Thursday, May 31, 2012


Dear all,

I am pleased to announce that in cooperation with the Central Florida District Export Council, we have organized an Intro to Export Compliance Seminar for Monday, July 23, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm at the National Entrepreneur Center (in the Fashion Square Mall), 3201 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, Fl 32803.  Presenting will be Larry Sullivan, Director of the Bureau of Industry and Security San Jose, CA field office.  The cost to attend is $149 with a $99 early registration rate until June 30th so register now! 

Registration link is: http://www.intro2exportcompliance.eventbrite.com More details are in the flyer below.

I also want to remind everyone of our Exporter Insights: China seminar next Wednesday, June 6, 8:30 - 10:30 am also at the National Entrepreneur Center.  Registration for this event is free and it is a rare opportunity to hear from U.S. Department of Commerce experts on the Chinese Market.  We also have a limited number of slots for one on one meetings with our presenters (to sign up email me at john.fay @ trade. gov). 

Registration link for this event is: www.exportinsights.eventbrite.com

I look forward to seeing you at these events soon! 

John Fay
Commercial Officer
Orlando Export Assistance Center





Sunday, May 27, 2012

CLEANTECH TO SPACETECH EVENT SET TO UNVEIL EXCITING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ENDEAVORS Learn More About Florida’s Newest Technology Entrepreneurship Initiatives



UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ian Grant

Tel: 407/882-0345

Email: ian. grant @ ucf. edu


CleanTech to SpaceTech eVENT Set to Unveil Exciting New Technologies and Entrepreneurial Endeavors
Learn More About Florida’s Newest Technology Entrepreneurship Initiatives

ORLANDO, FL – May 25, 2012 – Florida Cleantech Acceleration Network (FL-CAN), Igniting Innovation (I2) Capital Acceleration Network, and MegaWatt Ventures proudly present Cleantech to Spacetech: Accelerating Florida Entrepreneurship, a two-day special event designed to encourage partnerships between entrepreneurs, investors, manufacturing partners, industry veterans, and students.  Participants will be introduced to the latest cleantech initiatives, programs and entrepreneurial endeavors, and $200,000 in grant money will be awarded to promising startup entrepreneurs.

“This is the first multi-showcase event of its kind in the state of Florida,” explains Thomas O’Neal, associate vice president for research and commercialization at UCF, and the principal investigator on the FL-CAN project. “Clean technologies, Life Sciences, and Space related technologies are very important sectors to Florida’s economic future. We feel it is imperative to not only unveil what new initiatives are on the horizon, but offer participants an opportunity to connect with one another and explore partnership opportunities that can create opportunities for the cleantech industry as a whole.”

Cleantech to Spacetech will take place September 20-21 at The Florida Hotel in Orlando.  Early bird tickets may be purchased for only $40 by August 31st by visiting www.cleantechtospacetech.com/registration.  Space is limited. “This is a ‘must-attend’ event for anyone who has an interest in the future of clean technologies and technology entrepreneurship in Florida.” says O’Neal.

The FL-CAN Showcase / exhibit hall will be open for the 2 days of the event.  Exhibits will include exciting displays from cleantech startup companies, intellectual property and cleantech inventions, as well as the finalists and winners of the I2 Capital Acceleration Showcase and the MegaWatt Ventures competitions.

The I2 Capital Acceleration Showcase will feature business presentations from 10 growth-oriented and venture-ready technology companies competing for a $100,000 prize sponsored by Space Florida. Other I2 participants will display their business ventures in the Exhibit Hall.  Applications must be submitted online at www.i2florida.com/how-to-apply by June 1, 2012.

In addition, MegaWatt Ventures will be awarding an additional $100K grant to one of ten finalists already selected to present a prototype and business plan to judges comprised of venture capitalists, industry veterans, and technical experts.  These finalist companies will receive seed funding and mentorship in the six months leading up to the Cleantech to Spacetech showcase.

Several levels of sponsorships are available for companies and organizations, interested in supporting the Showcase.  For more information on sponsorships, email Fran Korosec at Fran.Korosec@ucf.edu.  The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is leading the way as a Platinum sponsor.

For more information about the Cleantech to Spacetech conference, or to register, please visit www.cleantech-to-spacetech.com.

###

About Cleantech to Spacetech Event: The Cleantech to Spacetech event is a two-day showcase event featuring MegaWatt Ventures, I2 Capital Acceleration Program and the Florida Cleantech Acceleration Network.  The event will feature exciting new Cleantech initiatives, programs, and entrepreneurial endeavors while offering the potential for networking with cleantech individuals and companies.  Additional information is available at www.cleantech-to-spacetech.com.

About FL-CAN: FL-CAN program links Florida-based universities, incubation networks, investors and industry resources together to create a network of Proof of Concept centers to accelerate the creation and commercialization of innovative clean technology research into new technology companies or to license into existing firms.  FL-CAN is administered via a partnership between the University of Central Florida, The Technological Research and Development Authority, and the Florida Energy Systems Consortium.

About MegaWatt Ventures: MegaWatt Ventures is an annual clean energy business plan competition that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy in conjunction with Florida’s universities. The competition has an over-riding mission of encouraging the commercialization of innovative energy-related technologies from the lab bench into the marketplace.  Students, entrepreneurs and faculty are all invited to participate in this exciting program.  Selected companies receive seed funding, mentorship and other resources while building a prototype and creating a business plan.  Each year ten companies will compete for $100,000 in a technology showcase event.

About Igniting Innovation Capital Acceleration Network: Florida’s I2 Capital Acceleration Network was launched in early 2011 to provide promising technology companies in Florida accelerated access to industry and capital.  Since launching the I2 program, over 150 companies have participated, with 34 companies selected to participate in the I2 Showcase.  I2 has quickly grown into a “front door” for growth-based technology companies to identify and access the rich array of technology entrepreneurship resources, industry partners, and investors that are located throughout Florida.  Our cornerstone partners are the TRDA Business Innovation Center, Startup America, and Space Florida.

This article and all content within was prepared by The University of Central Florida in partnership with the Technological Research and Development Authority and Florida's Energy Systems Consortium under award #04-79-06583 from Economic Development Administration, and U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Invitation to the workshop "Manufacturing Innovation with NIAM"


To:  Florida Photonics Cluster members

Dr. Martin Richardson, Professor of Optics and Director of the Townes Laser Institute at CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, is leading the development of an industry-driven consortium to respond to the new Advanced Manufacturing Initiative coming out of Washington.  The proposal will be for a new Institute on Additive Manufacturing.  A workshop on this proposal will be held at UCF on June 1, 2012 as outlined below, in the attached documents, and on the web at the link below.

Please respond to Leslie Bilger (info below) as soon as possible if you are interested in participating in the workshop and possibly in the consortium being proposed.

Jim Pearson
FPC Executive Director
**************************************************

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING (NIAM)
Workshop – Manufacturing Innovation with NIAM
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
June 1st, 2012

In response to the President’s efforts in resurging the Nation’s Advanced Manufacturing by creating the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation
(NNMI) Pilot Institute for Additive Manufacturing, our industry-driven research consortium is organizing a workshop to help catalyze the transfer of cutting-edge technologies to multiple industries.

You are cordially invited to attend the workshop that will be hosted on Friday, June 1st, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Attendees are encouraged to use this opportunity to present their project ideas, various perspectives and challenges of tomorrow’s manufacturing.

Attached to this email are the workshop agenda, the PowerPoint presentation template as well as some travel- and lodging information. UCF parking permits, lunch and refreshments will be provided to attendees.

Please RSVP to Leslie Bilger (lbilger @ creol. ucf. edu, 1-407-823-6890) and advise if you are planning to present at the workshop.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

OIDA workshop on Photonic Integration Techniques
21 June 2012 at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Sponsored by OIDA member company Infinera Corporation.
The objectives of this workshop are to provide a snapshot of the photonic integration techniques and platforms used for advanced modulation format transmission today and to discuss challenges going forward. Program details and the list of speakers are viewable online.

Highlights:
·         Fifteen guest speakers: David Welch, Infinera, Corp.; Roman Egorov, Verizon; Alex Fang, Aurrion; Ferris Lipscomb, Neophotonics; Ilya Lyubomirsky, Finisar; Beck Mason, JDSU; Radha Nagaraja, Infinera, Corp.; Tom Palkert, Luxtera, Inc.; Hajime Shoji, Sumitomo Electric; Simon Stanley, Earlswood Marketing Limited; Valery Tolstikhin, OneChip Photonics Inc.; Andreas Umbach, U2T Photonics; Mike Wale, Oclaro, Inc.
•     A luncheon event with a special keynote address by David Welch who will discuss the role of Photonic Integration in high capacity fiber  optic networks.
•    Post-workshop presentation slides available freely online for meeting attendees and OIDA members.

This Workshop will be held in tandem with the Optical Society of America Advanced Photonics Congress. For details, visit www.oida.org.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Learn about the Chinese market from US Dept. of Commerce experts! - June 6


Dear all,

I wanted to let you know about a great opportunity coming up to learn about doing business in China which takes place on June 6, 8:30-10:30 am. (see details below) We will also have a limited number of slots for one on one counseling after the event available on a first come/first served basis.  The registration link is: www.insightsforexporters.eventbrite.com

Also, mark your calendars now for a export compliance seminar we are planning for July 23 and a Intellectual Property Rights protection for exporters seminar planned for early August!

Regards,

John Fay
Commercial Officer
US Export Assistance Center
Orlando, Florida


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Ocean Thin Films offers non-standard filter sizes to customer specs

Optical Filter Shop offers non-standard filter sizes to customer specs Largo, Florida (May 16, 2012) – FPC member Ocean Thin Films has opened a new web storefront at www.opticalfiltershop.com that allows shoppers to custom configure optical filters.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Igniting Innovation Capital Showcase Application Window Now Open!


i2 email logo

Igniting Innovation Capital Showcase Application Window Now Open!

$100,000 Prize to the Most Promising Company


On September 21, 2012, the Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA), in cooperation with Space Florida, will host the second annual I2 Capital Acceleration Showcase at the Florida Hotel in Orlando, FL.  The I2 Capital Acceleration Showcase will feature business presentations from ten growth-oriented, venture-ready technology companies that will be selected to compete for a $100,000 prize sponsored by Space Florida. The company presentations will be made to a targeted audience of venture capitalists, investment bankers, angel investors, government officials and economic development stakeholders. An additional ten companies will be selected to showcase their products in the I2 Showcase exhibition hall alongside the presenting companies.  

Eligible companies must provide a product or service in one of these industries: Aerospace/Aviation, Biotechnology, Medical Devices, Clean Technology, Alternative/Renewable Energy, Defense/Homeland Security, Software/IT, Simulation/Gaming, Internet/Mobile Apps, or Telecommunications. Companies will be selected on the following criteria: a strong market need, a unique value to their chosen marketplace, investment readiness, the potential for superior investor ROI, a sound business model that is revenue-driven, and a quality team with relevant industry experience.

 
A Special Session - The Cleantech Ventures Showcase  
  
The I2 Capital Acceleration Showcase will also include the I2 Cleantech Ventures presentation session. Ten Cleantech/Alternative Energy companies will be selected to present to the same audience of investors at the I2 Showcase. All companies will first be evaluated for the $100,000 prize session. Cleantech/Alternative Energy applicants not selected for the prize session will automatically be considered for the Cleantech Ventures session. The application, selection criteria and mentoring process is the same for both sessions, but Cleantech Ventures presenters are not eligible for the $100,000 prize.

How Do I Apply?   
 

Applications for the I2 Capital Acceleration Showcase should be submitted online at www.i2florida.com.  The deadline for applications is Friday, June 1st, 2012.  Applicants selected for both showcase sessions will be notified no later than June 18th.  Companies selected to compete for the $100,000 prize will be required to attend a mandatory one-day kickoff boot camp on Monday, June 25th at the TRDA in Melbourne, FL.  Cleantech Ventures presenters are invited to optionally attend the boot camp.

What is the Selection Process? 

All submitted application materials will be evaluated by the I2 Investor Review Board that is comprised of venture capitalists, industry experts, experienced technology entrepreneurs and representatives from TRDA and Space Florida.  The I2 Investor Review Board will select the most promising companies from the perspective of investor ROI for both the $100,000 prize competition and Cleantech Ventures. 

How Does the I2 Mentoring Work?

All companies selected to present are required to actively participate in three months of mentoring provided by TRDA's mentor network, which consists of seasoned startup executives and investors that understand the capital raising process. TRDA mentors will assist selected companies with business strategy, financial pro forma development and investor presentations. The mentoring process will kick off on June 25th at the boot camp session at the TRDA. Most of the mentoring can be done virtually, but companies selected to compete for the $100,000 prize will be required to attend the boot camp. Cleantech Ventures presenters are invited to optionally attend the boot camp, but are required to participate in the mentoring process.

How Do I Apply?

Simply fill out the online application located at www.i2florida.com/how-to-apply.

Questions?

Contact Brenda McMillan at bmcmillan@trda.org or (321) 872-1050 ext. 103.

I2 Capital Accelleration Logo
A Program of the Technological Research and Development Authority

 

TRDA
 

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You are Part of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem - Entrepreneurs Academy


Your organization plays a critical role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and is invited be part of a new initiative, the Entrepreneurs Academy.  The Academy was developed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. This innovative 2-day program will help entrepreneurs navigate the rich set of resources available in the Orlando area and will enable them to build critical connections to resources to innovate and grow.

We would like to include your organization as key resource within the ecosystem which would be described at the Entrepreneurs Academy and included on the Orlando, Inc. website.  

If you are interested in participating in the Academy as a supporting faculty member and tell participants about your organization and services, please let me know so that I can provide you with the appropriate date, time and location.

Created by Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs

The Entrepreneurs Academy is all about entrepreneurs and experts helping entrepreneurs. The inaugural Academy will be held on Wednesday, May 30 and Thursday, May 31, at Rollins College. It will bring together 20 to 25 growth-oriented entrepreneurs and they will hear first-hand from other successful entrepreneurs who have benefitted from these resources. The inaugural Academy will be chaired by Marty Rubin, CEO and President of Smart City, the nation's leading communications provider to convention centers and hospitality venues, and Past Chair of the Orlando, Inc. Board of Directors. 

Two-Days of Learning From Experts and Entrepreneurs

In this exclusive, two-day interactive session, entrepreneurs with meet and work with experts and entrepreneurs who represent elements of the entrepreneurial ecosystem: Advocates, Entrepreneurial Educators, Funding Sources, Professional Services, Recognition, Resource Providers, Sources of Innovation and Talent. All of them focused on helping take a business to the next level. During the Entrepreneurs Academy, they will learn about resources available to entrepreneurs, build strong connections, create a customized action plan for their business, receive a one-on-one consultation meeting to monitor this plan.

If appropriate, you are welcome to invite your clients to apply for Entrepreneurs Academy. The inaugural class in May will be for business owners with 2 to 25 employees who have been in business for at least 2 years. Please feel free to direct clients to apply on-line at www.orlando.org/academy. The price is $195 for Orlando, Inc. members and business owners/residents of the City of Orlando, and $395 for non-members.

If for any reason, you do not want to be included or listed in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, please let me know by Friday, May 18.

As organizations that serve entrepreneurs, this is a great opportunity for us, together, to nurture a vibrant and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Leslie Hielema
President
Orlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce)