Issue 64 – March 2018
National Science Foundation Awards SegAna Phase 1 SBIR Grant
SegAna, an Orlando-based Institute portfolio company, has been recognized by the federal government as innovating in the field of cancer research. The company has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 grant valued at $225,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF). More details may be viewed here.
Peerfit Recognized as One of Five Southeastern Startups that Began 2018 on the Right Foot
Peerfit, a company funded by the Institute and based in Tampa, has been recognized by Crunch Base for successfully raising capital in 2018. The company offers a digital platform that makes it easy for companies, their employees, and local boutique studios to share fitness experiences. More details may be viewed here.
Lighting the Way from UCF Labs to International Markets
OptiGrate President & CEO, Alexei Glebov, was interviewed by Enterprise Florida regarding the company’s history, development and success.
OptiGrate, a spinout from University of Central Florida, is the industry leader in volume Bragg granting filter and component manufacturing. The company manufactures a component – a bit of glass – that makes lasers more precise and proficient. The growing business helps create high-tech employment positions, which strengthens the region’s economy. In three years, it doubled in size to more than thirty employees, including eight with PhDs and ten with master’s degrees. OptiGrate previously received a grant through the Institute’s Florida Research Commercialization Matching Grant Program. More details may be viewed here.
OptiGrate, a spinout from University of Central Florida, is the industry leader in volume Bragg granting filter and component manufacturing. The company manufactures a component – a bit of glass – that makes lasers more precise and proficient. The growing business helps create high-tech employment positions, which strengthens the region’s economy. In three years, it doubled in size to more than thirty employees, including eight with PhDs and ten with master’s degrees. OptiGrate previously received a grant through the Institute’s Florida Research Commercialization Matching Grant Program. More details may be viewed here.
FSU Researchers Partner with Harvard, MIT on $30M ‘Reach Every Reader’ Project
The Florida Center for Reading Research and College of Communication and Information at Florida State University have announced a collaborative partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Integrated Learning Initiative to research improving early childhood literacy through personalized intervention. More details may be viewed here.
South Florida Life Sciences Showcase
March 29, 2018 || Miami, Florida
March 29, 2018 || Miami, Florida
BioFlorida will be hosting the South Florida Life Sciences Showcase once again at the Miami International Airport on Thursday, March 29th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This showcase connects life science executives from industry, research and academia. More details may be viewed here.
Apply to Present at the 11th Annual Florida Early Stage Capital Conference
May 18, 2018 || Tampa, Florida
The Florida Venture Forum is now calling for outstanding private companies from the State of Florida to apply to present at the Florida Early Stage Capital Conference. This event is one of the largest gatherings of angel and early stage investors in the Southeast, and features panel discussions, speakers, and presentations by some of Florida’s fastest growing private companies. Presenting companies who meet designated criteria will compete for the Accelerating Innovation Award offered by Space Florida for a cash prize. The final presenter application deadline is on April 18, 2018. More details may be viewed here.
BIO’S Legislative Day Fly-In
April 17 – 18, 2018 || Washington, DC
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and BioFlorida invite you to attend the BIO’s Legislative Day Fly-In. Biotech executives from across the country will gather in Washington, DC with the mission of educating members of Congress on the value of biotech innovation. Participation is a complimentary benefit of the BioFlorida membership. Attendees are invited to participate in a legislative briefing and networking reception on Tuesday, April 17. On Wednesday, April 18, join the Florida delegation to participate in meetings with Florida Congressional offices. More details may be viewed here.
Save the Date for the 5th Annual eMerge Americas
April 23 - 24, 2018 || Miami, Florida
April 23 - 24, 2018 || Miami, Florida
eMerge Americas is the premier technology event connecting Latin America, North America, and Europe. This event will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Monday and Tuesday of April 23-24, 2018. It is a unique convening of global enterprises, leading startups and government leaders focused on innovative digital solutions transforming industries. Pre-registration prices end at midnight of April 8th. More details may be viewed here.
About Us
Formed by the Florida Legislature in 2007, the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with the technology licensing and commercialization offices of Florida’s state universities and private research institutions to leverage a $2.5B+ research base and form investable companies that create clean jobs in new industries that are driving the global economy. The Institute provides company building services, and seed funding through the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund, to promising Florida startups. Seventy-two companies have been funded to date, and the Institute’s economic impact through June 30, 2017 was $970 million, with an annual return on investment of 26 times to the State of Florida.