SSTI Digest

Over the next three years, Minnesota Technology, Inc. (MTI) will invest $3 million to support the development of existing and emerging technology-focused industry clusters. The new program is designed to increase collaboration between groups of tech business and the state’s nonprofit research, federal lab, and academic research communities. By focusing on the near-term technology needs of Minnesota businesses, MTI expects the program will lead to increased technology commercialization and high tech employment by the cluster businesses. MTI anticipates making three to five investments each year, with awards reaching $300,000 to $500,000 for qualified cluster proposals. Cluster projects must involve a minimum of four companies and at least one outside research resource, such as a local academic partner, federal lab or private, nonprofit R&D facility. More information on the new program can be found at http://www.minnesotatechnology.org/

An initiative to provide computer training to local teenagers to help jumpstart their information technology careers was launched earlier this month in Minneapolis. The Community IT Learning Center is the result of a partnership involving a North Minneapolis-based youth development organization, two local technology training companies, and Microsoft. While the training is designed to help close Minnesota’s Digital Divide 12 students at a time, the center is putting in place mechanisms to increase the impact beyond each class. Upon completing the first round of semester-long classes, students will receive A+ Certification, the first step to an IT career as hardware technicians. The training will be provided at no expense to the students, and the program will pick up the fees for the students to receive A+ Certification. Students receiving certification will receive an after-school and summer internship with a Minneapolis company and earn a minimum of $10 per hour, possibly up to $20 per hour. Students will also have the option of pursuing additional certification levels.…

Following on the Summit on Minnesota’s Economy, a 21-member group appointed by the president of the University of Minnesota has unveiled its recommendations to strengthen the state’s economy. The recommendations in Report to the People of Minnesota: Building a Knowledge Economy for Minnesota’s 21st Century are divided among five strategies: Recommendations in the new report are divided among five strategies: Developing a knowledge-driven industry cluster strategy to cultivate Minnesota's strengths within existing industries, and to develop emerging Minnesota industry clusters, starting with: health care -- particularly medical technology; biosciences -- especially applications in agriculture; and communications and information technology - particularly in storage technology and data communications. The Working Group recommends building workforce skills, research and innovation and fostering entrepreneurship in these significant industry clusters. Cultivating a competitive workforce for the 21st century through initiatives such as merit-based scholarships…

Minnesota Technology Inc. (MTI), the leading technology-based economic development organization in the state of Minnesota, is seeking a Deputy Director to serve as the right hand to the CEO. This critical position will be responsible for the following: Identifying and evaluating technology initiatives being developed in other public sector jurisdictions, educational institutions, or private sector associations for their potential application in Minnesota. Working with the CEO and other key partners to develop MTIs strategic direction and related products and services. Directing the development of an annual operations plan that supports the strategic direction. Working closely with internal managers to monitor progress with the operating plan. Representing MTI with key public and private sector leaders in promoting the role of technology-based economic development and serving as the organization liaison with related groups such as SSTI, NIST, and MEP. More information concerning this and other career opportunities can be found on S&T Job Corner of the SSTI…

The McKnight Foundation has committed $44.5 million over ten years to support scientific research in neuroscience/memory and brain disorders. The McKnight Endowment Fund will support three national fellowship programs: 1) Scholar Awards, which link basic researchers and clinical scientists or physicians who are in the early stages of their careers; awardees receive $75,000 per year for up to three years; 2) Memory and Brain Disorders Awards, which encourage novel applications of neuroscience research to clinical problems related to memory and brain disorders; and 3) Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Awards of up to $100,000 per year for two years to encourage multidisciplinary research and technical innovations. The Endowment Fund is also the sponsor of the annual McKnight Conference on Neuroscience in Aspen, Colorado, organized to share research developments and foster interaction among all the awardees.  More information is available at: http://www.mcknight.org/neuroscience/index.htm 

Minnesota Technology, Inc. seeks candidates to fill the position of Technology Transfer Specialist. The incumbent will help bring Federal Technology Transfer activities to Minnesota companies by developing partnerships with federal labs, identifying opportunities for tech transfer activities in Minnesota companies, and assisting companies with the development of proposals, agreements and licenses.  An Executive Director is sought to manage the Ohio Environmental Technology Incubator located at Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio.  This Incubator is in the initial stages of development, and the Executive Director will be responsible for initiating, planning, organizing, and directing all activities of the Incubator under the supervision of an Advisory Board.  The Research and Development Statistics Program of the National Science Foundation's Division of Science Resources Studies (SRS) is recruiting for an Economist 110, Social Scientist 101, or Statistician 1530 at the GS-13/14 ($60,890-$93,537) or AD-III level ($60,890-95,923) under vacancy announcements 00-94 and…

Legislation to be reconciled by a conference committee of the Minnesota State Legislature next week includes language creating a $15 million fund to support industry-university research collaborations. The North Star Research Coalition, a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, would be established by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to administer the one-time appropriation.  The Education Omnibus Bill, SF 3801, defines the duties ofthe Coalition to include:  identifying technology-based research projects that have the potential to create significant opportunities for economic development and industrial growth in the state;  strengthening the university's research capabilities in subject areas associated with emerging technology-based industries;  expanding the research capacity of the university through the creation of opportunities for the university to assist private enterprises in emerging technology-based industries;  promoting the transfer of technology from the research laboratory to commercial application by…