Building Companies, Changing Lives


Issue 31- July 2015

Four Companies Receive Institute Funding

The Institute has finalized a first-round funding agreement with TransGenex Nanobiotech, Inc. (TGN), a Tampa-based company that is developing nano-scale technologies for novel, cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents against cancers and other inflammatory diseases. With technology licensed from the University of South Florida, the Company has developed the TUMOR-ON-A-DISH™ platform for translational cancer research and drug discovery. Additionally, three companies received follow-on funding from the Institute after having achieved significant development milestones since initial funding. They include: ClearSpec LLC, a Tampa-based company with technology licensed from the University of South Florida, as well as, Entrinsic Health Solutions, LLC, and OBMedical Company, two Newberry-based companies with technology licensed from the University of Florida. The Institute has funded 39 companies that have raised in excess of $50 million in additional private investment. 


Florida Angel Nexus Expands to Tallahassee

Florida Angel Nexus celebrated the launch of its Tallahassee chapter on June 19th. Tallahassee is one of Florida’s many prime locations for promising new companies, but the lack of investment dollars has inhibited their growth. Institute Entrepreneur-In-Residence Lawrence Tinker assisted with planning the event, which attracted approximately 60 attendees, a mix of potential investors and professionals interested in helping to bridge the gap between local startup companies and investors. Pictured above are Kathy Chiu, Matt Johnson, George Gramatikas, Jason Stamm, Blaire Martin and Kapono Curry. More information about Florida Angel Nexus and the event may be viewedhere.



Institute and MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Establish Partnership

The Institute has entered into a joint cooperation agreement with MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, an independent not-for-profit marine research organization based on City Island in Sarasota. Consistent with over 20 joint cooperation agreements that the Institute has signed with other research partners, this agreement establishes a framework for the two organizations to work together on new company creation, growth and fundraising activities.


Florida Universities Rank Top in the Nation for Patents

Four Florida universities ranked top among the National Academic of Inventors (NAI) and Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) for the number of utility patents granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2014. The University of South Florida (USF) ranked 13th with 104 patents, University of Florida Research Foundation (UF), ranked 15th with 87 patents, University of Central Florida (UCF), ranked 23rd with 66 patents, and Florida State University (FSU), ranked 52nd with 30 patents. The full list may be viewedhere.


Institute and IP TechEx Alliance Form Strategic Alliance

The Institute has entered a strategic alliance agreement with IP Technology Exchange, Inc. (IP TechEx) a worldwide leader in open innovation and technology services. The alliance is designed to, on a selective basis, increase collaborative business opportunities for each entity, as well as for the companies they support. IP TechEx will leverage its vast academic and corporate networks and business and intellectual property services platform to help companies analyze market trends, capitalize on IP white space opportunities and identify potential sources of capital and other partnership opportunities. The Institute will introduce IP TechEx to portfolio companies who may benefit from the tools and service offerings that the company provides.


Jane Teague, Renee Finley, Doug Bartel, and Courtney Caliendo at the Healthbox Miami Studio Closing Reception.


Save the Date for UF Celebration of Innovation

March 8, 2016

Hilton University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center

The University of Florida will hold its tenth annual startup showcase, A Celebration of Innovation” on March 8th at the Hilton University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center. The showcase offers a unique opportunity to see startup companies commercializing the latest life science, medical device, and cutting-edge technologies generated as a result of the more than $700 million research conducted at the university. UF has earned a reputation as a leader in commercializing discoveries that cure diseases, create jobs and make the world a better place, consistently ranked among the top universities for startup launches and licensing. Over the past 12 years, the Office of Technology Licensing has launched 157 biomedical and technology startups that have generated more than $1 billion in private investment. More details and event registration may be viewed here.


Startup Quest® Sessions Underway

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.
Regional Program Managers across the state are seeking mentors, judges and other program participants who wish to be involved in upcoming sessions. For more information contact Stephanie George at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


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.