December 2009
Research into Results: Innovation Showcase Aims to Connect Innovators with the Entrepreneur and Investor Community
How can we unleash the promise of innovations developed at our public and private research institutions and turn them into commercially viable products, services and companies?
A brand new Technology Alliance program, the Innovation Showcase, may be the answer.
The Innovation Showcase exposes innovators to a network of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and others in the business community who are interested in learning about new technologies. Its goal is to assist research institutions, individual innovators and very early stage companies to make the leap from laboratory to marketplace. The program is co-chaired by Rick LeFaivre, managing director at OVP Venture Partners, and Technology Alliance board member Robert Nelsen, co-founder and managing director of ARCH Venture Partners.
Any institution or individual innovator in Washington is welcome to submit an application to be featured at a showcase meeting. Submissions are screened by a volunteer committee of technology development professionals, investors, and others with expertise in specific industries. Innovators selected to present at a showcase meeting receive coaching to assist them in preparing their presentation and gain useful feedback and networking opportunities during the event. There is no cost to innovators to participate in the program.
“We are trying to foster a more connected community and to bridge the dreaded valley of death in technology commercialization,” said Susannah Malarkey, Technology Alliance executive director and showcase screening committee member. “Our hope is that this exposure and coaching will help the most promising Washington-based innovations progress to the point where they become viable companies, attract angel or venture capital, and gain traction in the marketplace.”
The Innovation Showcase held its inaugural meeting on October 13th at Seattle Biomedical Research Institute. The more than 80 people who attended the launch saw presentations by four innovators touting a range of new technologies: an implantable medical device for treating diabetes; ultra-capacitors using carbon nanotube technology for energy storage; a food safety device for industrial, institutional and consumer use; and a biotechnology with applications in the flavor, fragrance and chemical industries.
The Innovation Showcase will meet quarterly in 2010 and feature three to five innovations at each. Membership in the program is by invitation only; for more information, visit the Innovation Showcase web page.
The Innovation Showcase is made possible by the support of presenting sponsor UW TechTransfer; supporting sponsors OVP Venture Partners, Washington State University Research Foundation, and WRF Capital; and cooperating organizations Battelle, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Seattle Biomedical Research Institute.
Two New Fellows Spread Their Wings at Alliance of Angels
It is a rite of passage for a select few entrepreneurial-minded MBA students: every autumn, Alliance of Angels welcomes two new fellows, offering a unique opportunity for them to work side-by-side with experienced investors and entrepreneurs at one of the most active angel groups in the nation.
Meet Read Maloney and Zach Okun, the latest University of Washington MBA candidates to get their wings.
Washington 3.0: Innovation and Policy Leaders Focus on Learning and Leadership at the 2009 Technology Institute
In September, leaders from state and federal government, technology-based businesses, education organizations and research institutions gathered at the Technology Alliance's biennial policy retreat to identify strategies for strengthening Washington education, research and entrepreneurship in a climate of economic uncertainty.
One thing is certain: it is time to hit the reset button and focus on learning and leadership for the new new economy.
Technology Alliance Urges Washington Education and Policy Leaders to Maintain Commitment to Meaningful Math and Science Graduation Requirements
On November 19th, the Technology Alliance issued a public statement in response to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn’s proposal to further delay math and science graduation requirements.
Calling any retreat from the commitment to provide Washington’s students with a meaningful high school diploma “unconscionable,” the Technology Alliance urged state leaders to stay the course and highlighted key actions identified during our Technology Institute retreat which, if implemented, would positively impact upon our students’ achievement.
Technology Alliance Welcomes Old Friends and New Faces
The Technology Alliance is pleased to announce the addition of four outstanding business and community leaders to our board: Stephan Coonrod of K&L Gates; Sid Ferrales of RealNetworks; Ned Sander of AH&T Insurance; and Peter van Oppen of Trilogy Partnership.
Rise and Shine! Don’t Miss the Science & Technology Discovery Series
What better way to start the day than with a generous helping of science and technology for breakfast?
So far, members of the 2009-2010 Discovery Series have been treated to presentations on computer security, new protein development, and advances in treating influenza and AIDS. Read on to discover our exciting lineup of speakers for the remainder of the season, and be sure to set your alarm clock.
Save the Date: 5.17.2010
Mark your calendars and plan to join us on May 17th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Sheraton Seattle for the State of Technology Luncheon, the premier annual event for Washington's innovation community!
The 2010 luncheon will feature a keynote presentation by Clayton M. Christensen, author of The Innovator's Dilemma and Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns.
We offer a variety of sponsorship packages that include reserved seating, extensive visibility for your company or organization, and other exciting benefits. For more details, click here.
Important Dates
- December 11
- Science & Technology Discovery Series
- Featuring: Denise Calloway, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
- 7:30 am - 9:00 am
- Rainier Club, Seattle
- January 8
- Science & Technology Discovery Series
- Featuring: Bruce Montgomery, Gilead Sciences
- 7:30 am - 9:00 am
- Rainier Club, Seattle
- January 11
- Alliance of Angels 10 Minute Pitch Clinic
- 2:30 - 5:30 pm
- 1301 5th Avenue #2500, Seattle
- January 21
- Technology Alliance Board Meeting
- 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
- RealNetworks, Seattle
- January 25
- Innovation Showcase
- Registration: 3:00 pm
- Showcase: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
- Reception: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- May 17
- State of Technology Luncheon
- Featuring: Clayton M. Christensen
- 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Sheraton, Seattle
