SSTI Digest

The Association of University Research Parks named the Science Center in Philadelphia "Outstanding Research Park of the Year."

Many states are now pursuing seed and venture investment strategies to support the growth of clean energy businesses. Last month, Pennsylvania concluded a year-long series of meetings with private sector investors, financial experts, and nonprofit state energy funds and introduced a $90 million strategy to leverage public and private capital for renewable energy. The plan links economic development and environmental protection in a manner intended to promote the state as a leader in emerging clean energy industries.   The centerpiece of this new strategy is the creation of the $40 million Keystone Green Fund (the Fund), which will provide private equity and debt investments, venture capital placements, and project financing for projects related to alternative power sources. The state Treasury Department is pledging $15 million of these funds to support the commercialization of clean energy technologies. Recipients, which must have a direct business connection to Pennsylvania, will be considered for additional investment by Pennsylvania's sustainable energy funds, including the TRF Sustainable Development Fund, the West Penn Power Sustainable…

The Supercentenarian Research Foundation, a new nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh, has selected outgoing Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse CEO Doros Platika as its chaiman.

Dr. Alan Brown was named executive director of the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center, a newly formed economic development initiative.

GSP Consulting, a full-service government and consulting firm, has added Dr. Jerry Paytas to its newly established Economic Architecture practice as director of research.

George Burrell is the new president and CEO of Innovation Philadelphia.

Krista Paternostro is the new vice president of operations at the Pittsburgh Technology Council.

Rob Jaffe, director of federal funding programs with Innovation Philadelphia, is resigning to become a senior underwriter for Institutional Lending at Commerce Bank.

Innovation Philadelphia, a nonprofit public-private partnership dedicated to growing the wealth and the workforce of the Greater Philadelphia Region, is seeking a full-time manager of marketing and communications to start immediately. Some of the responsibilities include coordinating a multi-faceted marketing department, publishing a weekly electronic newsletter, vendor management for all marketing programs, marketing management of internal departments programs, and website management. Among other skills, the successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, at least three or more years of experience in a marketing-related field, and an understanding of the Greater Philadelphia Region. A more complete description of this position opening is available through the SSTI Job Corner: http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm

Richard Bendis, an SSTI Board member, is leaving his position as president and CEO of Innovation Philadelphia to become president and CEO of True Product ID, Inc..

The Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center selected Alan Brown as its executive director.

To further accommodate and cater to fledgling biotechnology, high-tech and start-up companies, the University of Pennsylvania Science Center in Philadelphia recently announced plans to add 1.85 million sq. ft. through the construction of six new buildings with retail and parking components. According to media reports, the projects are part of a master plan titled, "Transforming the University Science Center into a Complete Venture Ecosystem." The master plan will roll out in five phases, with the first phase scheduled for July 2006 and consisting of a 150,000-square-foot building to house laboratory and retail space. The next two phases are slated for completion in 2010. Already one of the nation's largest urban university technology parks, the University Science Center currently maintains 1.7 million sq. ft. in 13 buildings along Market Street in the University City section of Philadelphia. The plan will double the center's capacity and provide scientific laboratories, residential housing, a hotel and conference center, and retail space with parking, according to a Business Wire…