within 4 years, and 97% fail by 10 years. These are devastating numbers, but you can avoid being a statistic if you choose to "Be a Leader that Delivers
Results!".
Join Jason Walker of Build A Business as he shares what leaders must do to deliver results:
· Face the Crisis and acknowledge the leadership failures that are plaguing businesses
· Identify the Resolution that will avoid these failures and lead to results
· Take Action and Deliver Results
Jason Walker graduated with Distinction and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. He then accepted an appointment in the U.S. Marines where he developed
cohesive, high performance teams while serving in Light Armored Reconnaissance and at the prestigious Marine Barracks, 8th & I before transitioning into the private sector.
Delivering results across many industries which included Information Technology and Financial Services, Jason demonstrated his belief that "Everything rises and falls on leadership!"
Jason started his business in 2002 and continues developing cohesive, high-performance teams for organizations spanning various industries. He affiliated with Academy Leadership
in 2008 to utilize their world-class leadership development programs to transform managers into leaders.

Friday, January 29, 2010

SEMINAR: "Crystals and ceramics for high power lasers andscintillation at the LCMCP-Paris" - Dr. Bruno Viana

"Crystals and ceramics for high power lasers and scintillation at the LCMCP-Paris"
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
CREOL 266
2:30 PM - 3:30pm

Dr. Bruno Viana
LCMP - ENSCP, Paris

Abstract:
In the field of solid state lasers, new directions are investigated to manage thermal effects. New crystals with very good thermal properties and/or new configuration are proposed. For instance Yb3+:CaGdAlO4 (CALGO) has a high thermal conductivity of about 7 W K−1m−1 allowing high-power diode pumping power. For this material, under 100W of incident power, thermal lenses effects are very small (temperature gradient in the crystal of only 20oC). In addition, this material has demonstrated generation of ultrashort laser pulses (<100fs). Other configurations (crystal composites, thin disks, crystalline fibers) are under progress within a French consortium. Transparent ceramics are also interesting and if we focused our attention on ytterbium doped CaF2 for laser applications, transparent sesquioxide Ln2O3 ceramics have been recently obtained for applications in scintillation. In medical imaging, careful control of the doping and point defects should be realized to optimize the optical properties and limit afterglow process. On the contrary materials with a long afterglow luminescence, also called persistent luminescence could be used for various applications (emergency signing, luminous painting, and lightning sources). We recently proposed this concept for a new tool in optical imaging.

Biography

Dr Bruno Viana is a specialist of the Optical Materials at the LCMCP-ENSCP in Paris. This research laboratory has developed several new lasers crystals in the last 15 years (borates BOYS or GdCOB, YCOB with non linear properties, silicates SYS, LSO and aluminates CALGO, or more recently transparent fluoride ceramic CaF2). Bruno Viana focused his works on rare earth doped laser materials (in particular for fs pulses generation) and high power lasers. He is in charge of the scintillation program (in form of crystals and transparent ceramics) and of the development of materials for medical imaging at the LCMCP-ENSCP.

For More Information:

Michael Bass, Professor Emeritus, CREOL
Email: bass@creol.ucf.edu
Tel: 407-823-6977
FAX: 407-823-6880

Friday, January 22, 2010

Optronic Laboratories is Changing Names!

Effective January 23, 2010, Optronic Laboratories (an FPC member company) and ChromoDynamics will be known as Gooch and Housego, the parent brand of these two photonics market leaders. They will join the other Gooch and Housego materials and components enterprises to broaden the well-known and trusted brand's offerings to include state-of-the-art life sciences imaging and light measurement instrumentation solutions. The new organization will leverage Gooch and Housego's extensive world-wide engineering, operations, sales, distribution and support channels to enhance their response to their client's specific needs. Alex Fong, Senior Vice-President for Gooch and Housego's Life Sciences and Instrumentation segment, stated that "many of our partners require solutions based upon the broad portfolio of capabilities that we offer; the new organization enables us to fully leverage all of our strengths and bring them front and center to meet and exceed customers' expectations."

The Life Sciences and Instrumentation segment of Gooch & Housego enjoys a worldwide reputation as a leader and innovator in the field of optical radiation measurement. From the characterization of the most sophisticated NVIS instrumentation to the compliance of tanning beds, we provide both standard and custom products and services to satisfy the most demanding light measurement applications. Our innovative hyperspectral imaging systems are ideal for applications in microscopy and life sciences, benefitting such research techniques as immunohistochemistry, quantum dots (q-dots), and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Fast and agile scanning by these systems make them well-suited for remote sensing, and defense and security applications.

For more information on the former "Optronic Laboratories" part of the company, go to http://www.olinet.com/index.php, and for information on Gooch & Housego, go to http://www.goochandhousego.com/home

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Press Release: LightPath Technologies New Product Announcement


LightPath Technologies introduces a new addition to its family of collimating
lenses for Quantum Cascade Lasers.
(January 19th, 2009) Orlando, FL.


LightPath Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPTH - News),
LightPath Technologies is introducing a new aspheric molded lens for collimating light from MWIR and LWIR lasers, such as quantum cascade lasers (QCL). This new lens extends the range of off-the-shelf collimating lenses for QCLs from LightPath.


This lens is manufactured from LightPath’s Black DiamondTM chalcogenide glass and has a high
numerical aperture designed for maximum light collection from quantum cascade lasers. The
molded glass aspheric design enables optical designers to take advantage of aspheric
performance in the MWIR without having to design and build expensive custom diamond turned
Germanium or Zinc Selenide lenses. The Anti-Reflective coatings are available for the SWIR
(1.8mm – 3 mm ), MWIR (3 mm – 5 mm) and the LWIR (7 mm – 12 mm).
“LightPath Technologies is continuing to expand its traditional market for laser collimation lenses into the infrared with the introduction of this lens. This new lens will enable system designers to take advantage of quantum cascade lasers to address rapidly expanding markets such as the $1.2 billion Gas and Environmental Sensing equipment market, the $6 billion IR Countermeasure (IRCM) market, and $37 billion explosives detection systems market. ” said Jim Gaynor, CEO and President of LightPath.


LightPath Technologies Inc. will be exhibiting their new Infrared Lens Assembly at the Photonics West Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California from January 26th through January 28th. LightPath’s Booth is 2128 in the South Hall.


Contacts: Ray Pini, Director of Marketing
LightPath Technologies, Inc.
Phone: (407) 382-4003
Email: rpini@lightpath.com
Internet: http://www.lightpath.com/


This news release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute
to such differences include, but are not limited to, factors detailed by LightPath Technologies, Inc. in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. GRADIUM® is a registered trademark of LightPath Technologies

Press Release: LightPath Technologies New Product Announcement


LightPath Technologies introduces an Athermalized f/1.0, 10.63 mm focal length
IR lens Assembly for thermal imaging using 8 μm – 12 μm infrared signatures.
(January 19th, 2009) Orlando, FL. LightPath Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPTH - News),

LightPath Technologies is pleased to introduce an f/1.0, 10.6 mm focal length Long Wave
Infrared (LWIR) lens assembly designed for uncooled infrared sensors. These lenses are
designed as the primary optics for thermal imagers in a wide variety of applications including
homeland security, firefighting, predictive maintenance and driver’s vision enhancement systems in automobiles. These thermal imaging markets have a combined current estimated value of over $2.5 billion.


This new lens assembly integrates LightPath’s Black DiamondTM molded chalcogenide infrared
lenses that are a lower cost substitute for high volume diamond-turned Germanium and Zinc
Selenide optics. The unique material properties of Black Diamond glasses provide natural
athermalization for temperature stability from 25oC to 75 oC without adding additional cost. This specific design gives a 52 degree field-of-view and when paired with a 10 mm sensor with a 25 micron pixel pitch.


“LightPath Technologies is expanding its product line for Molded Infrared Optics with the
introduction of this lens assembly. This new product will continues to address the rapidly
expanding thermal imaging and night vision enhancement markets. ” said Jim Gaynor, CEO and
President of LightPath.


LightPath Technologies Inc. will be exhibiting their new Infrared Lens Assembly at the Photonics West Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California from January 26th through January 28th. LightPath’s Booth is 2128 in the South Hall.


Contacts: Ray Pini, Director of Marketing
LightPath Technologies, Inc.
Phone: (407) 382-4003
Email: rpini@lightpath.com
Internet: http://www.lightpath.com/


This news release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute
to such differences include, but are not limited to, factors detailed by LightPath Technologies, Inc. in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. GRADIUM® is a registered trademark of LightPath Technologies

THE FLORIDA VENTURE FORUM ANNOUNCES PRESENTING COMPANIES FOR THE 2010 FLORIDA VENTURE CAPITAL CONFERENCE


Media Contact:Robin Kovaleski(813) 335-8116

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE FLORIDA VENTURE FORUM ANNOUNCES PRESENTING COMPANIES FOR THE 2010 FLORIDA VENTURE CAPITAL CONFERENCE
TAMPA, Fla. – (Jan. 14, 2010) – The Florida Venture Forum (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogggmgphcgjgegbhggfgohehfhcgfgggphchfgncogphcghcp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi) has selected 19 Florida companies to present at the 19th annual Florida Venture Capital Conference, to be held at the Omni ChampionsGate in Orlando On Feb. 2-3, 2010. Registration to attend is still open on the website at http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogggmgphcgjgegbhggfgohehfhcgfgggphchfgncogphcghcp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi.

The 19 presenting companies, some of Florida’s best early-stage prospects for equity financing, will make 12-minute presentations to an audience of venture capitalists, private equity investors, angel investors, investment bankers, financial intermediaries, service providers and entrepreneurs.

Following are the companies selected to present:

Central Florida

Alinean (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogbgmgjgogfgbgocogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Orlando: is the leading developer of value-based interactive demand-generation and sales tools – driving sales and marketing effectiveness by empowering B2B solution providers to better prove and improve the value of solutions to frugal prospects and customers. Alinean fundamentally changes the way that B2B solution providers engage with prospects, with SaaS delivered interactive tools that revolutionize corporate web site interactions and sales presentations / proposals from antiquated feature/function/price selling, to customer focused value engagements - automating opportunity discovery, goal / solution alignment and return on investment (ROI) quantification. Customers include HP, IBM, Microsoft, EMC, Dell, Intel, AT&T, Siemens, Unisys, Thomson Reuters, NetApp, Citrix, Juniper Networks, VMware, Symantec, BlueCoat, Novell, Cisco, Oracle, Sybase, and CA.

Eden Spine, LLC (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogfgegfgohdhagjgogfcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Lake Mary: is a privately held organization developing, manufacturing and selling in the U.S. and abroad a portfolio of new generation spinal technologies, either proprietary or licensed. Eden’s technologies are designed to address the full range of spine care. First, its proprietary less invasive non-fusion technologies have been developed to improve clinical outcomes in the most cost effective manner at each stage of the degenerative disc disease cascade. Second, the company’s fusion portfolio addresses the majority of today’s market needs. Eden Spine is strategically positioned for today and tomorrow’s spinal market, as revenues are shifting toward early stage non-fusion treatments.

Grooveshark/Escape Media Group (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogmgjhdhegfgocoghhcgpgphggfhdgigbhcglcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi ), Gainesville: puts the world's music library at the fingertips of anyone, anywhere. With a mission of providing a digital music service appealing to consumers while compensating artists and rightsholders fairly, Grooveshark represents a paradigm shift in the way music is consumed. By allowing users to unlimitedly stream the tunes they want on demand, Grooveshark attracts users away from illegal piracy--then offers data analytics, advertising and promotional opportunities, and revenue sharing to those who make the music. The result is a music site useful to everyone involved in the emergent music ecosystem.

IZEA, Inc (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogjhkgfgbcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi ), Orlando: is a social media marketing company and the world leader in sponsored conversations. They operate a network of more than 350,000 social media publishers and 30,000 advertisers around the globe. IZEA created the sponsored conversation space in 2006 and has initiated nearly 1M sponsored conversations to date. Sponsored conversations is a techniques where brands provide compensation to online social media publishers for posting original content about a product, service or website on their online space. Social media can be incredibly powerful marketing channel providing multiple layers of conversation for an advertiser. IZEA leverages influencers in social media to deliver campaigns that are measurable, scalable and pervasive.

PatientPoint (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcohagbhegjgfgohehagpgjgoheglgjgphdglcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi ), Orlando: PatientPoint is a transformational health care IT & revenue cycle management company which deploys comprehensive patient facing & physician practice technology solutions to decrease health care costs and generate revenue opportunities from healthcare providers, payers such as Express Scripts & Blue Cross Blue Shield, and pharmaceutical drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly & Novartis. PatientPoint Kiosk is a patient self registration terminal similar to an airline check in kiosk but in tablet form which is installed in medical practice waiting rooms across the United States at no cost to physician practices with seamless integration to their EMR/EHR/PM systems. Unlike any technology, by partnering with the physician, we decrease patient wait times, increase patient collections, reduce billing costs, free up physician & staff resources, decrease office overhead, empower patients, save patients money on their medications, improve medication adherence/compliance, improve patient outcomes, contain health care costs, and prevent adverse events by alerting physicians and patients of dangerous interactions and gaps in care at the point of care in real time. PatientPoint’s proprietary & protected IP enables the generation of proven revenue streams while benefiting our partners, investors and all members in the health care value chain.


Northern Florida and Panhandle

eLayaway, Inc (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogfgmgbhjgbhhgbhjcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Tallahassee: is a patent-pending application that provides a fiscally responsible payment option to individuals lacking the cash or credit to afford the items they desire. The eLayaway market also consists of fiscally-conscious consumers who see the value in a debt-free payment alternative. eLayaway Consumers choose eLayaway at time of purchase and set payment schedule using an intuitive calculator. Payments are deducted from consumer’s bank account via ACH. Upon payment in full, funds are transferred to merchant and merchant fulfills order. Consumer is charged a flat fee as low as 1.9%. Merchants are charged a monthly fee based on transaction volume.. eLayaway also serves merchants looking for solutions designed to reduce costs, expand markets and drive sales. Retail layaway is a $1.4 Billion market that is currently running on an antiquated system. eLayaway offers the benefits of automation and scalability needed to secure and grow that market. Current providers of eLayaway include professional sports teams (NFL, NHL) and ecommerce platforms with merchant networks in the hundreds of thousands.

LearnSomething (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogmgfgbhcgohdgpgngfhegigjgoghcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi ), Tallahassee: offers three related on-line services to its clients: 1) Outsourced compliance management for pharmacy and grocery retailers: SaaS-delivered customizable e-compliance content and tracking to help them risk manage topics like preventing prescription errors and food safety. More than 160 national retail chains use the services. 2) E-Learning solutions with published customizable content delivered through Learning Management Systems currently used by more than 100 retail chains and 120 national aAssociations. 3) Shopper marketing solutions for in store and the web based on the unique premise of education as the way to promote product purchase. Pilots are launched at more than a dozen major retailers in 250+ store locations, through which retailers test new communication devices with LearnSomething content in the aisle and on blood pressure machines.

Seal Shield LLC (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcohdgfgbgmhdgigjgfgmgecogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Jacksonville: has become a recognized leader in infection control technology. Seal Shield’s patent pending infection control products, such as dishwasher-safe, antimicrobial keyboards and mice, are designed to prevent the spread of deadly diseases. With thousands of installs in healthcare organizations worldwide, Seal Shield is the first line of defense against the spread of infectious pathogens. Not only are they the emerging standard for hospitals, but commercial and consumer applications are demanding Seal Shield’s infection control solutions as well.

ShipXpress Inc (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcohdgigjhahihahcgfhdhdcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Jacksonville Beach is a premier provider of web-based supply chain software as a service (“SAAS”) for bulk products industries including chemicals, bio-fuels, agribusiness, and wood products. Their ShipX software makes rail and truck freight management simpler and more efficient. ShipXpress also provides software solutions for shortline and regional freight railroads through its RailSync subsidiary.

Southeast Florida

Avisena (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogbhggjhdgfgogbcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Miami: helps medical practices improve collections, reduce overhead, and gain control. Avisena offers complete, Internet-based practice management software combined with billing and collections services, including “always local” client services to healthcare organizations of all sizes. Established on May 31, 2001, Avisena embarked on the road to revolutionize the antiquated healthcare industry, which today represents $2.5 trillion or 17.6 percent of the GDP. In order to reform the system, we established a new business model that would differ from traditional billing and collections companies. Avisena offers an integrated revenue cycle management system with the combined collecting power and knowledge base of multiple practices. Our team at Avisena is comprised of talented, dedicated, and hard working individuals leveraging their full expertise to provide the ultimate value for our clients. The company’s experienced specialty-specific medical coding professionals and 24/7 support from a dedicated Account Manager allow all of our clients to collect more, spend less and live better.

BodyLogicMD (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogcgpgehjgmgpghgjgdgngecogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Boca Raton: is the nation's largest and fastest growing network of highly trained physicians specializing in natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Integrated with fitness and nutrition programs, BodyLogicMD physicians treat men and women suffering from hormone imbalance, menopause, and andropause with customized regimens that integrate bioidentical hormone therapy with nutritional supplements and fitness programs.

CareCloud (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogdgbhcgfgdgmgphfgecogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Miami: provides web-based software and services for the healthcare industry. The company’s proprietary software, based on a design that treats healthcare and its participants as an ecosystem, is enabled through a social network to connect doctors, patients and other key participants. CareCloud’s business model is to provide practice management and electronic medical records systems delivered as Software-as-a-Service while offering a revenue-cycle management back-office service. Third-parties such as health plans, large providers and other health care IT providers can also integrate into CareCloud’s ecosystem utilizing the company’s Platform-as-a-Service. CareCloud has built its technology using Open Source systems and cloud computing.


GeneEx, Inc (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcoghgfgogfgfhigjgogdcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Hialeah: is developing rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests for infectious diseases capable of detecting virulence markers produced ONLY during active infections. Unlike current diagnostic assays, GeneEx's tests can detect active infection by detecting pathogens in action as opposed to when they are just harmless colonizers. GeneEx will focus its initial commercialization effort on infectious diseases such as periodontal disease, group A strep and systemic fungal infections. The company has significantly de-risked its operations by patent-protecting its core technology and engaging a leading point of care test developer and manufacturer for production of its tests.

InfoFinder Search Technologies (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogjgogggpgggjgogegfhchdgfgbhcgdgicogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi ), Boca Raton: is a software company that develops, sells and supports comprehensive enterprise search products for small-to-medium sized businesses. InfoFinder’s enterprise search products are designed to increase information worker productivity in the SMB market segment. The software bridges the silos where electronic information is hiding—network shares, intranet, email, SharePoint and other systems. The company’s products allow its users to precisely and securely search millions of company documents, structured and unstructured, located throughout all company silos. The process is executed in seconds through single-point access via an index that updates up to 1 million documents a day.

KLEO Inc (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcognhjglgmgfgpcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Miami: is a technology company with a first-to-market proprietary software - the KLEOplatform™ - that centralizes and aggregates funds distribution, philanthropy and ecommerce in the K-12 education ecosystem. The KLEOplatform drives purchases stimulated by this aggregated activity through their proprietary vendor network- the KLEOnetwork™, and KLEO earns revenue from vendors who pay for access to their K-12 consolidated purchasing.

Options University (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogphahegjgpgohdhfgogjhggfhchdgjhehjcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Boca Raton: is a leading provider of options education to traders of all levels, and provides investors around the world with the very best in options education, media and idea generation tools. Options University's mission is to empower investors worldwide with the best tools and education for long term success and financial independence, and to use options for greater profit and better risk management.

West Central Florida
Acclaris (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogbgdgdgmgbhcgjhdcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Tampa: is the leading software enabled service provider for employee benefits reimbursement, blending best-in-class web-based SaaS technology, innovative processes and a globally distributed workforce. Acclaris provides health plans, financial institutions and HR administrators with an unmatched competitive advantage and up to 50 percent cost savings versus comparable internal or outsourced solutions. Their technology and processes are proven, SAS 70 certified and highly scalable to support the largest, most demanding clients. Acclaris supports all types of reimbursement programs from IRS regulated accounts such as FSA, HRA and HSA to employer designed plans including tuition, retiree medical and fitness/wellness. Acclaris also enables customers to leverage the fundamental shift in the healthcare system that is reallocating responsibilities throughout the value chain of members, providers, carriers, administrators and employers. The Acclaris platform combines a robust rules engine and built-in precedence logic to handle the most complex account/purse inter-dependencies that form the basis of effective consumer driven healthcare (CDH).

eCycling.com (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogfgdhjgdgmgjgoghcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Largo: is an essential business services provider to large- and medium-sized companies which provides IT and Telecom asset end-of-life programs and services. The Company provides risk management, data sanitization, environmental responsibility and compliance, privacy compliance, IT asset recovery, asset end-of-life eCycling and IT asset lifecycle planning for its customers. eCycling.com services are designed to assist companies in identifying and complying with a myriad of State and Federal laws regarding safeguarding information and the proper disposition of electronic equipment.

Telovations (http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcohegfgmgphggbhegjgpgohdcogdgpgncp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi), Tampa: is the leading IP communications managed service provider in the Southeastern United States. The company provides hosted communications services via a managed, converged network offering a compelling alternative to traditional telecommunication services. Telovations' approach eliminates large capital investments and ongoing overhead and offers flexibility and expandability that small and medium-sized businesses might not otherwise afford, allowing for the addition of devices, modes or coverage on demand.

About the Florida Venture Forum
The Florida Venture Forum, Inc. is Florida's oldest, largest and most prestigious statewide support group for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneurial networking group, the Florida Venture Forum educates entrepreneurs and assists them in identifying sources of venture capital. Created in 1984 by a group of high-level business leaders and academicians, the Florida Venture Forum helps ensure the success of Florida-based entrepreneurial ventures by offering expert counsel and educational advice. Throughout the year, the Florida Venture Forum provides programs on a statewide basis.

Each year, the Florida Venture Forum presents the Florida Venture Capital Conference, now in its 19th year. Florida's only statewide later stage Venture Capital Conference, the event has attracted more than $2 billion dollars in venture capital funding for Florida-based companies since its inception.

For additional information and to RSVP, please call 813-335-8116 or visit the Web site at http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogggmgphcgjgegbhggfgohehfhcgfgggphchfgncogphcghcp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi .
The Florida Venture Forum is still taking registrations. For information on the Conference please visit http://mailmgr.floridaventureforum.org/support/go.asp?u=gihehehadkcpcphhhhhhcogggmgphcgjgegbhggfgohehfhcgfgggphchfgncogphcghcp&c=dbdadjdd&l=dbdedgdcdedc&s=dddddf&j=dddcdbdi .Or call 813-335-8116.
Hosted by:
The Florida Venture Forum, Inc.
February 2-3, 2010 at the Omni ChampionsGate Resort in Orlando, FL Visit www.floridaventureforum.org or call (813) 335-8116 for other statewide programs helping entrepreneurs raise capital

Tapping the Talent at UCF

Date: Tuesday, February 2nd Time: 3:00-4:30

Fee: $20 (Free to Incubator Clients)


Location: Human Resources training room # 123 Research Parkway, Suite 360, Orlando, FL., 32826

Please RSVP to Renee Ayala by Friday, January 29th at 407-882-0202 or via email rayala@mail.ucf.edu


Are you interested in hiring UCF students but don't know how to navigate the system? Would you like to know what partnerships exist to connect with students and faculty? Looking for opportunities to get your name out there in front of students?
The Departments of Experiential Learning, Career Services and the College of Business Administration's Office of Corporate Partnerships and Career Management are collaborating to provide a comprehensive workshop on resources and services for community businesses interested in tapping UCF student talent.

This session will outline an overview of the structure of the university system with a focus on the two col­leges from which companies primarily recruit: College of Engineering and Computer Science and College of Business Administration.

This session will cover how to:

  • recruit student interns and co-ops,
  • search for qualified new graduates,
  • connect with faculty and departments,
  • identify ways you can make your company name a household word, and
  • learn about the annual calendar of recruiting events.

You will discover the differences between internships and co-ops and the value they bring to your busi­ness. Presenters will also showcase specialized services we offer, such as advice on how to be competi­tive, what students look for, and how to host an open house or information session.
You will be amazed at the number of resources available and surprised to learn that many are free of charge!

You don't have to be a Fortune 500 member to recruit like one! Come and meet the faculty and staff that work directly with your future workforce!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Advances in Miniature Photonics

The common man is not really familiar with scientific terms unless it applies to gadgets and applications that are in regular usage as part of their daily lives. So when the word photonics crops up in a conversation, you could be forgiven for displaying a blank expression on your face. To those in the dark, photonics in its simplest explanation is the field that uses light instead of electronics in applications relevant to telecommunication, information processing, display technology and others. If you’re still clueless, the term fiber optics should ring a bell – after all, it has revolutionized the way we communicate and share information today.

Today, the world of photonics has grown and advanced by leaps and bounds, and we are familiar with its uses (even if we don’t know that it is photonics being applied) – we undergo laser surgery routinely without questioning the scientific principle behind its efficiency and accuracy, to give you just one example. A recent innovation in this field may be miniature in nature, but when you consider the progress that has been made to reach this stage, the achievement is stupendous.

Researchers at the Ghent University have reduced the size of the world, almost literally, as part of a project for the institution’s Photonics Research Group. They’ve succeeded in scaling down the map of the globe one trillion, with 25,000 miles being reduced to 40 micrometers which is half the width of a normal human hair. The map finds place on an optical silicon chip which is being tested for potential applications in telecommunications, high speed computing, biotechnology and healthcare.

The project is part of ongoing research in silicon photonics technology which integrates optical circuits onto small chips which are then manipulated on a minute scale (micrometer and lower) in tiny strips of silicon that are called photonic wires. This particular chip with the world map was used to showcase photonic wires with the least number of propagation losses. The map was etched using 200 mm processing and its smallest features are as tiny as 100 nanometers.

The achievement is even more significant when we take into consideration the fact that silicon photonic circuits can hold a million times more components than glass photonic chips which we use currently in various applications. So the potential for smaller gizmos that are infinitely more powerful than their predecessors is improved with this advance in photonics.

By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Shannon Wills, she writes on the topic of Online Engineering Degrees . She welcomes your comments at her email id: shannonwills23@gmail.com.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

National Small Business Contracting Summit - Southeast - January 2010

Event Date & Time:
26 January 2010, Tuesday 27 January 2010, Wednesday
07:30 AM 04:30 PM

Event Location:
Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites Lake Buena Vista, 12205 S Apopka-Vineland Rd, Orlando FL 32836

Event Details & Registration Information:
http://www.uswccmembercenter.org/ViewEvent.ashx?eventId=107162

Have questions or comments? Contact us at 888-418-7922.

Thank you,
USWCC l 360 Advisors
1200 G Street Suite 800 Washington, D. C 20005888-418-7922 www.uswcc.org

A SupplyPointR Proposal and Engineering Assistance Training


This program may be of interest to you. One of the sponsors is FPC member Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

Jim Pearson

FPC Executive Director


*******************


Mark Tellam, Project Manager, Technology Transfer, Commercialization & Growth ServicesFlorida Manufacturing Extension Partnership would like to share with you the attached program that will be offered at Hillsborough Community College in Plant City on January 20.

Larry Meadows, Project Manager with Florida MEP’s Center for SupplyPoint® Integration
Program, will present a workshop to train Florida manufacturing companies in techniques to
submit quotes for government and prime contractor procurement. This workshop and networking
session focuses on defense acquisition.

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is a sponsor of this program.

For questions, please contact Mark at his office on 321-939-4000, cell: 407-620-6970or email markt@floridamep.org


Monday, January 11, 2010

Enterprise Florida: State updates economic development strategic plan

Need for an innovation and knowledge-driven economy to ensure future growth
is basis for plan’s proposals

ORLANDO, FL (January 11, 2010) – The Roadmap to Florida’s Future: 2010-2015 Strategic Plan for Economic Development – a revised blueprint for Florida’s efforts to achieve future economic growth and prosperity – is available.

A five-year plan, the Roadmap is produced by Enterprise Florida’s board of directors in accordance with Florida statute and refreshed every three years. The board provides Florida’s governor and legislative leaders with annual updates.

Key to the Roadmap’s development is input from a broad base of citizen and community stakeholders statewide including economic development, arts, business, education and government leaders.

One venue for their feedback was 10 half-day forums held last summer in eight regions of the state, which drew more than 1,500 participants. Additionally, perspectives from the general public came via an interactive Web site. “This approach allowed us to weigh new ideas as well as current strategies evolving from the ‘grassroots,’” said Allan Bense, Enterprise Florida board vice chairman. “This resulting plan outlines Florida’s needs and priorities for continued economic expansion and diversification.”

Following are the priorities, with a sampling of recommended focus areas relevant to them:

Diversifying Florida’s economy through cluster strategies – expanding and transforming foundation industries and high-impact targeted industry clusters, and developing new clusters
Talent – STEM (science, technology, engineering and math education) focus, K-12 enhancement, demand-driven workforce system, higher education excellence
Innovation – research and development, commercialization and venture capital
Growth leadership / Infrastructure – multi-modal transportation, land use, broadband, energy and water
Business Climate – revamping state incentives, small business and entrepreneurship, regulatory environment, and business costs
Global Hub – international commerce (trade, foreign direct investment, tourism), international infrastructure (transportation, language skills and regulatory issues)
Quality of Life – arts & culture, vibrant communities

To access Roadmap to Florida’s Future: 2010-2015 Strategic Plan for Economic Development, visit http://www.eflorida.com/roadmap.

“As Florida transitions from the global recession, it’s imperative that we adhere to a strategic plan that can lead to sustainable growth and higher wage jobs in an economy that’s increasingly becoming innovation and knowledge based,” Bense added.

* * *

Enterprise Florida Inc. is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

"Florida High Tech 2010" highlights photonics

The annual magazine florida.HIGH.TECH 2010 published by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) is now available on the web at http://www.floridahightech.com/resources/directory.html. Dr. Jason Eichenholz, CTO of FPC member Ocean Optics is recognized in the "Faces of Technology" section (see pg 43) along with highlights of the Optics & Photonics sector.

There is also a fine article on CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics at UCF (see pgs 12-15), highlighting the work being done by Dr. Christodoulides and Dr. Aristide Dogariu.

SPIE launches new series of video interviews

BELLINGHAM, Washington, USA –- 6 January 2010 –- SPIE has launched a new series of video interviews with leaders in laser technology, as part of the international optics and photonics society’s celebration of the 50th anniversary this year of the invention of the laser. In the SPIE Advancing the Laser video series, leaders in current laser research and development talk about new advances and the technology's history.

The first of the 5- to 7-minute video interviews can be viewed online in the SPIE Newsroom.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Enterprise Florida’s Board and Stakeholders Council Meeting Notice

Enterprise Florida’s Board and Stakeholders Council Meeting Notice

WHEN

January 26 – 28, 2010

WHERE

DoubleTree Hotel, Tallahassee
101 S. Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Reservations: 1.800.222.8733EFI Room Rate: $149.00 per nightReservation cut-off date: January 8, 2010

SCHEDULE

Rural/Urban Working Group 1/26/10 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST

FDA Meeting 1/26/10 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
(Holiday Inn – 2725 Graves Rd, Tallahassee)

Competitiveness Working Group 1/26/10 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. EST

Marketing Working Group 1/26/10 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

FEDC Board Meeting 1/26/10 4:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST

Stakeholders Dinner 1/26/10 7:00 p.m. EST
(Restaurant: Andrews 228)

Stakeholders Council Meeting 1/27/10 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. EST

Technology, Entrepreneurship & Capital Committee 1/27/10 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST

Global Commerce & Investment Committee 1/27/10 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST

Florida Life Sciences Council 1/27/10 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST

Legislative Policy Committee 1/27/10 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST

Board & Stakeholders Reception 1/27/10 5:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ESTEFI Board Meeting 1/28/10 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST
R.S.V.P via email to: lcox@eflorida.com
If you have any questions contact: Liefke Cox 407.956.5688

2010 EFI Board/Stakeholders Council Meeting dates:
January 26 – 28, 2010 Location: Tallahassee
(Board Meeting only) June 16-17, 2010 Location: Orlando
August 17-19, 2010 Location: TBD
October 26-28, 2010 Location: TBD

*The attached agenda and meeting times are subject to change.

UCFBIP presents, The Lunch Connection, *Effective Interviewing: Asking the Questions & Evaluating the Answers*

UCF Business Incubation Program presents: The Lunch Connection sponsored by Timmy Rupeiks and Stephen Smith, VACO Orlando, LLC
Date: Thursday, January 14th Time: 11:30-1:00
Fee: $20 (Free to Incubator Clients) Lunch will be provided
Location: University Tower 12201 Research Parkway, 2nd Floor, Orlando, FL., 32826
Please RSVP to Renee Ayala at 407-882-0202 or via email rayala@mail.ucf.edu
Come join in a roundtable discussion about effective interviewing and how to tailor the interview process to your individual corporate culture. We will highlight best practices that our clients employ and useful tips for maximizing your time with interviewees to ensure long-term success and to attract the right kind of candidates for your environment.
Vaco, ranked on the Inc 500 Fastest Growing Companies for 2007, 2008, 2009, is a strategic consulting and executive recruiting firm with particular focus on Finance, Accounting, Technology and Administrative areas.
Bios:
Stephen Smith
Stephen F. Smith joined Vaco in June 2006 and serves as director of financial recruiting for our Central Florida offices. He has over a decade of experience in the permanent placement and recruitment of accounting and finance professionals. A former recruiting manager and top producer for an S&P 500 publicly traded company. Stephen placed professionals in full-time opportunities and consistently ranked among the top sales professionals in the organization earning Chairman's Club Sales and President Club Awards. Stephen earned his bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University, in South Orange, New Jersey and his master's degree from the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He lives in Central Florida with his wife and three children.
Timmy Rupeiks
Timmy has been a part of Vaco Orlando for three and half years and has been the top business development producer in the Technology division for the past three years. His hard work and dedication have allowed him success in numerous industries like biotech, hospitality, healthcare, insurance, to name a few. Previously, he worked for five years for a statewide non-profit organization promoting and recruiting for a network of non-profits through the placement of recent college graduates in positions such as Immigration Attorneys, Paralegals, Social Workers, Teachers and Health Care Workers. For the three years prior, he worked for an international non-profit in Peru, South America. He is a graduate of Santa Clara University (cum laude) , speaks Spanish fluently, and enjoys playing music, reading and playing sports.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

AIAA Plans Aerospace Sciences Event in Orlando on Jan. 4-7

The AIAA will hold the 48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting (including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition) at the Orlando World Center Marriott on Jan. 4-7. This is a major multidisciplinary event for aerospace scientists and engineers from around the world. It provides an forum for scientists and engineers from industry, government, and academia to share and disseminate scientific knowledge and research results with a view toward new technologies for aerospace systems. New additions to the event for 2010 include a Jan. 4 session entitled NASA Research: Then and Now. Click here for information and registration.

Courtesy ERAU SPACErePORT

Saturday, January 2, 2010

OSA: ONR Seeks Research in Electronic Warfare Technology

(Applications Due: May 11, 2010) The U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) is seeking proposals for its Electronic Warfare Technology program. The goal of the program is to control the electromagnetic spectrum by "exploiting, deceiving, or denying enemy use of the spectrum while ensuring its use by friendly forces." Applications are due by May 11, 2010.
From "Electronic Warfare Technology" Grants.gov (12/01/09)

Courtesy OSA

OSA: DARPA Solicits Proposals for MOSAIC Program

(Applications Due: April 21, 2010) The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting research proposals for its Maximally scalable Optical Sensor Array Imaging with Computation (MOSAIC) program. The program "aims to overcome the limits of conventional imaging system design strategies and to demonstrate the feasibility of innovative design approaches providing for near-linear growth of optical information throughput with increasing imaging system scale." Applications are due by April 21, 2010.
From "Maximally Scalable Optical Sensor Array Imaging With Computation (MOSAIC)" Grants.gov (10/12/09)

Courtesy OSA

OSA: DARPA Seeks Low-Cost Lightweight Portable Photovoltaics

(Applications Due: April 21, 2010) The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals for its Low-Cost Lightweight Portable Photovoltaics program. The program is seeking "innovative research proposals in the area of photovoltaic power sources that excel in efficiency, portability, flexibility, durability, and ease of manufacture." Applications are due by April 21, 2010.
From "Low-Cost Lightweight Portable Photovoltaics (PoP)" Federal Business Opportunities (11/12/09)

Courtesy OSA

OSA: NSF Seeks Biosensing Research

(Applications Due: March 3, 2010) The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is soliciting proposals for its Biosensing program. The program "supports innovative, transformative, and insightful investigations of fundamental problems with broad long term impact and applications that require novel use of bio-inspired engineering principles and sophisticated devices to meet the engineering and technology needs of the nation." An estimated five awards will be given, ranging from $300,000 to $600,000. The full proposal window is February 1, 2010, to March 3, 2010.
From "Biosensing" National Science Foundation (12/03/09)

Courtesy OSA

OSA: NIH Solicits Proposals for Bioengineering Nanotechnology Initiative

(Applications Due: January 7, 2010) The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) is soliciting proposals for its Bioengineering Nanotechnology Initiative. The program aims to promote research "that employs nanotechnology to enable the development of diagnostics and interventions for treating diseases." A focus of the effort will be the development of principles and instrumentation capable of measuring and imaging biological processes of health and disease and methods to assemble nanosystems. Applications are due by January 7, 2010.
From "Bioengineering Nanotechnology Initiative" U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DC) (11/17/09)

Courtesy OSA