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Kansas Releases New Technology Cluster Assessment and Strategic Plan

Using a new, proprietary methodology, the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC) has conducted a cluster assessment, determining KTEC should focus its commercialization efforts on those specific technology areas where opportunity is high and where the elements are in place to delivery those benefits to the state’s economy. The results, published in Kansas Strategic Technology Cluster Assessment and a Plan for the 21st Century, form a unique blend of cluster analysis, indicator assessment, and strategic planning.

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Eaton Corporation Donates Patent Portfolio

The Mid-America Commercialization Corporation (Manhattan, Kansas) announced that the Eaton Corporation is donating a substantial portfolio of patented technologies for the benefit of the corporation and Kansas State University.

The patent donation, valued at approximately $17 million, will be used as a technology platform upon which additional research programs in automotive, semiconductor and other areas might be developed at Kansas State University. The patents will be available for commercial licensing as well.

Eaton, which has its headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, is a manufacturer of highly engineered products that serve industrial, vehicle, construction, commercial, aerospace and semiconductor markets.

The Eaton portfolio of donated patents includes 57 patents across six different technology areas, including:

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Position Available

A Wichita, Kansas-based venture capital firm seeks a broadly qualified leader to commercialize technology, develop start-up businesses, manage pre-seed and seed capital funds, and raise capital. Resumes with a personal statement of interest and five professional references to Mary Breakstone at the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC). The full position description is available on the SSTI home page at www.ssti.org

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KANSAS INNOVATION INDEX ASSESSES STATE’S COMPETITIVENESS

The Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC) has released the Kansas Innovation Index 1999. The major finding of the report is that "Kansas has a realistic opportunity to create a competitive advantage for economic growth and high wage industries by supporting its emerging innovation economy."

The report examines 33 performance indicators in four broad categories: Economic Structure, Innovation, Competitiveness, and Human Resources and Infrastructure. For each indicator, Kansas is compared to neighboring states and U.S. averages.

The KTEC report is the latest in a series of states’ reports on innovation indices. Massachusetts and Illinois have previously published reports, and Maryland is expected to release one soon.

Copies of the Kansas Innovation Index are available by contacting KTEC at 785/296-5272.

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Kansas Commercialization Centers to Help Companies with Equipment Needs

The Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC) has initiated a program to help technology-based start-up companies locate and obtain equipment needed for their operations.

KTEC's three Innovation and Commercialization Corporations (ICCs) may now purchase equipment used for scientific, analytical, manufacturing or other business purposes and lease it to client companies. Each of the three corporations received $55,000 for the program. Lease payments from the client companies will be used to purchase additional equipment.

The ICCs provide business development and pre-seed financing to start-up, technology-based businesses. They offer a variety of business incubation services at no cost or reduced cost. These services include management services, office space, administrative support, and business plan writing.

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