Obama's 2011 Budget Seeks $69.3M for JGI
GenomeWeb Staff Reporter, GenomeWeb

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Under the White House's proposed budget for 2011, the US Department of Energy expects to receive a total of $322 million next fiscal year for its Biological Systems Science Research (BSSR) efforts, including $69.3 million for the Joint Genome Institute (JGI), an increase of less than one percent over the $69 million JGI received for this year. Read more...

PARC Develops iPod-Sized HIV-Detection Device to Bring Affordable Testing To Rural Communities
Stuart Fox, Popular Science

The monetary and energy expense of HIV testing machines prevent their deployment to remote or impoverished areas; the very places that need them the most. To rectify that inequity, Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) has created a battery-operated HIV testing device the size of an iPod. The machine can return a test result in 10 minutes, and costs significantly less than the large machines... Read more...

Judge Invalidates Human Gene Patent
John Schwartz and Andrew Pollack, The New York Times

A federal judge on Monday struck down patents on two genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer. The decision, if upheld, could throw into doubt the patents covering thousands of human genes and reshape the law of intellectual property... Read more...

Paralysed Limbs Revived by Hacking into Nerves
MacGregor Campbell, New Scientist

"THE leg wasn't bouncing all over the table, but there were substantial twitches," says Matthew Schiefer, a neural engineer at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Schiefer is describing an experiment in which pulses of electricity are used to control the muscles of an unconscious patient, as if they were a marionette. It represents the beginnings of a new generation of devices that he hopes will allow people with paralysed legs to regain control of their muscles... Read more...

Publisher's note: Larta Institute works with early stage and emerging entrepreneurs who have received federal grants to commercialize research in many of the areas referred to in the articles above, including biotechnology, diagnostics, and medical devices.  Our programs deal with the three key and fundamental areas of human concern, food, fuel and healing.

Our pick of Larta-alumni companies that are making the news and already on their way to making it big!

GoBrightTree

GoBrightTree, a past participant in Larta Institute’s USDA-CATP program, has recently been awarded another $100,000 Phase I grant, from the USDA/SBIR Rural Development Program.  GoBrightTree successfully completed the USDA-CATP program with the help of their Larta mentor, Jim Roberts.  They have credited the help received throughout the program to their favorable performance on the previous Phase II grant, and as a contributing factor in receiving their most recent Phase I award.  All of us at Larta wish GoBrightTree the best of luck in their new endeavors.

2010 Ag Innovation Showcase: Panel Moderators and Panelists Announced
May 24-25, 2010 - Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO

15% discount available. Use coupon code 15AG10 upon registration.

The Ag Showcase is the leading annual global event for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors in agribusiness. This year’s program will feature emerging technologies and insightful discussions exploring the nexus of energy and agriculture, the future of global agricultural partnerships, as well as investment trends and projections.

Often referred to as the "father of agricultural biotechnology," Dr. Jerry Caulder, Executive Chairman of the leading VC firm, Finistere Ventures, will be one of the many speakers providing a view from the top of the industry. A selective group of executives and investors will serve as panelists from key ag companies including Dow, Monsanto, Bunge, and CMEA Ventures, among others.

The 2010 Ag Innovation Showcase is produced with the help of a stellar Advisory Committee and is jointly presented by BRDG Park at the Danforth Plant Science Center, Nidus, and Larta Institute.

Publisher's note: Larta Institute, working with eight other national organizations -  the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI), Angel Capital Association (ACA), National Association of Seed and Venture Funds (NASVF), Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), Association of University Research Parks (AURP), Community Development Venture Capital Alliance (CDVCA), National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) and  Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) has endorsed an effort to amend language in the Senate’s Restoring American Financial Stability Act currently under consideration in committee. Specifically, we are concerned that a section adjusting the accrediting investor standard for inflation could result in the elimination of as many as two-thirds of all accredited investors who invest directly in start-up and early-stage small businesses.  Another section would enhance the authority of multiple state regulatory agencies over so-called Regulation D offerings, and as such could make it more difficult to raise angel capital from investors in different jurisdictions because of conflicting rules across states.  We recognize the importance of tackling fraud, and are calling for beefing up accredit investor protections by clarifying who is disqualified from being considered as such, and by making information on such individuals and entities more available to regulators, among other things. The following letter, sent to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs, is endorsed by Larta Institute.

Eight National Associations Supporting Small Business and Innovation Join Together on Concerns About Senate Financial Reform Bill
April 12, 2010

As national associations that support the start-up and growth of innovative small businesses, we
want to express the importance of ensuring that the Restoring American Financial Stability Act
of 2010 does not damage angel investing and particularly the entrepreneurial businesses they
support. We join the Angel Capital Association in asking that two small sections in the bill be
removed or modified... Read Entire Letter Here. Read Financial Reform Bill here.

SBIR Phase I and Phase II Award Levels Adjusted by SBA

The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today, through the Federal Register, a final amendment to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Policy Directive. This Amendment adjusts SBIR Phase I award levels from $100,000 to $150,000, and Phase II award levels from $750,000 to $1,000,000. The amendment also continues to provide participating agencies with an appropriate degree of flexibility... Read more...

Patent Reform: Lawmakers Take Significant Step

Members of the biotechnology community are making headway on patent reform legislation — the first true attempt in more than 55 years — through amendments to President Obama’s patent reform proposal... Read more...

Go Green Expo
April 16-18, 2010 - Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Go Green Expo is back in Philadelphia!

Interested in all things eco?  Go Green Expo, coming to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks April 16-18 is the event to attend if you are interested in sustainability, the health of your family and your environment.  Go Green Expo is the perfect place to learn about eco-friendly alternatives to unhealthy or inefficient products we use everyday, from reusable water-bottles and water filtration products for your home to organic beauty products, energy efficient windows and lights, eco-fashion, fuel-efficient cars, and other clever & efficient products for your lifestyle.

Come see informative and engaging speaker panels hosted by eco-experts, professors and industry experts.  Panels cover a diverse array of topics like Eco-Entrepreneurship, Green Jobs, Eco-Fashion, Health and Lifestyle choices, Children & the Environment, and can help you to discover ways to reduce your carbon footprint.  Thought leaders and eco-activists like racecar driver Leilani Munter will discuss climate change & policy, conservation issues, and help you understand how the choice in your everyday products can impact your life.

Limited booth space still available for those companies that want to grow their eco-friendly business.  Contact Bradford Rand at (212) 655-4505 ext. 223 or Brand@GoGreenExpo.com for details.

Discounted tickets are available online only - $5 instead of $10 at the door. Use promo-code LARTA at www.GoGreenExpo.com.

Gateway to Innovation Conference
April 20, 2010 - Chase Park Plaza, St Louis, MO

The annual Gateway to Innovation (G2I) Conference brings together many great IT leaders and thinkers from around the globe and the St. Louis region to inspire, collaborate and maintain the competitive advantage in an industry that demands more for less. More than 500 IT leaders and practitioners attended the event in 2009.

The 2010 conference will explore how IT drives growth in the life sciences, manufacturing, finance, global commerce and industries yet to be discovered. Interactive break-out sessions with regional executives and industry leaders will address the convergence of IT with other business imperatives. An evening gala and awards program will recognize the efforts of local leaders and help foster the region¹s most significant economic cluster. In an uncertain economy, Gateway to Innovation is the premier, value-driven event that IT innovators cannot afford to miss.

Start-Up Connection
April 29, 2010 - Cortex, St Louis, MO

Start-Up Connection is a one-of-a-kind open house where Start-up CEOs will meet talented people searching for a place to land, job-seekers can scope out new possibilities, people with great ideas will share them, entrepreneurs will learn what it takes to create a "buzz" for their company, and everyone will learn about what is happening in St. Louis and who is making it happen. Anyone who wants to connect with the innovation marketplace in St. Louis, including entrepreneurs, tech professionals, CEOs, CIOs, students, talent in transition, scientists, investors, and policy-makers should attend.

2010 BIO International Convention
May 3-6, 2010 - McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

Biotechnology Industry Organization's 2010 BIO International Convention, May 3–6, 2010, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, is a truly global event addressing the business of biotech.

The convention’s theme highlights how our industry is fulfilling the promise to heal, fuel and feed the world by developing the life sciences in vital areas. In Chicago, you will not only gain insight about the next great medical breakthrough, but also what companies are doing to develop cleaner fuels and to advance agricultural biotechnology.

The 2010 BIO International Convention delivers unparalleled partnering, networking and learning opportunities—from the BIO Business Forum, which provides access to 4,000 top business development and licensing professionals, representing 1,800 companies from 35+ countries, to the BIO Exhibition to Keynote Luncheons and more than 125 Breakout Sessions in 17 tracks. BIOPark will provide a great spot for academic researchers, licensing professionals, small companies, and tech transfer professionals to network. No other event is developed with your business needs in mind.

Larta Institute co-marketer and 2010 BIO International Convention supporter, Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO), will be in attendance.

26th Annual Business Growth Conference 2010
May 6, 2010 - Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Anaheim, CA

The Harvard Business School Association of Orange County and the USC Marshall School of Business Alumni Association have put together the 26th Annual Business Growth Conference where attendees will hear the perspectives of two world famous business leaders who have taken their companies from start up to over $1B in sales.  Connect with Tony Hsieh, CEO of e-retailer Zappos and Bob McKnight, CEO & President of Quiksilver, Inc. to learn how they have faced the recent economic challenges and what other challenges they had to encounter along the way.

The Business Growth Conference gives you the opportunity to meet these leaders and over 1,000 of Southern California’s elite business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.  Tap into the golden networks of the Harvard Business School Alumni and the USC Marshall School of Business Alumni.  Meet people who make things happen and take advantage of this chance to connect with more high caliber contacts in one day than you could acquire in 20 years.

Larta VOX readers save more than $100 off regular admission (before April 30th).  Go to the registration page click on the “affiliated organization members” tab, and then enter code “LRTGC” to receive your discount.

VC in the OC and OCTANe Innovation Showcase
May 18, 2010 - Hyatt Regency, Irvine, CA

VC in the OC and OCTANe Innovation Showcase is the result of premier venture and technology organizations in Orange County teaming up to produce a one-of-a-kind business event showcasing the best of Orange County innovation from university, to venture-backed startups, to world-class companies. Attendees will get an inside view on cutting edge technologies, hot start-ups, venture investments, and industry leaders.

The event will feature keynote highlights from OC's top business leaders, VC "Speed-dating", investment presentations from some of the country's most promising early and late stage start-ups, panels focusing on digital advertising, video games, high-speed data communications, and stem-cells with the latest industry and sector trends, Southern California Clean Tech industry updates, Innovation Showcase, and much more.

C21 BioVentures
May 25-27, 2010 - The Meritage Resort, Napa, CA

C21 BioVentures™(C21) is the leading conference where early stage innovators, investors and pharma partners come together to do the deals that make 2010 the year of global partnering.

C21 features private company presentations, pre-scheduled face-to-face partnering meetings, expert panels, workshops and three days of networking opportunities at an intimate world-class resort and spa. Register for C21 and connect your company with The Global Life Science Network™.

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.techvision.com/c21/.

2010 Israel Conference - "Incredible Technology, Amazing Companies"
June 3, 2010 - The Luxe Hotel, Los Angeles, CA

The Israel Conference will bring together leading technology innovators and investors in high tech, clean tech, medical tech, media and entertainment, and consumer products coming out of Israel - Technologies and products that are market-making and in demand.

 

2010 Regional Seminar on Program Funding and Grants Administration
June 24-25, 2010 - Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, Portland, OR

The NIH Regional Seminar is intended to help demystify the application and review process, clarify federal regulations and policies, and highlight current areas of special interest or concern. The seminar serves the NIH mission of providing education and training for the next generation of biomedical and behavioral scientists. NIH policy officials, grant management and program staff, as well as representatives from the Office for Human Research Protections and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, will interact with seminar participants and provide a broad array of expertise.

Visit our Events Calendar for a list of Larta's partners' events.