Issue 6
Institute Partners with OwnForce to Offer Turnkey Business Process Services
The Florida Institute is working with OwnForce, a Gainesville based software company, to deliver business infrastructure solutions at affordable rates to start-up and growth companies. OwnForce is changing the way businesses manage their information and engage with employees by offering turnkey business process services comprised of a robust Human Resources Management System, Payroll, Benefits, and Legal Support Services. These services are provided in a single solution that can help you manage your company.
For more information on products and services, please visit
www.ownforce.com or e-mail
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Institute-Funded KeriCure Featured on WFLA as Company Prepares for Nationwide Launch
Funding Provided to Tallahassee-based Company
BioFront Technologies, producers of diagnostic kits and reagents that detect viral and allergenic proteins for food safety and infectious disease markets, received funding through the Institute’s Seed Capital Accelerator Program. The company has developed affordable detection kits that identify potential allergens in food products, and the Hepatitis C virus in infected cells. Since its inception in 2010, BioFront has successfully launched over 15 commercial products within the fields of Allergy and Infectious Disease, based on technology licensed through Florida State University. BioFront has sold antibodies to some of the healthcare industry leaders, and several large food manufacturers have expressed interest in the company’s allergen products.
Institute CEO and Local Companies to Present at BioFlorida Saturday Exchange
Jamie Grooms and three South Florida – based companies will present at Bio Florida’s “Saturday Exchange” on June 15 from 9:00 – 11:30. Hosted by MAKO Surgical at the company’s Ft. Lauderdale headquarters, this program promotes future company growth by giving young engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs the opportunity to interact with and learn from experienced executives and professionals.
The Saturday Exchange is a reprise of the successful Biomed Exchange meeting, held for many years during the 1980-90's where over 100 life science professionals would gather monthly in Miami on Saturday mornings to learn about various aspects of the community's growing life sciences cluster. The three presenting companies include: Converge Biotech, Inc., Eco Neurologics, Inc., and Novel Cell Culture for Individualized Oncology. Guests are invite to tour MAKO Surgical at the conclusion of the program.
New Member Added to Investor Advisory Board
The Institute welcomes new member Luke Widmer, American Management Specialists and Oakstone Holdings to its Investor Advisory Board, a 27-member group that provides company funding reviews and coaching to spinout companies. Widmer is based in Orlando and is actively engaged in the business and entrepreneurial communities.
Institute Associates Gather for Year-End Retreat
Members of the Institute team gathered in Gainesville last month for an in-depth strategic planning session. Anticipating the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1, associates presented plans and strategies for enhancing company support services and expanding the menu of resources available to Institute companies and partners. As this year comes to a close, the Institute wishes to thank its academic and business associates for the opportunity to work together and ignite Florida’s innovation economy for years to come.
