Issue 27- March 2015
The Institute has finalized a funding agreement with EyeLife, Inc., a Boca Raton-based company that is developing portable wireless ultrasound equipment based on technology licensed from Florida Atlantic University. EyeLife is developing affordable ultrasound probes that will allow images to be transferred wirelessly and securely, and displayed on multiple touchscreen applications, making the technology also accessible to new, previously underserved markets.
Save the Date for BioFlorida’s 2015 Celebration of Biotechnology
Join BioFlorida for the 12th Annual Celebration of Biotechnology. The Celebration of Biotechnology draws hundreds of life science professionals each year to Progress Park, just north of Gainesville off I-75. Biotech professionals at every level and scope of expertise come together to expand their tools and techniques needed to compete in today’s life sciences industry. More details and event registration may be viewed here.
Vigilant Biosciences™ Closes $5.5 Million Series B Round of Funding
Institute-funded Vigilant Biosciences, Inc. a leading innovator and developer of solutions that aid in the early detection and intervention of cancer, announced the successful completion of a $5.5 million Series B round of funding, bringing the total amount of funding raised to date to $7.8 million. Other financing includes investments by White Owl Capital Partners, venVelo, and several existing investors, as well as a group of private and angel investors with a commitment to the life sciences.
Join University of Miami’s U Innovation as they host the 2015 Concept to Commercialization (C2C) Series, a monthly seminar series offered to discuss commercialization of intellectual property and business concepts. Seminars are free and open to all UM faculty members, staff, postdocs and students, as well as the Life Science and Technology Park (LSTP) community of entrepreneurs. All sessions will be held at the University of Miami Life Science and Technology Park from 5-6pm. Upcoming seminars are as follows:
- March 24th “Building Commercial Software” with guest speakers Jack Karabees, Preclara, Inc. and Steven Schmidt and Jeff Wilder, SPI Software
- April 27th “Navigating FDA Regulatory Issues Relating to Medical Devices” with guest speaker Heather Rosecrans from Greenleaf Health LLC
- May 26th “Funding Your Startups: Perspectives from Angel Investors and VCs” with guest speakers Rhys Williams, New World Angels, Andrew Levin, H.I.G. BioVentures, and Alison Tanner, Florida Institute.
More details and event registration may be viewed here.
New Startup Quest® Sessions Getting Underway
This month sessions have commenced in Lee, Hillsborough, Alachua and Broward counties. Pictured above is the Broward informational session with over 200 attendees. Additional counties are launching in March and April.
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.