Building Companies, Changing Lives

 

Special Holiday Issue


Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!

 
Two Companies Receive Institute Funding

 
The Institute has finalized first-round funding agreements with Intecrowd, an Orlando - based company with technology licensed from the University of Central Florida, and RAPiD Genomics, a Gainesville - based company with technology licensed from the University of Florida.
 
Intecrowd is a Workday Services Partner focused solely on helping Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) customers integrate with third-party payroll solutions. RAPiD Genomics offers DNA genotyping and data analysis solutions for applications in the agriculture, forestry and livestock industries.


Oscar of Invention Awarded to UCF Technology

 


R&D Magazine recognized the University of Central Florida and Jayan Thomas, Ph.D., at its annual R&D 100 Awards. R&D 100 Awards have a 50+ year history of honoring excellence in technology innovations. The award, which identifies and celebrates the top technology products of the year, highlighted the work of UCF associate professor Dr. Thomas, NanoScience Technology Center, CREOL and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, for his development of energy transmitting and storing copper wire. Pictured above are Rob Bernath, Ph.D., business development manager at the UCF Office of Technology Transfer (left), and honoree Jayan Thomas, Ph.D. (right)



Rick Carlson Assumes New CEO Role
SMTP Changes Name to SharpSpring and Stock Symbol to "SHSP"

 
SharpSpring, providers of comprehensive sales and marketing management systems, was acquired last year by SMTP, Inc. (NASDAQ:SMTP). SMTP, Inc. (NASDAQ:SMTP), a global provider of cloud-based marketing technologies, has changed its name to SharpSpring, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHSP) and changed their stock ticker from "SMTP" to "SHSP." SharpSpring CEO, Rick Carlson took over as CEO of the combined companies. SharpSpring, with technology developed at the University of Florida, was funded through the Institute’s Seed Capital Accelerator Program at the end of 2012 and has since grown to employ 70 people in the Gainesville area.


Florida Patent Pro Bono Program News

 
The Institute would like to welcome Dana Vouglitois, Esq. as the new Program Director for the Florida Patent Pro Bono Program. Ms. Vouglitois received a joint J.D. /M.M. degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries at the University of Miami. Prior to joining the Institute Ms. Vouglitois worked at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as Acting Counsel where she assisted 11 resident arts organizations on Lincoln Center's campus with a wide variety of legal and business matters which include drafting agreements, negotiating licenses, advising on matters involving copyright, trademark and labor laws and much more. Ms. Vouglitois joined Institute COO Jane Teague to present at the Inventors Society of South Florida on December 5th to inform members about the patent pro bono program and other Institute services.  
 
Additionally, Eskarya Pagan, Institute Marketing Coordinator presented at the Intellectual Property Law Association of Florida IP Attorney Mixer at the University of Tampa’s Lowth Entrepreneurship Center where she informed potential volunteer IP attorneys about the program.  


Institute Entrepreneur In Residence Lawrence Tinker at the Discovery Parade in Tallahassee which provided a preview of new and exciting inventions, innovations and discoveries from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Florida State University (FSU) and Tallahassee Community College (TCC)


Register Today for 2016 Florida Venture Capital Conference


Join the Florida Venture Forum for the 25th Annual Florida Venture Capital Conference on January 28-29, 2016 at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg. The Florida Venture Capital Conference showcases 20-25 later stage, high growth private companies before an audience of venture capitalists, private equity investors and other investor sources. The Forum seeks out Florida based entrepreneurial companies that have talented management teams, proprietary technology, revenue, and high growth potential. More details and event registration may be viewed here.


Save the Date for UF Celebration of Innovation


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 UF. The University has earned a reputation as a leader in commercializing discoveries that cure diseases, create jobs and make the world a better place. UF consistently ranks among the top universities for startup launches and licensing, and in the past 12 years, the Office of Technology Licensing has launched 157 biomedical and technology startups, generating more than $1 billion in private investment. More details and event registration may be viewed here.



Save the Date for Moffitt’s Annual Business of Biotech 2016

 
Join the Moffitt Cancer Center Office of Technology Management and Commercialization on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Moffitt Cancer Center for the 10th Annual Business of Biotech Conference. The conference brings together biomedical companies, startups, entrepreneurs, and investors for networking and partnership discussions. This year’s keynote address will be presented by Arie Belldegrun, M.D. President, CEO and founder of Kite Pharma and Sam Donaldson former ABC news correspondent and member of the Moffitt Board of Advisors. More details and event registration may be viewed here.


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.