Building Companies, Changing Lives
Issue 19- July 2014
Three Companies Representing Aviation, Life Sciences
and Supply Chain Industries Receive Seed Funding
The Institute has finalized funding agreements with three innovation-based companies through the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund, LLC. Altavian and Comm-N-Sense, both based in Gainesville, have licensed technologies from the University of Florida, and Vigilant Biosciences, based in Miami, has licensed technology from the University of Miami.
Altavian provides unmanned aircraft solutions that integrate engineering and manufacturing with services for federal, state, local and commercial clients, enabling them to collect data in a precise, accurate and timely manner. Comm-N-Sense provides low-cost supply-chain monitoring solutions that enable tracking of shipped packages down to the case level for businesses and that focus on shipping delicate biological materials, perishable items and products with a short shelf life. Vigilant Biosciences is developing a low-cost, non-invasive and selective adjunctive screening test for oral cancer that will enable early intervention, improve health and modify potentially adverse health outcomes. Both Altavian and Comm-N-Sense received First Round financing, while Vigilant Biosciences received Follow-on Round funding, having been funded by the Institute initially in July 2013.
Startup Quest™ Holds Statewide Bi-Annual Meeting
Regional Workforce Boards convened with Startup Quest leadership and other partners from across the state to discuss past successes and plans moving forward for upcoming sessions. Startup Quest is a 10-week entrepreneurial training program that pairs unemployed and underemployed professionals with yet-to-be commercialized technology and experienced entrepreneurs to learn how to develop business plans, pitch to investors and build successful companies.
With new sessions getting underway across Florida, Regional Program managers are seeking mentors, judges and other program participants. Please contact Susan Scully at
Save The Date – BioFlorida Annual Conference
October 12-14, 2014
Harbor Beach Marriott, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Connect with more than 500 life sciences professionals including company executives, scientists, investors, and federal and state lawmakers at the premier event for Florida’s life sciences community. Hear industry leaders discuss current trends in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and bioagriculture, and contribute to advancing the growth of the industry in Florida! Registration opening Summer 2014.
Melbourne-based Structural Composites Recognized at
TechConnect National Innovation Summit
Structural Composites, Inc. founder Scott Lewit was recognized as a TechConnect Innovation Awardee for the Next Generation, Low-Cost, Lightweight Composites Technology. The awards identify the top 20% of submitted technologies based on their potential positive impact on specific industries, and Structural Composites’ technology enables military and commercial customers to produce lightweight yet high-performance parts and materials in multiple transportation markets including boat, ship and road vehicle building.
About Us
The Institute delivers company building and funding programs to facilitate new venture and job creation through commercially-viable technologies in major industries that are driving the global economy. In addition to providing company support services, the Institute manages the Seed Capital Accelerator Program launched in 2011, and the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund launched in 2013. For more information, visit www.florida-institute.com.