Larta VOX February 2008
March 2008 v.9, n.12

Contents

Feature Articles

Announcements

Larta in the News

Companies to Watch For

Tech Sector News

Other Industry Events

Larta Institute Publications

The 2006 Federal Technology Funding Guide
 
Available for download at no cost.
Larta Institute's annual publication is recognized as the nation's leading survey on Federal technology funding opportunities. The 2006 Guide provides detailed information on Federal funding processes, programs, and tips on applying for government R&D money.
Download the Guide here.

Other reports available for purchase:

University Tech Transfer: Licensing Intellectual Property from Universities Purchase price of $99. Universities are among the best sources of intellectual property. This white paper from Larta Institute includes approaches for finding and accessing university research, recommendations for avoiding potential pitfalls when licensing university IP, suggestions for successfully negotiating university tech transfer agreements, and illustrations of typical licensing terms and types of licenses. To purchase this report, click here.

Intellectual Property Strategies for Wireless Technologies 
Purchase price of $99. It is vital for startup companies involved with wireless technologies to employ sound intellectual property strategies within the context of FCC regulations. A new Larta Institute white paper, Intellectual Property Strategies for Wireless Technologies, details IP strategies while addressing considerations for obtaining FCC approval. To purchase this report, click here.

 

 

Entrepreneurial Outreach

By Rohit Shukla, CEO Larta Institute

As published in the March 2008 Issue of Nature Biotechnology

Starting and sustaining a business in the life sciences is not for the faint of heart. And in an increasingly complex business environment, biotech entrepreneurs should look for complementary partners and new business opportunities to effectively build their companies. Read more                                    

Postcards from Campus

By Lee Bruno, Editor Innovation Pipeline

Pushing boundaries. That's the modus operandi for most students on college campuses. And it takes all forms-from social to political to technological. Judging by the discussions at last week's Bears Symposium on the Future of Technology, that spirit is alive and well at the University of California at Berkeley. Read more

Published in partnership with Innovation Pipeline.

Larta Institute’s Constanza Pachon Promoted to COO

Constanza Pachon has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Larta Institute, the organization announced last week. She had most recently served as Chief of Staff and Director of Operations. As COO, she will continue direct oversight of programs and financial operations, in addition to strategic and executive responsibilities.

In making the announcement, Rohit Shukla, CEO of Larta spoke about her "commitment, agility, capacity to confront diverse challenges and her ability to help us achieve our mission and goals in an effective and disciplined manner."

Ms. Pachon has been with Larta since April 2004. Prior to that, she was an international trade specialist for the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of International Trade. Ms. Pachon holds bachelor’s and masters degrees in Economics from Universidad Javeriana of Colombia; she also attended the UCLA where she specialized in International trade. Ms. Pachon has also provided analytical input to the United Nations and the Inter-American Development Bank in Colombia.

“I am very excited at this opportunity and looking forward to help Larta reach new heights as we continue to pursue our mission of improving the economy and impacting lives via technology and innovation” said Constanza.

Access the Best Life Sciences Pipeline in the World!!

The 2008 Life Sciences Venture Forum is the largest - and longest running - showcase of early stage innovation and entrepreneurship on the planet. It is the must-attend event for those seeking access to untapped quality deal flow from around the world. Now 14 years strong, Venture Forum presenting companies are drawn from Larta's robust pipeline, and prepared by world-class mentors to deliver presentations focused on a solid business proposition, excellent science, and strong growth potential for an audience of investors, partners and customers. Larta Institute's commercialization practice advises hundreds of innovative companies with breakthrough technologies funded by or spinning out of U.S. Federal Agencies, universities and research institutes, and innovative regions from across the globe. Register today and receive a 30% discount. www.theventureforum.com

                                The NIH-CAP Nationwide Outcomes Workshops

The NIH-CAP Nationwide Outcomes Workshops are fast approaching and will be held in Los Angeles (March 26-28), Washington D.C. (April 7-8), and Boston (April 10-11). The workshops will be attended by the life science companies participating in the National Institutes of Health Commercialization Assistance Program (NIH-CAP), funded by NIH and executed by Larta to help NIH-funded life science companies commercialize their technologies. Venture capitalists, angel investors, industry experts as well as professional service advisors will also participate in the workshops to get a first look at these companies and mentor them in their efforts to get their technologies to market. For more information on these workshops and to participate as a mentor/advisor, please contact Ketaki Sood, NIH-CAP Program Director, 213-538-1444 ksood@larta.org
 


Watch this space for exciting news as Larta gets around in the world!
 

April 1, 2008 Carlos Gutierrez, Larta’s Chief Strategy Officer will be one of the panelists at the next DUTCH BUSINESS BREAKFAST, to be held in Sunnyvale, CA on Tuesday, April 1st 2008. Other speakers include Professor Inald Lagendijk, Information and Communication Theory Group, Delft University of Technology, and Cees Jan Koomen, Founder of Point-One Innovation Fund.

March 14, 2008 at the Global Action Forum, Rohit Shukla moderated the "Cultivating and Growing Innovation in the Arab World" panel which focused on enterprise development and entrepreneurship in the Arab world. The purpose of the Forum was for young Arab leaders to meet their U.S. peers and launch joint initiatives that will help empower youth from both the Arab world and the U.S. These initiatives are in the fields of entrepreneurship, leadership and education.

February 9, 2008 Rohit Shukla moderated the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) Task Force meeting in Dubai. This session was designed to discuss the direction YAL should take in 2008 and years to come. Focus of the discussions revolved around promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as a main driver of enterprise development in the region.


Our picks of companies that are making the news and already on their way to making it big!
 

Fresh Faces

Bioptigen, located in Durham, NC, is one of the most seasoned companies in the  Commercialization Assistance Program that Larta runs for the National Institutes of Health (NIH-CAP). Bioptigen's vivo optical imaging technology allows researchers and clinicians to view pathologies in their earliest stages. Bioptigen's OCT hardware and software enables real-time non-invasive imaging of internal tissue microstructure with precision and depth. This technology has a wide range of potential applications to cover both human and animal subjects, and it holds promises for new biological developments and advances in disease detection.

MicroSurfaces, based in Minneapolis, MN, develop surface technologies for biochips and MEMS. The core of the technology is derived from the company's proprietary chemical processes for control and engineering surface properties for immobilizing biomolecules, proteins in particular. In addition, the company also provides customized coating services for a variety of surface functionalities. With the knowledge gained from the NIH-CAP, MicroSurfaces hopes to extend its product applications into drug delivery and diagnostic markets.

TechniScan Medical Systems develops an ultrasound imaging system to aid the diagnosis of breast cancer, the highest common cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, TechniScan's technology is a non-invasive, diagnostic imaging tool that provides detailed information about the breast's anatomy and pathology. It is a tool that's intended to be used alongside mammography, the traditional X-ray used in routine breast examinations, and helps to differentiate between malignant tissues from benign tissues.

Larta Alumni

Vcom3D participated in the 2006 Commercialization Assistance Program (CAP) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The DARPA-CAP was run by Larta and designed to assist DARPA's SBIR Phase II awardees in the commercialization of their technologies. VCom3D was one of the companies selected from the program to be featured the 2006 Venture Forum. VCom3D's technology is now set to change the intercultural communications US Army soldiers engage in every day. Whatever it be Arabic, Dari or Pashto, the wrist-worn iPod with Vcom3D software not only displays the text and plays the selected phrase but also shows a video of an avatar using sign language to clearly convey the message soldiers intend. The device is currently being tested by the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division in Iraq and it is hoped it will help bridge the language gap in the process of creating a stronger national Iraqi military.
 
Trash-to-ethanol company gets $19.5 million more (CNet)
Coskata, a start-up that wants to make ethanol out of tires and other stuff found in the dump, has raised $19.5 million in a second round of funding, according to SEC documents scoured by Private Equity Week.

13 March 2008

   

Building Expertise Through Collective Innovation (BusinessWeek)
 The Raymond open-innovation conference gathered design managers from companies such as Heineken and Lego to share best practices and improve the bottom line.

5 March 2008

 Gates envisions a new world of tech (CNNMoney)                 

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates says he sees interactive technology leaping forward in the next decade, with rapid changes in television.

13 March 2008
 

The 2008 US - Japan IT Venture Summit

Brought by: JETRO San Francisco US-Japan Business Innovation Center, US Market Access Center, Software Business Cluster and Environmental Business

March 18, 2008 San Jose, California

The US Market Access Center is co-sponsoring the 2008 US - Japan IT Venture Summit with JETRO San Francisco US-Japan Business Innovation Center. The summit features the most innovative and cutting edge technology ventures that are seeking to enter the US or Japanese market.

For more information please go to (http://www.usmarketaccess.com/) under "Upcoming events"

SBIR ASSETs Forum: a powerful Needs-driven, Market-Pull system

19-21 March, 2008 Boston, MA

This two-and-a-half-day convening of several large and mid-sized firms and appropriately qualified SBIR-STTR Awardees is always

- a useful opportunity for close, opportunity-focused interaction with potential business partners
- a structured setting in which to lay the groundwork for real working relationships and
- a powerful learning experience for those involved.

Sourcing and Negotiating Deals with Big BioPharma

Brought by: San Jose BioCenter

March 20, 2008 San Jose, California

From alliance to funding, Big Pharma and established biotech companies are increasingly investing in emerging companies. This Panel brings together executives from these larger companies to identify the type of deals now available to smaller companies, how to secure them, and how to manage them. Speakers: S. Edward Torres, Managing Director, Lilly Ventures; Suzy Jones, Senior Director, Business Development, Genentech, Inc.; Sara M. Hall, Founder, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tacere Therapeutics, Inc.; Mohan Iyer, Managing Director, Merchant Banking, Burrill & Company; David Summa, President & CEO, Acumen Pharmaceuticals. Lead Facilitator: Scott M. Iyama, Corporate Lawyer, Emerging Companies Group Member, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Read more»

4th Tuesday Tech Exchange - Great Circle Water

Brought by: JETRO - Los Angeles

25 March, 2008 Los Angeles, California

Water shortages are expected to be a driver of conflict during this century. In response to this looming problem, entrepreneurs have begun developing solutions to meet the world's water needs. David Peterson will address the costs of building and maintaining the infrastructure needed to supply water and wastewater treatment services in the U.S. and the world as a whole. The presentation will include a discussion of existing and new technologies for augmenting both water supplies and wastewater treatment capacity, as well as the quality and potential uses of water produced by those technologies. He also will provide an overview of Great Circle Water, Inc.'s own innovative system for recycling wastewater into irrigation water.

2008 California Life Sciences Day at the Capitol

Brought by: California Healthcare Institute

March 26, 2008 Sacramento, California

Join leaders in biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biomedical research in Sacramento on Wednesday, March 26, to build support for the issues that matter most to California’s medical innovators. Attendees will participate in face-to-face meetings with legislators and state government officials; network at a luncheon featuring a keynote address by a leading policy maker; and join legislators and staff at a closing reception at the historic Sutter Club. Register online today. Click here for more information or contact Callie Robbins at 858-551-6677 or robbins@chi.org. The registration deadline is March 14, 2008.

Angel Capital Expo

Brought by: Keiretsu Forum

April 25, 2008 San Francisco, California

The Keiretsu Forum Angel Capital Expo is a premier gathering of the angel capital community. The Expo is a recurring event across the United States; bringing together investors and entrepreneurs looking for funding. Angel Capital Expo is organized by Keiretsu Forum, the world's largest angel investment network, and was created to foster collaboration among angel groups, as well as reach out to the larger investment community. For more information, please visit www.angelcapitalexpo.com

Burrill & Company - The Pacific Northwest Life Sciences Meeting

May 6, 2008, Portland, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest is home not only to many of the life sciences’ superstars but also to many of the industry’s most promising startups. Increasingly, companies in this enterprising region are developing technology for use beyond just human healthcare, embracing fields such as wellness, agriculture, biomaterials, and biofuels. This meeting focuses on the state of the biotech industry in the Pacific Northwest and worldwide. The challenges and opportunities, capital availability, and success stories are just a few of the topics on tap for this must-attend meeting for CEOs, scientists, business development executives, financiers, and anyone with an interest in biotechnology. Part of the conversation includes all the enabling technologies from the convergence of life sciences with electronics, telecommunication, and the information sciences. It’s going to be a different world than it has been. For more information Visit http://www.burrillandco.com/burrill/conferences

Investors' Circle 2008 Spring Conference & Venture Fair

May 5-7, San Francisco, CA

The Investors’ Circle 2008 Spring Conference & Venture Fair is the premier meeting place for angel investors, professional venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, and entrepreneurs who are using private capital to promote the transition to a sustainable future. Since 1992, the IC network has invested over $120 million in 190 companies and small funds. The conference will feature tracks in energy & environment, health & wellness, media & education, food & organics, and community & international development. Registration is now open – early bird rates apply! Click here for more information and to register.

Financing Alternatives - What Can You Get and How to Get it?

Brought by: San Jose BioCenter

22 May, 2008 Menlo Park, California

For many life science companies, funding comes from Venture Capitals. However, traditional VCs are not the only ones making investments and there are many successful alternate financing to help companies get capital. Join us to learn about the multitude of sources Capital can be acquired from, including: Family & relatives, Banks, Government Grants & Loans, Angels, Venture capitalists, Big Pharma, Individual investors. Our expert panel will also consider the pros and cons of financing alternatives such as corporate partners, PIPE financing, accessing income-producing assets, convertible bridge loans, royalty, equity, venture debt, reverse mergers, etc. Read more»

The Burrill India Life Sciences Meeting

June 16, 2008 San Diego, California

This meeting will serve as a powerful platform to "bridge" the life science industries between India and the Western world, as well as to facilitate the development of novel cross-border partnership models. This important event will focus on the overall landscape of the life sciences industry and examine areas of immediate interest to innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology managers.

Overcoming M&A Challenges - Planning a Good Deal and Your Exit

Brought by: San Jose BioCenter

18 September, 2008 Menlo Park, California

The past few years have seen a significant increase in merger and acquisition activity in the life sciences industry. Join this panel to hear M&A strategy perspective from the acquirer and the acquired, the investor, and the lawyer. You will learn: How to identify the good target buyer, and how to approach him; Valuation challenges and strategies; How to structure the deal; What to expect after the acquisition; What are the relative advantages of pursuing a M&A over other transactions; What are the risks and how to mitigate theses risks; How to plan a successful exit. Read more»

Burrill & Company - The Stem Cell Meeting

22-23 September, 2008 San Francisco, California

This conference will examine the up to date most critical scientific, policy and business issues facing stem cell research, medicine and investment. In collaboration with the leaders of the City of San Francisco and the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, it brings together an international assembly of scientists, clinicians, policymakers and business leaders who share their vision and passion for the life sciences’ most promising field.

BioExec Institute

8-9 September, 2008; 3-4 October, 2008; 8-9 December, 2008

A UC Berkeley Center for Executive Development class in collaboration with the BioCenter & produced by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP

The BioExec Institute is an executive program delivered by leading industry experts for life sciences Directors and VP-level managers who are searching for the keys to managing business trade-offs within a highly regulated and competitive industry. Delivered by industry specialists, including Deloitte & Touche USA LLP leaders and BioExec Institute faculty and alumni, the Institute offers attendees six-days of interactive programming from October through December 2008, including three evening networking receptions. Participants will have unique opportunities to debate the strategies and tactics of business leadership within BioPharma and will complete the program with invaluable insight and powerful networks to help them deliver bottom-line value in this growing industry. Read more»

ALLTHINGSMEDIA: Venture Capital Forum 2008

30 October, 2008 New York, New York

Co-hosted by Springboard Enterprises and the She Made It initiative from The Paley Center for Media, ALLTHINGSMEDIA: 2008 is a venture capital Forum showcasing investment-ready, highgrowth media companies led by women. The Forum program includes a recruiting, screening, training and coaching program involving media executives, investors, attorneys, industry experts, business development professionals, and seasoned entrepreneurs. The eight-month program culminates in the Forum event on October 30, 2008 at which selected companies will present their business opportunities to angel, venture and corporate investors. Read more...

Holiday Celebration & Trends In Financing Investor Panel

Brought by: San Jose BioCenter

11 December. 2008 San Jose, California

The first key to get funding is to understand where the money is. Join experts from the Investment world at our annual “Trends in Financing Panel & Holiday Party” to understand the types of financings that are occurring in your industry today– including topics such as who is getting funding, current valuations and other terms, what investors are looking for, what criteria they use to evaluate and eventually fund your company, etc. – and what is new and what to expect for 2009. Read more»

 

The iBridgeSM Network, a program of the non-profit Kauffman Innovation Network, Inc., provides transparency and access to university developed innovations through a Web site, www.iBridgeNetwork.org. The site aggregates research materials, technologies, and discoveries in an easy-to-search forum. Through the collaborations created via the site, unexpected advances may take place that lead to next-generation solutions across every field. As the site continues to develop, relationships will be enabled on a one-to-one basis or through communities focused on a specific subject matter in which colleagues may discuss innovations, compare ideas and notes, and, potentially, find unforeseen commonalities and synergies.

Larta Institute uses iBridge to promote university-based technology bundles.

 Register or Apply Today!!



Do not miss our current 30% discount. The deadline for
applications is Friday, March 21!

Send comments and submissions to Larta VOX Editor, at voxeditor@larta.org

About Larta

Larta Institute
Connecting People to Drive Innovation

 We manage the nation's largest innovation pipelines. Larta Institute is a professional services firm providing entrepreneur training, commercialization, and technology transfer services for governments, companies, and universities.

The core of Larta's mission is to facilitate deal making between qualified suppliers of technology and corporations seeking outside sources of technologies as well as investors seeking investment opportunities.

We accelerate the transition of cutting-edge technologies to the marketplace by connecting innovators to investors and companies. Our programs leverage our extensive network of relationships and resources. Since 1993, companies helped by Larta Institute have raised over $1.5 billion in capital. Our programs serve thousands of businesspeople each year. Our electronic magazine on business innovation is read by over 25,000 people.

www.Larta.org

Los Angeles Office:
606 S. Olive Street
Suite 650 Los Angeles, CA 90014
Tel: (213) 694-2826
Fax: (213) 622-6230

Washington DC Office:
c/o Kelly, Anderson & Associates
424 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (703) 740-8330

Silicon Valley Office:
Tel: (650) 641-2713
Sponsorship: To sponsor VOX, Larta events or publications, contact Carlos Gutierrez