Tech Council News

Convergence Group Formed in Silicon Valley

Joint Venture: Silicon Valley, the lead regional economic development organization for the well known valley, helped announce the formation of the Technology Convergence Consortium. Outlined in Joint Venture's Next Silicon Valley strategic plan, the new group's purpose will be to provide a forum enabling the valley's entrepreneurs to take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Florida Losing Regional Tech Council

Ten years since its creation, a regional nonprofit tech council serving the Orlando area will officially cease operations in October. Launched in 1995 as an initiative of Enterprise Florida, Central Florida Innovation Corporation's mission has been to create and build high wage, high growth potential companies in Central Florida. In recent years, CFIC has operated in a self-sufficient financial structure, without dependence on government grants or charitable contributions.

Two Trade Associations Created in Georgia

More than two years in the making, the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA) held its inaugural event earlier this spring in Atlanta. The organization will serve as a networking community to assist inventors and entrepreneurs in locating sources of financing and navigating licensing and regulatory issues. SEMDA is expected to provide members with information on topics such as fundraising, domestic and international regulatory issues, commercial and university licensing, commercialization of technology, intellectual property and negotiating strategies.

On a separate front, approximately 180 people attended the first meeting of the Georgia Wireless Association, held May 25 in Atlanta. Modeled after state-level similar wireless associations in Alabama and Tennessee, the new group will focus on building the industry within Georgia.

Idaho Biotech Organized

The creation of the Idaho Bioscience Association (BIO Idaho) in early June means BIO, the trade organization of the biotech industry, now has affiliates in 37 states. "BIO Idaho was formed to create a strong alliance between universities and biotechnology industries from all regions of Idaho," said Philip Syrdal, BIO Idaho's president and former chief executive officer of an international immunology company. "The association's primary role will be to enhance the development of the bioscience industry in Idaho, promoting the creation and retention of the state's intellectual capital by focusing on the process of transferring promising technology into the private sector for investment and development."

NACFAM Changes Name

To better reflect its evolving role as a nonprofit think tank and not a lobbying organization, NACFAM has changed its name to the National Council for Advanced Manufacturing. The C originally stood for Coalition. More information about the group is available at: http://www.nacfam.org

Michigan's Automation Alley Expanding

Construction is underway for the new headquarters of Automation Alley, Southeast Michigan's regional technology cluster. Opening in fall of 2004, the new facility will house the Automation Alley Technology Center, Automation Alley Member Consortium activities and the GLIMA Network, the Association of Interactive Professionals. Funding for the building was derived from several sources including $2.2 million in state and federal grants. To more accurately reflect the geographic distribution of its 485+ affiliate organizations, Automation Alley also recently expanded its service area to an eight-county region.

Minnesota Manufacturing for More Muscle

Twenty-three associations serving the manufacturing state's manufacturing community launched a Minnesota Manufacturing Coalition at the state's Manufacturing Tomorrow summit in April. The coalition enables associations serving manufacturers to “speak with one voice” on issues that are common to companies regardless of size or sector. Members are meeting bimonthly to identify the highest priority subjects that deserve attention from both state and federal policymakers.

Polymer Cluster Created in Mississippi

The Mississippi Technology Alliance led efforts to create the Mississippi Polymer Cluster Organization to promote better synergy and cooperation among the state's 350 polymer-related businesses. The new cluster group was designed to encourage economic growth, serve as a united voice for the polymer industry, and provide members with a variety of benefits, including: networking and work-sharing opportunities; workforce and educational trainings; and cooperative buying group opportunities.

Huntington, WV Gains Biotech Alliance

In late May, Marshall University and the Huntington Area Development Council (HADCO) formally agreed to form a Biotech Alliance to help develop the region's biotech industry. Initial funding for the group includes a $25,000 grant from the state and $50,000 HADCO raised from several sources. The alliance will focus on marketing, educational and promotional activities.

Southeastern Wisconsin Manufacturing Group Formed

The Tri-County Business Partnerships, a nonprofit economic development organization serving Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties in Wisconsin, has launched a new industry-government-academic collaborative to serve the manufacturing community within Southeastern Wisconsin. The alliance has identified 12 key objectives to guide its efforts to sustain and grow the region's manufacturing base.