For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)

For more than 2,000 students from numerous high schools across Florida, the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Regional Robotics Competition held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Arena was the place to be on Saturday, March 14. The competition, designed to showcase the rewarding and interesting aspects of life as an engineer, brought together 52 teams of young people and their mentors who put their homemade 130-pound robots to the test as they solved an engineering design problem. The teams had six weeks, standard rules and a set of parts to build their robot to face the strategic problem related to simulating lunar gravity.

FIRST is a national organization whose mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build the skill-set and leadership characters necessary for future engineers. In addition to the great hands-on experience, the competition promotes teamwork, professionalism and perseverance among competitors.

"The FIRST Regional Robotics Competition helps develop the future of Florida's workforce," said Wayne Weinberg, fundraising chair for the Florida Regional Committee, "Working with mentors in the industry encourages kids to stay the course and accelerates their interest in engineering."

Advancing all the way to the quarter-finals, Team 'Exploding Bacon' from Orlando garnered a special award at the competition recognizing the students' professionalism. "The purpose of FIRST is to promote a spirit of partnership and ingenuity - each team not only works on their own robots, but helps other teams with theirs," said Skyler Goodell of Team Bacon, who also attended an invitation-only luncheon hosted by FIRST before the event, which was attended by local leaders Robert Cabana, director of Kennedy Space Center; U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas; and, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty.

The regional competition, now in its seventh year running, was hosted by UCF and sponsored by NASA, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and Lockheed Martin. Dr. Marwan Simaan, UCF Interim Dean of Engineering; Dr. John Wiencek, USF Dean of Engineering; and, Dr. Pramod Khargonekar, UF Dean of Engineering, all support the FIRST Regional Robotics Competition and look forward to seeing Florida's bright young students join their engineering programs in the future.

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

CORRIDOR UNIVERSITY NEWS

USF Selected to Build Largest Smart Grid in Southeast

Out of 140 applicants, the University of South Florida's (USF) Power Center for Utility Explorations and Progress Energy Florida were chosen by Florida's Energy and Climate Commission to construct a $15 million comprehensive smart grid. The project, funded by the Governor's Energy Office, Progress Energy Florida, Publix and HD Supply will provide alternative power for 5,000 customers in the St. Petersburg Area.

The smart grid will utilize solar power and biodiesel fuel to provide power while reducing green house gas emissions and dependence on traditional energy. The three-year project taps into the national awareness of sustainable energy and could potentially give the Tampa Bay area the opportunity for larger smart grid projects. As the first in Florida, the USF project will provide more reliable and higher-quality power systems to customers, and combine new technologies and sources for a more effective process.

Of the smart grid's many features, one of the most significant will be the ability for customers to gauge their energy consumption throughout the day giving them the opportunity to make choices before consuming energy.

For more information, visit
http://usfweb3.usf.edu/absolutenm/templates/?a=1254&z=42.

UF Doctors Test Surgery for Parkinson's Patients

Called the COMPARE trial, a special study conducted at the University of Florida (UF) may make it possible for doctors to perform a targeted brain surgery to match the needs of Parkinson's patients. Designed to compare two current specific areas of DBS or deep brain stimulation, the trial effectively treated tremors, stiffness and slowness in either brain target, but also produced mood and mental changes depending on which target area was stimulated.

Doctors at UF's McKnight Brain Institute evaluated 45 patients who volunteered to participate in the study. Using a medical device surgically implanted in a patient's brain, DBS plants thin wires, known as "leads," in the targeted areas of the brain to deliver electrical pulses which deliver readings back to the device.

The ongoing study will help give more information to doctors about the different target areas of the brain as well as other uses for DBS technology improving patient's quality of life.

For more information, visit http://news.ufl.edu/2009/03/13/compare-trial/.

UCF Scientists Link Crickets and Humans During Global Warming

What do crickets and humans have in common? The answer is actually more than you would think when it comes to the effects from global warming. University of Central Florida (UCF) scientist Wade Winterhalter and biology professor Kenneth Fedorka are heading up a study in partnership with genetics experts from Cornell University that could predict human survivability during global warming thanks to the small striped creature's life and reproduction cycles.

After receiving an $860,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the team began one of the first research projects that connects simulated breeding patterns of a creature with Atmospheric Oceanic General Circulation Models, which predict rises in temperature over time. Crickets were chosen because their temperature induced life and reproductive cycles. During the two-year study, the crickets will be exposed to expected temperatures in future years reaching a total increase of 10.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

The impact of the temperature on the crickets will provide researchers with important information on migratory patterns and life cycles which can then be related to humans.

For more information, visit http://news.ucf.edu.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

FACES OF TECHNOLOGY

You're an American soldier in Iraq, and there's a truck full of what appear to be local civilians approaching your checkpoint. You want to ask them to stop and identify themselves, but you don't speak much Arabic and there's no interpreter available. What do you say? What do you do?

If you're one of the 700 military service members using Vcommunicator Mobile, you simply swipe a finger over your iPod to select the appropriate greeting and request in Iraqi Arabic. (You'll also find standard phrases for military missions in Kurdish, Dari, Pashto and Modern Standard Arabic.)

The device gives the option of referring to a list of phrases that help you speak and gesture appropriately; broadcasting the voice of an animated character via speaker or bullhorn; or even projecting a video of that character or Arabic script with voiceover onto a screen.

This remarkable tool sprang from Vcom3D, an Orlando-based company that is revolutionizing education, training and communication. Co-founder Carol Wideman blends expertise in simulation from her days at GE Simulation and Training Systems and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) with her background as a K-12 and university educator.

For the full story, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/pdf/FacesofTechnology09.pdf.

President Obama Mentions Gainesville Company Sinmat, Inc. at Press Briefing

To view this and other videos, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/facesoftechnology.

TAKE A BOW

Over the past decade, Ed Schons has been the eyes and ears of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, serving as an advocate for our mission while managing industry tradeshows and serving as liaison between our regional leaders and state legislators. This month, we recognize Ed for his outstanding efforts and dedication to the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

As the director for economic development at UCF, Ed has been a pioneer in the attraction and retention of high technology based companies in the Orlando area. He has assisted in the development of other economic development organizations in Florida such as the Metro Orlando EDC and the Tampa Bay Partnership. Ed has also been the recipient of many prestigious awards including Florida Chamber President's Award for Outstanding Service, the Leadership St. Pete Alumni Association's "Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Community," and the "Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional Award" from the Florida Economic Development Council for Outstanding Dedication and commitment to the Economic Development Profession.

For the Corridor, Ed has worked closely with President Randy Berridge since 1996 providing management oversight of Corridor activities. He has been integral for lobbying in the Capitol and the planning and execution of major industry conferences and tradeshows including BioFlorida, the Paris Air Show and the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference.

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council thanks Ed for his endless efforts to carry out our mission and for supporting the development of high tech companies within the Corridor.

TECH BUSINESS PARTNER NEWS

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

UF Plans Celebration of Innovation Showcase 2009
To showcase the outstanding results of transferring research into commercial endeavors, the University of Florida will host the third annual Innovation Showcase. The event will display 16 life sciences, medical devices, and information technology start-up companies that began as research projects and are now commercializing cutting-edge technologies. Companies include: Sestar Solar Technologies, BIKAM, Delta R Detection, Drug Detection Solutions, Kairos, Apeliotus Opthalmics, Azonic Solar, Banyan Biomarkers, Rapid Mobile, Touchless Medical, Red Lambda, Clinipace, Prioria, 360ed, dEmo and Retinasense.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, at the Hilton University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center. The Showcase will run from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Investor's Recognition Ceremony and Reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information about the event, visit http://conferences.dce.ufl.edu/innovationshowcase/default.aspx?page=549.

Tampa Bay Technology Forum Hosts coolTECH 2009

For more information, visit http://www.tbtf.org.

Advanced Solar Photonics LLC Builds First Solar Panel Plant in Florida
Advanced Solar Photonics, a subsidiary of Lake Mary-based Fonon Technology International Inc., is leading the way for solar energy in Florida by building the first solar panel plant in Florida, opening by late 2009. The laser technology provider for solar panel makers will complete a $40 million-plus project including a 100,000-square-foot expansion of their Lake Mary headquarters.

Upon completion, the factory entitled SolarFab will produce up to 40 megawatts of solar power annually and create up to 200 new jobs. The addition of the plant will also provide an alternative to keep business in the state instead of having equipment shipped from across the country.

For the complete list, visit http://www.advancedsolarphotonics.com/Press_ThinFilm_Module_Production_Plant.html.

Bio-Tech Medical Software Inc. Selected into UCF Technology Incubator
The award-winning Technology Incubator at the University of Central Florida welcomes Bio-Tech Medical Software to the program to help develop their state-of-the-art anti-drug diversion software. The company and Incubator will work together to establish the most advanced prescription monitoring program for patients, physicians and pharmacies, combating the problem of prescription drug abuse.

As an increasing problem across the United States, "doctor shoppers" go to more than one doctor to receive various types of narcotic pain medication. The new program developed by Bio-Tech Medical Software will help put an end to this and prevent identity fraud among patients.

For more information, visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Citrus IT Alliance to Hold Annual Tech Expos
Presented by the Citrus Information Technology Alliance, the Citrus Tech Expo will be held April 26 at Crystal River's National Guard Armory to showcase the latest IT software and solutions.

The theme of this year's Tech Expo is "Be a Greenabler" by 'Finding the Ecology in Technology.' Technology experts will be available to discuss IT-related topics, including proactive ways to prevent equipment/data loss, disaster recovery, communication and mobility solutions, management applications and software overviews.

For more information visit http://www.citrusitalliance.net/ExpoEvent/tabid/71/Default.aspx.

ACCOLADES

Moffitt Cancer Center Awarded $50,000 Research Grant
Dr. Robert Wenham of the Moffitt Cancer Center has received the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) Molly Cade Ovarian Cancer Research Grant. Since its inception in 1991, GCF has raised $3 million in research grant funding. Wenham and his team will use the $50,000 award to conduct research on overcoming ovarian cancer cell's resistance to chemotherapy by looking at key pathways holding targets for new drugs to force cancers to respond to treatment.

UCF Vice President of Marketing to Retire
After 16 years of service and dedication to the University of Central Florida (UCF), Dr. Tom Huddleston will retire in April from his post as vice president for Marketing, Communications and Admissions. Throughout his tenure, Huddleston has been a catalyst for UCF's soaring academic reputation and enrollment in addition to furthering the mission of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

USF Research Park Wins McIntosh Award
Selected in the categories of community service, cultural/sports/recreation, development, environment, infrastructure and public education, the University of South Florida (USF) Research Park was awarded the Charles A. McInstosh Jr. Award of Distinction by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. USF's Research Park, which houses 20 startup Tampa Bay technology incubator companies, was selected out of 44 applicants for its outstanding contribution to the local economy and for creating a welcoming environment for up-and-coming businesses to excel.

Calendar of Events

The following events are taking place across the Corridor's 23-county region or in the surrounding area:

Road to Relocation
Presented by: The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
Monday, April 6, 7:45 a.m.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
For event information, visit http://www.edcsarasotacounty.com.

Florida Medical Device Symposium
Presented by: Florida Medical Manufacturers' Consortium
Monday and Tuesday, April 7 and 8
Marriott Tampa Waterside Hotel & Marina, 700 South Florida Ave., Tampa
For event information, visit https://www4596.ssldomain.com/flamedmfg/upcomingEvents.cfm.

Engineering Greener Products and Clean Technologies
Presented by: National Instruments
Tuesday, April 14, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Radisson University Hotel Orlando, 1724 Alafaya Trail, Orlando
For event information, visit http://www.ni.com.

Defense, Security, and Sensing
Presented by: SPIE
April 13 to April 17
World Center Marriott Resort Convention Center, 8701 World Center Dr, Orlando
For event information, visit http://spie.org/defense-security-sensing.xml.

Legal Issues from Startup through Series A
Presented by: USF CONNECT
Friday, April 17, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
78USF CONNECT Building, 3802 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa
For event information, visit http://www.usfconnect.org/images/hutch%20law%20grp.pdf.

CREOL Industrial Affiliates Day - High Power Optical Sources for the 21st Century
Presented by: UCF College of Optics and Photonics
Friday, April 17, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics, Building 53, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando
For event information, visit http://www.creol.ucf.edu/Partnerships/Affiliates/AffiliatesDay2009.

Export University 301
Presented by: EDC of Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Thursday, April 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Manatee Community College, Lakewood Ranch Center for Innovation and Technology, 7131 Professional Parkway East, Sarasota
For event information, visit http://www.edcsarasotacounty.com/register.asp?e_id=137.

Power Breakfast with Dr. Daniel Kelly
Presented by: Orlando Business Journal and The Citrus Club
Friday, May 1, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Citrus Club, 255 S Orange Avenue, Orlando
For event information, visit http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/event/5078.

Third Annual STAR TECH Entrepreneurship Conference
Presented by: STAR Technology Enterprise Center
Wednesday and Thursday, June 3 and 4
Hilton Carillon Park Hotel, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg
For event information, visit http://www.startecflorida.com/conference.

coolTECH 2009
Presented by: Tampa Bay Technology Forum
Thursday, June 11
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N.W. C. MacInnes Place, Tampa
For event information, visit http://www.tbtf.org.

CORRIDOR INDUSTRY NEWS

Firms Train Sights on Military Contract
Orlando Sentinel
By Richard Burnett

Only a month after it was announced, the Army's latest multibillion-dollar simulation training deal is becoming a magnet for new companies seeking to join a key Central Florida industry. STOC II - the Simulation and Training Omnibus Contract II - has sent a buzz through the region's high-tech training community.

For the full article, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/pdf/Firms.pdf.

New USF Lifelike Simulators Respond Like Patients in Surgery
St. Petersburg Times
By Richard Danielson

The model for training surgeons once was, "See one. Do one. Teach one."

Trouble is, seeing one surgical procedure doesn't mean you've seen all the ways that operation can turn out. Better to see as many as possible and practice a lot before touching a real live patient.

For the full article, visit http://www.floridahightech.com/pdf/USFsimulators.pdf.

IHMC Invites Science-Savvy Villagers to Volunteer at New High-Tech Institute
The Villages Daily Sun
By Theresa Campbell

A cutting-edge, high-tech research institute involved in creating a moon rover prototype for NASA also attracts bright minds for its pioneer technologies for the military and private sector.

For the full article, visit
http://www.floridahightech.com/pdf/Villages.pdf.