Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

July 2009 Issue

Tech News and Notes

Two local businesses named semi-finalists in regional Clean Tech Open

InnovaTek and NHThree, both based in Richland, Wash., have been selected as semi-finalists in the inaugural Pacific Northwest Clean Tech Open competition. The competition seeks out early stage clean technology companies, and provides unique resources to empower these start-ups to become viable businesses. Twelve semi-finalists were selected from more than 50 entries. The teams are competing for three regional prizes of up to $50,000 in cash and in-kind services as well as for one national prize of up to $250,000 in cash and services. The semi-finalists will now receive focused, hands-on mentoring from local and national business leaders to hone their clean tech business plans in preparation for the regional finals in September. InnovaTek's entry focuses on renewable hydrogen fuel cell technology and NHThree's entry focuses on Green anhydrous ammonia production. Two other semi-finalists, GoNano Technologies of Moscow, Idaho, and Hydrovolts of Seattle, Wash., received assistance under Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Technology Assistance Program. Clean Tech Open is an organization of entrepreneurs, academics, investors and companies, working together to accelerate the development of clean technology startups by providing resources, education and support for clean tech entrepreneurs.

Contact Byron McCann 206-626-6340.

Research District welcomes new tenants, honors SIGN

The Tri-Cities Research District, located in Richland, Wash., recently welcomed two businesses that have located offices within the Research District boundaries, and also honored the Surgical Implant Generation Network for its contributions toward making the Research District successful. HAPO Community Credit Union and the C.G. Café have joined long-time tenant The Digital Image as the newest residents of the SIGN facility. Research District staff also showcased the Signature Center located in the facility, which is available for community and business events. Contact Diahann Howard at 509-375-3060.

Meier Architecture – Engineering honored

Meier Architecture - Engineering, based in Kennewick, Wash., was named one of "Washington's Best 100 Companies to Work For." The company ranked 22^nd in the small business category on the list compiled by Seattle Business Magazine. The magazine selected companies that are "setting the standard for leadership in creating a positive work environment for employees in the areas of benefits, information sharing and training programs and more." Meier also received the 2009 Best of Kennewick Award in the Mechanical Engineering category from the U.S. Commerce Association. The organization's "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country based on achieving exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. Contact Denise Sweeden at 509-735-1589.

AMIC to test isotope production

Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation, of Kennewick, Wash., and the University of Missouri are collaborating on preparations to test and develop prototype compact devices to produce the isotope molybdenum-99 more quickly and at lower cost. Molybdenum-99 is used in production of technetium-99 isotopes which are used in medical treatments. The two organizations plan to test the proprietary production method and build prototype systems. Contact Jim Katzaroff at 509-736-4000.

Dade Moeller president receives award

The president and chief executive officer of Dade Moeller & Associates, based in Richland, Wash., has been honored by the Mid-Columbia Leadership Development Association. Matthew Moeller was named Leader of the Year by the organization, which is a chapter of the National Management Association. Moeller directs and implements the long-term strategic planning for the company, which has grown from three employees in 1994 to more than 150 employees currently. The Leader of the Year award recognizes an individual who has gained significant recognition for leadership accomplishments based on their managerial role, style and influence, their contribution to the success of the organization, as well as personal leadership efforts in community activities. Moeller's award was based on input solicited from the local community. Contact Paula Tumlinson at 509-946-0410, ext. 283.

WBBA welcomes new staff member

The Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association named Stacie Byars as the new director of marketing and membership. Byars will develop and direct the organization's messaging and communications strategies to promote positive image, optimize media opportunities and cultivate strategic relationships, as well as build a comprehensive marketing program for membership development, recruitment and retention. The WBBA is a not-for-profit association of more than 450 life sciences companies, universities, academic institutions and others working together with the mission of providing better health to people everywhere. Contact Stacie Byars at 206-732-6705.

Green Recognition program accepting nominations

The City of Richland is taking applications for the 2009 "Green Recognition" awards. The yearly recognition program honors business, organizations, groups, schools or individuals in several "green" categories -- overall effort, project, process change or other. The award brings recognition and acknowledgment to those that live or do business in Richland whose efforts or changed practices are better for our environment. "Green" practices may include in-house recycling, creative ways of reusing items, reducing water, solid, and/or chemical waste, conservation of energy and electricity or reduction of air pollution effluents. Applications are due July 17. More information and applications are available on the city's Environmental Education website. Contact Gail Everett at 509-942-7730.

Tech Opportunities and Resources

Technology commercialization grant funding

The Life Sciences Discovery Fund is accepting pre-proposals for its 2009 Summer Commercialization Grant Competition. The program focuses on providing funding to projects aimed at moving promising, early-stage technologies toward commercialization. Grants will fund research and development of new technologies to reduce the risk associated with their commercialization. Grants will be up to $150,000 for work to be completed within one year. Two-page proposals are due July 15 and full proposals will be due September 9. Grant awards will be announced in December. More information.

NREL Industry Growth Forum accepting applications

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is accepting applications to present at the 22nd NREL Industry Growth Forum in Denver, Colo. in November. The forum features three days of business presentations, networking, and educational sessions to promote the advancement of clean energy companies. Companies selected to present receive one-on-one mentoring from investors and the nation's premier business incubators and compete to win prizes including cash and in-kind technology consulting services. Applications are due July 31. Download more information and application forms.

National Institutes of Health funding under Recovery Act

The National Institutes of Health is accepting proposals for projects that will be funded under the agency's new "Biomedical Research, Development, and Growth to Spur the Acceleration of New Technologies" Pilot Program. The pilot program is funded under the money the agency received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program will focus on accelerating the transition of research innovations and technologies toward the development of products or services that will improve human health, help advance the mission of NIH and its Institutes and Centers, and create significant value and economic stimulus. At least 10 awards will be made. Letters of intent are due August 3 and applications will be due September 1. Download more information and a grant application.

Department of Defense funding under Recovery Act

The Department of Defense is accepting proposals for projects that will be funded under the agency's "Near Term Energy-Efficient Technologies Recovery Plan." The program is funded through the money the agency received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program will focus on investigating energy technologies that can satisfy capability gaps, present opportunities for military applications, or spur initiatives within industry. The program will fund 51 research and development projects that focus on efforts such as engine efficiencies, cost-effective solar energy photovoltaics, fuel cells, alternative fuel testing, mobile waste-to-energy, and tactical micro-grids. Proposals will be accepted and funding awarded on an ongoing basis. Download more information.

Web portal provides grant writing assistance

The Department of Energy's Small Business Innovation Research Program has launched a Technical Assistance Program commercialization web portal to provide applicants and other energy entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, training, and support to write a successful SBIR proposal. The agency contracted with Foresight Science & Technology, Inc., a firm based in Providence, R.I., that specializes in commercialization and technology transfer, to provide the tool. The site includes features such as an electronic learning course on commercialization and how to do market research, market overview analyses as they relate to research and development topics, and tools to assess your technology's commercial potential, as well as a discussion forum and blog. Use of the portal is free, but registration is required. Register online.

Exhibit at SmartMap Expo

The Tri-City Development Council is accepting applications for vendors at its annual SmartMap Expo. The Expo will be sponsored by Gesa Credit Union and will be held on October 1 at the Trade, Recreation, and Agricultural Center in Pasco, Wash. Booth space is available for $400 for a 10' x 10' space. Register online. Contact Gary White at 509-735-1000.

Sponsorships available for Harvesting Clean Energy conference

Conference coordinators for the 10^th annual Harvesting Clean Energy Conference have sponsorship opportunities available for the event, which will be held in February 2010 in Kennewick, Wash. Sponsorships help make the conference affordable for rural landowners to participate. More than 700 attendees are expected to participate in the conference, which will feature topics including the steps to successful project development, including financing, to cut costs on the farm and produce power or feedstocks for market. Technologies that will be covered include wind power, biofuels, biopower, geothermal, solar, and energy efficiency. Download information on sponsorship benefits and a sponsorship application. Contact Dana Schlenker at 253-445-4575.

Online resources

1) The article "Clean tech a bright spot in economy" was published in the Tri-City Herald on May 17. The article describes the potential financial benefits of implementing environmental sustainability and community stewardship practices. 2) The article "Why business plans don't deliver" was published in the online edition of the Wall Street Journal on June 22. The article explains how to avoid common mistakes when writing business plans.

Tech Dates and Deadlines

BioSpace career fair

JULY 16. The Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association is holding the BioSpace Career Fair in conjunction with its annual summer social at the Naval Reserve Center in Lake Union Park in Seattle, Wash. The event will include networking opportunities with companies recruiting for positions in fields including research, engineering, manufacturing, bioinformatics, chemistry, clinical research, and regulatory affairs. The event will be held from 2 pm - 6 pm. Cost is $35 for members and $85 for non-members. Registration is separate for each event. Register online for the Career Fair. Register online for the Summer Social.

Lab2Market Entrepreneurship Academy

AUGUST 25-27 and SEPTEMBER 15-16. REGISTER BY JULY 15. The 2009 Lab2Market Entrepreneurship Academy will be held in August and September in Portland, Ore. The five-day workshop will be led by DFJ Frontier, a seed venture capital firm based in Sherman Oaks, Calif. The workshop teaches participants to navigate the path from research to market, manage the dynamics of entrepreneurship, evaluate technology and market opportunities, write business proposals, build and manage interdisciplinary teams and identify funding opportunities. The cost is $1995 and applicants must commit to attend all five days. Scholarships are available. Download more information and application forms.

2009 Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference

SEPTEMBER 21-23. REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 11. The 2009 Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference will be held September 21-23 at the DoubleTree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center in Portland, Ore. The agenda includes a full-day symposium on solar energy and technical sessions on topics such as advanced nanomaterials for energy storage, sensor systems, microtechnology for energy applications, and many others. The cost is $195 until September 11 and $245 after September 11. There are also student rates available, as well as the option to sign up for individual short courses or the symposium. The event is sponsored by the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute and the Washington Technology Center. Register online.

SmartMap Expo

OCTOBER 1. The Tri-Cities Development Council will hold its annual SmartMap Expo, on October 1 at the Trade, Recreation, and Agricultural Center in Pasco, Wash. There is no cost to attend the expo. TRIDEC will also hold a manufacturing luncheon at noon, which costs $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Register online or call 509-735-1000.

Harvesting Clean Energy 2010

FEBRUARY 7-10, 2010. The 10^th annual Harvesting Clean Energy Conference will be held at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash., in February. The event focuses on advancing rural economic development through clean energy production. Discussion topics will include the steps to successful project development, including financing, to cut costs on the farm and produce power or feedstocks for market. Technologies that will be covered include wind power, biofuels, biopower, geothermal, solar, and energy efficiency.

Contact Dana Schlenker at 253-445-4575.

PNNL This Month

PNNL creates distinguished postdoctoral fellowship program

Scientists and engineers are invited to apply for the new Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash. Beginning in the fall of 2009, the Laboratory will select up to three distinguished fellows annually from candidates who demonstrate promise of becoming leaders in their fields of research. The appointments offer recent doctoral graduates an opportunity to pursue major research of their choosing in an area related to the laboratory's missions. "PNNL researchers have been making a difference in science, energy, environment and national security for more than four decades," said Steven Ashby, PNNL's deputy director for science and technology. "Now, we're making it possible for outstanding new scientists and engineers to make their own mark on the world." Candidates must have received a doctoral degree within the last five years or be able to complete all requirement for their doctorate by the start of their appointment at PNNL. Distinguished fellows will receive a competitive salary, benefits and relocation, plus extra funding for travel and conferences. More information about the fellowships and details of the application process are available online.

Trapping proteins that work together inside living cells

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., have developed a new crosslinking tool that is small and unobtrusive enough to use in live cells to try to understand how proteins work together and which ones work together. Using the new tool, the scientists have discovered never-before-seen details about a well-studied complex of proteins known as RNA polymerase. The results suggest the method might uncover collaborations between proteins that are too brief for other techniques to pinpoint. "Conventional methods used to find interacting proteins have limitations that we are trying to circumvent," said biochemist Uljana Mayer of the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. "They also create conditions that are different from those inside cells, so you can't find all the interactions that proteins would normally engage in." The results of the research were reported in the June 15 edition of the journal ChemBioChem. Read the full news release.

Got News?

We invite your contributions! We will consider items that fit the mission of this publication, including your tech-related news, awards, and notices of upcoming events. Please send text and photos to Andrea McMakin or call (509) 372-6013.

Tri-Cities Tech Business Update is published by the Economic Development Office at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Each month, we send you an e-mail message, giving you the link of news, tips, awards, upcoming events, and other information about local technology-based businesses and organizations that support them. With business and community partners, our goal is to build and diversify the Tri-Cities economy—adding skilled jobs in primary-sector industries that bring in outside dollars. Currently, more than 1,100 tech-related businesses, investors, and economic development stakeholders subscribe to the newsletter, mostly in the Mid-Columbia area and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. This newsletter (RL-P00-009) supports DOE-Richland's vision for the future of the Hanford Site and surrounding area through the creation of research opportunities, new industries, and new business clusters