Idaho TechConnect is the state’s only market driven private-public organization focused solely on technology – its development, transfer and commercialization.

In 1999, an Executive Order by then Governor Kempthorne created the Idaho Science and Technology Council. The Council’s first act was to commission Battelle to write a state strategic plan for the science and technology industries in Idaho.

The statewide vision for Idaho TechConnect, Inc. http://idahotechconnect.com/Home/ began in 2001, with a National Science Foundation Partnership for Innovation application. The application outlined the possibility for a statewide entity for entrepreneurs and businesses that would provide and foster access to resources, especially the national laboratory and the universities.

When the application was not awarded, the Idaho National Lab (INL) stepped in with funding and established TechConnect East in 2002. In 2003, TechConnect North and TechConnect West were established. Each operated semi-independently, with funding from the INL. In January 2004, then Governor Kempthorne established the Office of Science and Technology within the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, reorganized the Council and updated the states science and technology strategic plan.

In July of that year, TechLaunch 1.0 was held. This annual event brings together Idaho university students, science and technology companies, government agencies, economic development professionals and business investors for two days of competitions focused on technology commercialization, getting research to the marketplace. To date 22 companies have participated in TechLaunch, raising a total of $15.6 Million in R&D and investment funds, over the course of three years. Several companies have gone on to compete at a variety of angel groups and venture forums throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Discussions to solidify and formalize the TechConnect offices began, and in August 2005, an Interim Board of Directors was formed for a statewide TechConnect entity. In March of 2006, TechConnect East’s charter was changed to reflect Idaho TechConnect, Inc. and a statewide Board of Directors was constituted. An appropriation of $300,000 was also awarded. In July, a fourth regional office was opened in Southern Idaho.

TechConnect’s Mission Statement:

Accelerate Idaho’s innovation-based economy by connecting people , ideas and resources.

Idaho TechConnect focuses on four areas relating to technology transfer and commercialization. These include:

* Invest in creating R&D excellence & promoting industry-university collaboration

* Facilitate commercialization of technology developed in Idaho

* Build an entrepreneurial culture that supports and nurtures new firm formation

* Invest in the infrastructure needed to support a technology-based economy

http://idahotechconnect.com/Home/