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Idaho Innovation News – November 2008

November 12, 2008 /

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Commercial Innovation Division November 2008

In this issue:

# Charge Cell Phone As You Walk…Coming 2009

# North Idaho College Emergency Text Messaging

# BSU Receives Grant in Support of Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math

# Festival Features Locally-Made Electric Cars

# The 2008 Idaho Regional SBIR/STTR Conference – A Great Success!

# Federal Grant Proposal Assistance

# Keynetics Recognized for Innovation

# TSheets and VengaWorks More Growing Idaho Businesses

# Synoptek is Growing!

# Pearson welcomes ISU to "The Neighborhood"

# PakSense Temperature Monitoring Labels

# Ideas Innovations Idaho License Plates For Sale

http://innovation.idaho.gov

Charge Cell Phone As You Walk…Coming 2009

(Boise) M2E Power, Inc., a renewable energy design and development company, recently announced the company is moving forward with the development of a pocket-carried charger for mobile devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and audio players. Regan Rowe, M2E’s Director of Business Development, said the company targets 2009 to have a product available.

Based on Faraday’s 177 year old principle which found that relative motion between a magnetic field and a conductor will produce an electric potential, M2E’s technology is based on a fundamental change in magnetic architecture that provides 300% to 700% more efficient generation of electricity from the kinetic energy of subtle everyday human motion.

The charger shown also has a plug in provision

A myriad of mobile electronic devices, including more than 3 billion cell phones, are currently powered by batteries that must be routinely plugged in to household or automobile outlets. Lack of sufficient battery life is the number one problem reported by cell phone users. With M2E’s pocket-carried charger, six hours of cumulative motion (walking, driving, etc.), can generate 30-60 extra minutes of cell phone talk time.

M2E’s current development is focused on prototypes for military applications and for commercial mobile electronic devices. The company’s future roadmap includes development of automotive, wind and wave power applications as well as nanochip technology. The M2E technology originated with Department of Energy-funded research at the Idaho National Labs (INL).

For more detail: http://www.m2epower.com

North Idaho College Emergency Text Messaging

(Coeur d’Alene) North Idaho College recently implemented a NICAlerts system to mass notify faculty and student of emergency situations via e-mail and cell phone text messaging. The NICAlerts system text messages can even alert those who are actively talking on their phones. Similar technology is also in place in 12 school districts in the southern part of the state. The NICAlerts system complies with legislation that requires colleges and universities to quickly alert campus personnel and students to threats to campus safety. NIC officials are encouraging folks to sign up for the service on the college’s website. Signing up for the service is free, but text messaging fees and data rates may apply.

BSU Receives Grant in Support of Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math

(Boise) The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded a $191,593 grant to Boise State University in support of STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, and Mathematics). The Idaho SySTEMic Solution, a project co-created by BSU’s colleges of engineering and education, is designed to foster scientific and mathematical literacy in young students.
PCS Edventures, a Boise based international educational company, has developed instructional materials for the Idaho SySTEMic Solution. PCS will hold educational workshops for teachers and provide ongoing support. Through experiential learning, students will become comfortable with math and science and learn how to apply their knowledge to solve real world problems.

Louis Nadelson, BSU Education Professor, Working with Teachers

Initially, the Idaho SySTEMic Solution will be implemented in selected classrooms, grades 1 to 5, at seven Meridian elementary schools. BSU researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

Festival Features Locally-Made Electric Cars

(Boise) On October 25, 2008, The Discovery Center of Idaho featured four of Idaho’s most unique, high-mileage cars, created right here in the Treasure Valley . Four car designers were on hand to show, describe and explain their creations:

John Weber has made two alternative energy cars, Suncar1 (see photo), and Sparkee – which made its first public appearance at Energy Festival 2008.

Ernie Hamilton, a fabricator from Meridian has improved the aerodynamics of his Saturn and with some simple engine modifications has achieved near 60 MPG at 60 MPH. The car is currently featured in Idaho Business Review (September 15, 2008).

Gary Carlson purchased a non-working electric vehicle that he updated and restored to working condition. He has subsequently driven it 32,000 miles.

Joe Anders, a technician at iBEAM, a Boise architectural business, turned a VW Bug into an electric company car that was featured in Idaho Statesman.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/greenmatters/v-print/story/336725.html
Each designer discussed his vehicle and moderated a discussion of the technology. Discussion continued in the parking lot where the vehicles were available for inspection.

The 2008 Idaho Regional SBIR/STTR Conference – A Great Success!

If you missed the 2008 Idaho Regional SBIR/STTR Conference, you missed a great event. Over 80 people attended the conference, hosted by the Idaho Department of Commerce, Idaho TechConnect, and the Idaho National Laboratory. The participants came from all over Idaho and from three surrounding states; Utah, Montana, and Washington. Feedback was very positive, with participating companies stating that it was just what they needed to begin writing their proposals.
Participants had a chance to learn from the best, Mark Henry and Randy Dipner, a nationally recognized SBIR/STTR training team. They were able to choose from one of two tracks. The first track was for those who are seeking their first SBIR/STTR award and the second for those pursuing Phase II grants. In the afternoon of the Phase I track, participants started writing some of the more difficult parts of their Phase I proposal. In the Phase II track, attendees learned how to write a winning Phase II proposal, what is involved in government financial reporting, and what to include in the crucial commercialization portion of the proposal. In addition, participants met people from Idaho companies that have won past SBIR/STTR awards to hear why they think they are successful.
Four federal agencies sent SBIR/STTR program manages to attend the conference. The participating agencies were the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense. Each program manager gave an overview of their agency SBIR/STTR program and then spent the remainder of the day meeting one-on-one with conference participants. This was a great opportunity for companies to:
• Determine where their technology best fits within the agency,
• Begin to see federal granting from the agency’s point of view and help determine what these agencies look for in companies and proposals they fund, and
• Identify their customer’s needs (in this case the federal agency) and their goals and objectives.

Federal Grant Proposal Assistance

(Statewide) If Your Business Has An Innovative Idea, A Federal Grant May Be Right For You! Why apply for a federal grant?

Eleven federal agencies spend approximately $80 billion each year on extramural research and development (R&D). These agencies are looking for companies with innovative ideas and are willing to provide grant funding. If that’s not enough, here are seven additional reasons to include grants in your business plan:
# A federal grant can range from $100,000 to several million dollars.
# Grants are not loans. You do not have to pay back the money.
# Most grants do not require matching funds or equity.
# The intellectual property rights remain with your business.
# You retain all ownership of your business.
# A federal grant award provides validation of your business and idea.
# A federal grant award can be a leveraging tool to attract venture capital.

Here’s how it works! The federal grant process is very competitive. To compete, you must have a truly innovative idea and it must meet needs or solve problems deemed to be vital to our national interests. Fortunately, each agency issues topics that they deem vital. For more information, visit the Department of Commerce website listed below.
State Grant of up to $3,000! Assistance in preparing and developing federal R&D grant proposals – with potential for commercialization – is available to Idahoans statewide through the Idaho Grant Proposal Incentive (GPI) Fund. A small grant, up to $3,000, is available to qualifying businesses to help with the costs of applying for a federal R&D grant. Services include helping to determine the viability of submitting a proposal; assisting in the development of superior proposals; helping to fine tune business and commercialization strategies; and assessment of the final submission package.

For more information concerning federal grants and the $3,000 state grant from the GPI Fund, visit our website at http://commerce.idaho.gov/technology/federal-funding.aspx or contact Mark Strait at [email protected].

Keynetics Recognized for Innovation

(Boise) Keynetics, Inc, the largest privately held technology company in Idaho by revenues, was recognized as Innovative Company of the Year at the Stoel Rives Idaho Innovation Awards banquet. Keynetics is strong in Tech Transfer. That is, Keynetics has a track record of introducing new products to the marketplace and launching successful new businesses that are based on its in-house developed, proprietary technologies.
Keynetics was recognized primarily for the performance of its two subsidiaries– ClickBank and Kount Inc. ClickBank is a internet retailer of ebooks and software. Kount Inc. provides fraud control solutions to e-commerce retailers to block hackers from stealing private information.
In addition, Dr. Timothy Barber, Keynetics Chief Scientist and winner of multiple patents, was recognized as Innovator of the Year and Kount Inc. was a finalist in the Innovation of the Year: Early-Stage Technology category.
For more information on Keynetics Inc., ClickBank, or Kount Inc., visit http://www.keynetics.com/ or http://www.clickbank.com/ or http://www.kount.com/ respectively.

TSheets and VengaWorks More Growing Idaho Businesses

(Meridian)TSheets provides an online time and labor management system to business owners, bookkeepers, and payroll professionals. According to CEO Matt Rissell, sales have been so good that TSheets plans to hire four additional salespeople and move to a suite of five offices and occupy 3,000 square-feet in the new VengaWorks flexible-use office building in Meridian.
Mark Gilbreath, CEO of Venga Ventures LLC, the company that owns the VengaWorks building, reports that rental interest at VengaWorks has been strong. Businesses are attracted to features like "green" LEED construction, a cyber café, the coffee bar, an on-site lounge, Cisco data and telephony services, and seminar space.
For more information on TSheets or VengaWorks, visit http://www.tsheets.com/ or http://www.vengaworks.com/ respectively.

Synoptek is Growing!

(Boise) Inc. Magazine recently ranked Synoptek as 131st on the list of the fastest growing private companies in America and as 19th on the list of the "Top 100 Business Services Companies" in America. Synoptek provides project management, software and website development, and IT infrastructure and outsourcing services. Companies rely on the experts at Synoptek to address their IT related needs thereby enabling them to focus on growing their businesses. Synoptek CEO Tim Britt states, "While many companies are off-shoring IT services, we have found that for services that address challenging business problems and require innovative solutions we get better results using development and IT service teams based in the US."
For more information on Synoptek, visit "http://www.synoptek.com

Pearson welcomes ISU to "The Neighborhood"

(Pocatello) Idaho State University School of Nursing (ISUSN) is currently beta testing the latest web based software designed to improve nursing education. The software is designed to bring some of the real life complexities involved in treating patients to the classroom. The Neighborhood involves students in a way not easily duplicated in a standard classroom setting. It allows students to interact with numerous virtual families and institutions, each virtual character bringing unique daily health care issues and illnesses in various settings such as outpatient centers, clinics, and hospitals. The stories of each character are interlinked and evolve as the students access the stories on a week by week basis. During the 2008 – 2009 academic year, ISUSN will be one of nine universities beta testing The Neighborhood. Michelle Robertson, a junior in the Nursing program reports favorably, "Instead of just being presented with a scenario in the classroom, The Neighborhood provides in-depth information and helps us get a real feel for patients’ circumstance and needs."
For more information on Pearson, visit http://www.pearson.com

PakSense Temperature Monitoring Labels

(Boise) PakSense Inc. high-tech shipping labels are now being used in the wine industry. These labels are comparable in size to a sugar packet and can be programmed for a range of temperatures and placed either on the product or its packaging.
For wine, temperatures above an acceptable range can cause it to taste flat or otherwise negatively affect its flavor. A bottle may look fine but actually be spoiled or, as they say in the industry, "cooked." A corked pushed out of a bottle indicates a potential problem but does not necessarily mean the wine is "cooked." A PakSense temperature monitoring label flashing yellow not only reliably indicates there is a problem but temperature data recorded throughout the shipment can be downloaded into a spreadsheet and reviewed to determine when and where the problem occurred.
For more information on PakSense, visit http://www.paksense.com/

AP Photo
A PakSense temperature monitoring label is shown inside a wine shipment.

AP Photo
A PakSense temperature monitoring label blinks green indicating that the wine stayed within an acceptable temperature range during shipment.

November 2008 Events Calendar

November 9-11
Venture Capital In The Rockies
Sun Valley
Venture Capital in the Rockies will be in Sun Valley, ID September 9th-11th 2008. Showcasing the region’s most promising growth companies for an audience of hundreds of venture investors, CEO’s, entrepeneurs and service professionals. Visit http://www.vcirfall.com.

November 10th
Eagle Technology Group
Eagle
A committee interested in developing and expanding Eagle’s technology sector and capitalizing on existing strengths. For more information on joining the group or attending meetings, contact Rosemary Regner at [email protected].

November 10th
Sandpoint Science Cafe
Sandpoint
Sandpoint Science Cafe is held monthly on the 2nd Monday at 12:30pm and is open to anyone interested in exploring the latest science and technology by engaging with featured scientists and researchers at the Tango Café in the INSB Financial Center, a local gathering place in Sandpoint, Idaho. The public will have ample opportunities to ask questions, voice opinions and learn about new subjects in a casual and informal setting.

November 11th
Kickstand
Boise
Monthly education and networking for innovators. 6 – 7:30 pm at The Watercooler, 14th & Idaho Streets, Boise. To register for the event, go to or contact http://www.kickstandidaho.com [email protected].

November 17th
Idaho Environmental Forum #159
Boise
Lunch Buffet: 11:30 a.m.
Program: noon to 1:15 p.m.
Event will be held in The Crystal Ballroom, in the historic Hoff Building at 802 W. Bannock Street, Suite 202, Boise, Idaho 83702. Dr. Ralph Bennett; Director, International and Regional Partnership, of the Idaho National Laboratory will be speaking. For more information visit, the IEF at http://www.idahoenvironmentalforum.org or to register online
click here

November 23rd
Kickstand-Palouse
Moscow
Monthly education and networking for innovators. 5:30 – 7:30 pm at The Sandpiper Restaurant in Moscow. To register for the event, go to http://www.kickstandidaho.com or contact [email protected].

Ideas Innovations Idaho License Plates
Click here to find out more

(Statewide) Specialty license plates that celebrate innovation and support Idaho’s innovation industries are entering their third year of availability through the Idaho Transportation Department. Continued availability of the plate will depend on total sales.
A portion of the proceeds from each plate sold goes to a fund that is used to develop programs and market the state’s innovation sector.

A picture of the license plate, and information on how to purchase one, can be viewed at http://commerce.idaho.gov/technology/license-plate.aspx

Have an Idea/Submission for this Newsletter?

Contact Brian Dickens, Administrator of Idaho Department of Commerce’s Commercial Innovation Division at (208) 334-2650, ext. 2103, or at [email protected]

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Idaho Innovation News – November 2008

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