[Note: Two Washington State University Vancouver projects are among the eight awarded funding.]
CONTACT:
Steve Goll, Communications Manager, 206.543.1023, sgoll@watechcenter.org
Eight company-researcher projects have been awarded state funding for the development of innovative commercial technology applications.
Seattle, WA - January 14, 2008 - Washington Technology Center awarded Research and Technology Development funding totaling $528,978 to eight projects developed between companies and Washington researchers.
Companies with winning projects for January 2008 are: ATS Intelligent Discovery, of Silverdale; Columbia PhytoTechnology, LLC, of Carson; Efficere Technologies, Inc., of Vancouver; Greenwood Technologies, of Bellevue; Infometrix, Inc., of Bothell; Insilicos, of Seattle; nLight Photonics, of Vancouver; and Omeros Corporation, of Seattle. Winning proposals describe breakthrough research in computer systems and microelectronics, life science, advanced materials and manufacturing, and biotechnology and biomedical devices.
"Washington's economy is driven by creativity and innovation," said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire in support of this year's award winners. "And these companies are at the forefront of our effort to build the next Washington. Congratulations to each of you."
Washington Technology Center competitively awards around $1 million in state funding annually as part of the Research and Technology Development program. State funding enables collaboration between companies and non-profit research institutions on technology projects that show strong potential for commercializing products and creating jobs. Since 1996, the state has funded 317 Research and Technology Development projects.
Each project team is comprised of a Washington company partner and a researcher from a university or research nonprofit in the state. The company defines the research challenge and provides access to the commercial market. The university or nonprofit researcher executes the research with funding from both Washington Technology Center and the company partner.
This round of funding is anticipated to generate more than 400 full-time technology jobs in Washington during the next five years. Washington Technology Center estimates that through its work with entrepreneurs, more than 7,000 new technology jobs have been created in Washington state, many of these from grant award recipients. New project funding is awarded twice annually.
This round of projects addresses a wide range of innovation:
Efficere Technologies, a creator of patented technology for high-performance electronics located in Vancouver, Wash., has teamed with researcher Xiaolin (Linda) Chen of Washington State University Vancouver's School of Engineering and Computer Science to develop a software toolset that improves the electronic systems design process. Research and Technology Development funding to 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø: $24,788.
nLight Photonics, a manufacturer of high-power laser diode-based products located in Vancouver, Wash., is teamed with 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø's School of Engineering and Computer Science to improve the cooling of their products. Research and Technology Development funding to 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø: $42,500.
[Full listing of projects at .]
Washington Technology Center competitively awards around $1 million in state funding annually as part of the Research and Technology Development program. State funding enables collaboration between companies and non-profit research institutions on technology projects that show strong potential for commercializing products and creating jobs. Since 1996, the state has funded 317 Research and Technology Development projects.
Washington Technology Center's Research and Technology Development grants have proved effective in helping Washington companies and researchers transition novel technologies from "good ideas" into commercially-viable ventures. Annual follow-up surveys show that assisted companies have been successful in leveraging these grants into more than $500 million in additional funding.
Applications for the next round of funding are due April 24, 2008. More information about the Research and Technology Development grants program is available online at .
About Washington Technology Center
Washington Technology Center is a statewide economic development organization focused on technology and innovation. We spark ideas, form connections between people and resources, and foster job growth to position Washington state as a national technology leader. Washington Technology Center has a 24-year history working with Washington companies and researchers. As an organization, Washington Technology Center: 1) Helps entrepreneurs develop, produce and commercialize technology products and services; 2) Connects technology companies to academic researchers and laboratory facilities; 3) Channels state and federal funding for research and business development; 4) Provides business consulting services and access to seed capital to help start-up and early stage companies become commercially successful; and 5) Fosters the growth of emerging industries that will positively impact the state's economy. The impact of Washington Technology Center's work has generated more than $500 million in additional investment for Washington companies and researchers. For more information visit or call 206-685-1920.
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø offers 15 Bachelor's degrees, nine Master's degrees, one Doctorate degree and more than 35 fields of study. Visit us on the Web at