CU-Boulder Technology of the Month:

We are glad to be back on schedule with the TTO newsletter after a one month break during August. Because of the August hiatus, this issue is slightly longer than most - enjoy your reading. -Lindsay Polak, editor

ICVrx Licenses CU Drug Reformulation and Delivery Technology for Brain Disease Treatment

Tigon EnerTec to Commercialize CU Hybrid Aircraft Propulsion Technology

TTO recently completed an option agreement with Tigon EnerTec Inc. for CU technology enabling efficient management of hybrid engines in aircraft. Conventional airplanes employ an internal combustion engine that is sized for the high power requirements of takeoff and climbing. However, most of a typical flight is conducted at lower-power cruising speeds, during which time the larger engine is burning fuel inefficiently. Electric motors, on the other hand, are able to operate at high levels of efficiency over a broader range of power output, but energy storage problems preclude the use of all-electric power systems in airplanes. A team of led by Dr. Jean Koster in the Aerospace Engineering department at the University of Colorado at Boulder have developed a method for switching between an internal combustion engine (powered by conventional fuel or biofuels) and an electric motor (powered by batteries, photovoltaic cells, fuel cells or other alternative power sources). The ability to transition seamlessly between these two motors maximizes overall efficiency and minimizes fuel consumption, while still meeting the high power needs of takeoff and climbing. The HELIOS project is a recent graduate of the CU-Boulder Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) Market Assessment Program; RASEI recently funded a $40,250 proof-of-concept investment which will allow Tigon to further develop the technology. (Read full press release.)

University of Colorado Signs 100^th Software License for RiverWare^TM

RiverWare^TM is a general river basin modeling tool that enables water resource professionals to build and manage your own river basin model, and to modify those models as features, uses and policies change. The first RiverWare^TM software license was signed in 1998, and now 100 state and local governments, water authorities, water consultants and international users have licensed the software. It was originally developed under the leadership of Dr. Edith Zagona in the Center for Advanced Decision Support for Water and Environmental Systems (CADWES). Revenue from the licensing program, along with additional government grant funding, has allowed CADWES to maintain and enhance RiverWare^TM for more than a decade.

CU TTO Reports Performance Metrics for FY2009-10

TTO has released its performance metrics for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010. Please follow this link to a short presentation summarizing our performance, and look for our full annual report in October 2010.

TTO Hosts Two Tech Entrepreneurship Events in October

Next month, the TTO will host two events bringing together the university and entrepreneurial communities. On Tuesday, October 5, the ESPRIT Innovation Alliance Breakfast (part of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce ESPRIT Entrepreneur celebration) will showcase CU-Boulder innovations at all stages of development, from lab to startup to successful company. Following these short presentations, there will be an opportunity to mingle with the researchers and entrepreneurs, as well as with TTO staff and other members of the CU innovation community - details, agenda and registration available online. On Friday, October 15, TTO will host Celebrate Scientific

Entrepreneurship: UC Denver Symposium on Advancing Entrepreneurship and Technology Development. This retreat will highlight the impact of the university's research enterprise on society, clinical practice, the economy and the environment, emphasizing the applied, translational and commercial aspects. Details and RSVP online.

2010 Solicitation for the RASEI Market Assessment Program is Now Open for UCB investigators

The Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) at CU Boulder is now accepting applications for the Market Assessment Program (MAP). MAP is a structured process of evaluating and identifying technologies for commercialization. The goals include fostering earlier industry and market input and interaction with investigators, and helping investigators understand market and technology development needs for successful commercialization. Pre-proposals will be due on October 15, 2010 - details and instructions on how to apply are online. Here are some comments from past MAP participants:

"MAP helped me to explore the potential of my invention and gave me the access to market experts I needed to move the invention from idea to proof-of-concept. I would definitely recommend the program to inventors struggling to get their ideas off-the-ground; it was a great experience and I learned a ton."

 "The MAP (program) was a great opportunity to work alongside business insiders and dive deeply into some of the financial aspects that go into commercializing new technology. It was a useful crash course for me and my students on market analysis and understanding what needs to be addressed before a technology can leave the lab setting and be pitched to potential investors. Working in an interdisciplinary environment matching business and technical experts together was an eye opening experience for everybody involved."

CU Scientists Secure More Than $847M in Sponsored Research Funding in FY 2009-10

University of Colorado faculty researchers on four campuses secured more than $847M in sponsored research funding in fiscal year 2009-10 to advance scientific work in laboratories and in the field, remaining highly competitive among peers despite the economic downturn. According to preliminary numbers, the university's sponsored research funding for 2009-10 dwarfs the record $711 million CU researchers drew in fiscal year 2008-09. However, one-time federal stimulus dollars allocated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) boosted the total received in the 2009-10 fiscal year. CU-Boulder researchers received more than $454M in sponsored research funding, including a $15M ARRA grant to help complete the construction of the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building. UC Denver and Anschutz Medical Campus researchers received almost $385M in combined sponsored research funding, and CU-Colorado Springs researchers received more than $8M.

CID4 Announces Second "Call for Proposals" for Life Science Technologies In Need of Funding and Active Management

GSK Shingles Vaccine Enters Phase III Trials

In August of 2010 GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals announced the commencement of Phase III clinical trials of a herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine that was invented by Dr. Abbas Vafai, formerly of the University of Colorado Denver. The vaccine is based on a proprietary recombinant zoster protein covered by U.S. patents 6,180,369 and 5,824,319, developed in part at the University of Colorado and the University of Illinois. The phase III clinical trial will involve vaccination, at 189 sites worldwide, of over 30,000 individuals 70 years and older and measure the incidence of herpes zoster infections and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) cases as primary endpoints. The trial is estimated to be concluded in the summer of 2014. This program represents the second herpes zoster vaccine developed at the University of Colorado to advance to Phase III; the previous program led to the registration of Zostavax® (Merck, Whitehouse Station, NJ) in 2006.

AmideBio and PeptiVir Selected for BioWest 2010 Venture Showcase Competition

AmideBio, a company providing low cost and efficient manufacturing of peptides for the research and development markets, and PeptiVir, Inc., an early stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of a conformationally-constrained, synthetic peptide-based vaccine platform for the prevention of viral diseases, are among the four finalists selected to present at this year's BioWest Venture Showcase competition. In addition to these two CU licensees, the competition will also include presentations from Sharklet Technologies, Inc. and BioVantage.

Sundrop Fuels: Dancin' with the Blazing Sun for Biomass Gas

It almost sounds too good to be true: Using solar power to create fuel. It's called solar biomass gasification, a concept and process that's been around for a while, mostly in university research and scientific circles. A relatively new company that has emerged from that university research environment, Sundrop Fuels Inc., apparently has the drop on making a commercial go of it.

miRagen Therapeutics Announces Identification of a microRNA as Key Regulator of Blood Cell Development

CU licensee miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. recently announced data demonstrating the essential role of microRNA-451 (miR-451) in the regulation of erythropoiesis, the process of red blood cell production in the body. Published in the August 1 issue of the journal Genes & Development, the findings highlight miR-451 as a promising target in the development of therapies for the treatment of myeloproliferative diseases, diseases of the blood characterized by an overabundance of blood cells.

ION Engineering Will Partner with Leading Local and Global Firms for CO2 Capture Test

CU licensee ION Engineering has announced their partners in the CO2 capture test awarded project funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), including Xcel Energy, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Eltron Research & Development, Evonik Goldschmidt, and WorleyParsons Group. DOE will fund nearly $3M of a $4M project that will demonstrate how ION's new technology can remove greenhouse gases at costs much lower than today's state of the art technology.

RealD Rides a 3-D Wave

RealD Inc., the dominant supplier of 3-D projection and viewing technology, recently went public with an initial stock offering that raised $230M million, and valued the company at about $800M. Iin 2007, RealD acquired CU licensee ColorLink, which helped develop the optical filter technology underlying RealD's theater displays.

Taligen Pipeline Condidates Highlighted at XXII Internation Complement Workshop

CU and NREL Name New Director of Joint Energy Institute

The University of Colorado at Boulder and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden today named Michael L. Knotek as director of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI). Knotek, one of the nation's most experienced leaders in multidisciplinary energy research, will focus on renewable energy research within RASEI, one of the world's leading university and federal laboratory partnerships.

Entrepreneurs Unplugged: Andre Durand, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ping Identity

September 20, CU-Boulder

Silicon Flatirons, ATLAS, and ITP present Andre Durand as our featured entrepreneur with moderator Brad Feld. Andre Durand brings 18 years of software industry executive leadership experience to his role as founder and CEO at Ping Identity.

Myths and Realities about Valuations

September 22, EKS&H, Denver

Join us as this prestigious panel of experts discusses theoretical and key value drivers in the valuation process, their impact, and how to talk to VCs and other investors about pre-money valuations. The panel will also explore valuation trends, drivers and the art and science of negotiation.

Colorado Springs Innovation Mashup

September 22, CU-Colorado Springs

You are invited to attend our third quarterly "Innovation Mashup" or "iMash Meetup" to stimulate the Technology Transfer and Innovation Opportunities between The UCCS Center for Entrepreneurship, The Bachelor of Innovation Program, and the Colorado Springs Entrepreneurs Group and the Local Colorado Springs Business Community.

Modern Energy Investor Forum 2010

September 22-25, Ritz Carlton, Denver

The Modern Energy Investor Forum is the foremost investor meeting in North America for Modern Energy. It brings together the pioneers of the Modern Energy sector with investors and analysts from around the world. This is a cost-effective and time-effective opportunity for companies and investors to meet and build relationships with each other.

Resources Available for CU Faculty at the Downtown Denver Campus

September 24, Downtown Denver Campus

UC Denver faculty are invited to attend this lunch seminar to learn more about resources available thorugh the TTO. Learn how to access proof of concept research grants, funding for patent applications, consultation on commercialization questions that must be addressed in federal and corporate sponsored research proposals, and much more. Lunch is included; please RSVP to Trudy Boudreau: trudy.boudreau@cu.edu, 303-724-1039.

2010 BioWest Conference

September 29-30, Grand Hyatt, Denver

Hosted by the Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA), this conference brings together bioscience executives from around the region. The conference program features keynote addresses and panel discussions, along with a venture competition. Full agenda and registration online.

ReTool: Session II - Understanding Smart Grids

October 1, CU-Boulder

 An intensive, four-day certificate program offered by the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at CU-Boulder that provides an in-depth look at renewable energy technologies and policies. Participants may take all four courses to earn a RETool Renewable Energy Certificate, or may take courses individually.

ESPRIT Innovation Alliance Breakfast

October 5, Discovery Center, Boulder

As part of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce ESPRIT Entrepreneur celebration, TTO will host this event showcasing CU innovations at all stages of development, from lab to startup to successful company. Following these short presentations, there will be an opportunity to mingle with the researchers and entrepreneurs, as well as with TTO staff and other members of the CU innovation community. Details, agenda and registration availableonline.

Boulder/Denver New Technology Meetup Group

October 5, CU- Boulder
This ongoing event provides a forum for technologists and entrepreneurs to showcase the new (especially web-based) technology developing in Boulder/Denver tech community. Five companies have five minutes each to demonstrate their new technology, followed by five minutes for Q&A from the audience.

CSIA DEMOgala

October 7, Hyatt Regency, Denver

CSIA DEMOgala brings together business and community leaders from across the state and region to meet the "who's who" of technology and experience the intensity and inspiration of innovation first-hand.  Learn from more than 25 speakers and hear from 10 of Colorado's emerging technology companies.

Entrepreneurs Unplugged: Liberty Media Corporation

October 11, CU-Boulder

Silicon Flatirons, ATLAS, and ITP present Greg Maffei, President and CEO, Liberty Media Corporation and Michael Zeisser, Senior Vice President, Liberty Media Corporation as our featured entrepreneurs with moderator Brad Feld.

2010 Cleantech Open - Save the Date

October 12, location TBA

Further details including ticket purchase info will be available soon online.

Colorado Green Tech Meetup

October 14, CU-Boulder

An ongoing event to support eco-entrepreneurs and others people involved and/or interested in green tech: energy generation, transportation, construction, and efficiency technologies. Businesses and researchers present new technologies, and attendees may announce business news, job openings, fundings, etc.

1st Annual CCTSI Research Ethics Conference: Financial Conflicts of Interest in Clinical Research

October 14, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora

Gain an understanding of the current policies, practices and ethical issues associated with the reporting, management and disclosure of financial relationships between private industry, biomedical researchers, and research institutions.

Celebrate Scientific Entrepreneurship: UC Denver Symposium on Advancing Entrepreneurship & Technology Development

October 15, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora

This retreat will highlight the impact of the university's research enterprise on society, clinical practice, the economy and the environment, emphasizing the applied, translational and commercial aspects. The retreat will assemble a distinguished group of translational scientists and clinicians, faculty entrepreneurs and members of the business community to discuss and celebrate entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado Denver. Details and RSVP online.

Colorado Cleantech Awards Celebration

October 19, Denver Marriott City Center
Colorado's cleantech community will come together to honor the creativity and dedication to our new energy economy put forth by entrepreneurs, educators, corporate innovators, volunteers and policymakers.

23rd NREL Industry Growth Forum

October 19-21, Denver Marriott City Center

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Industry Growth Forum is the premier event for innovative clean energy start-ups to maximize their exposure to receptive venture capital, corporate investors, and strategic partners.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the National Postdoctoral Association have announced the Call for Nominations for the 2011 Kauffman Foundation Outstanding Postdoctoral Entrepreneur and Emerging Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Awards, which recognize exceptional postdocs who are working to commercialize research. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 27, 2010, and the deadline for submission of online applications is Oct. 4, 2010.

Scientists Are Optimistic as Appeals Court Lifts Injunction Against Stem-Cell Research

The federal government can continue to finance embryonic-stem-cell research, temporarily, because a federal appeals court in early September lifted an injunction that had blocked such work. The move added to optimism about eventual victory for university scientists who use this research in a search for cures for a range of devastating diseases. (See also: VCs Shy Away From Stem Cells.)

The country could miss a key opportunity for growth if it doesn't soon follow Colorado's example in pursuing the new-energy economy, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke said in July. Locke said many companies and investors are sitting on the sidelines when it comes to renewable energy, fearful the technology they invest in won't line up with U.S. energy policy.

The Coming Entrepreneurial Tidal Wave: University Entrepreneurship 2.0

University entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly boisterous, ambitious, somewhat unruly at times, and yet is displaying enormous creativity, energy and imagination.

Tough Times Spur Shifts in Corporate R&D Spending

Big companies' outlays have mounted during the recession as technology becomes integral to an increasing number of industries.

Innovation and Commercialization, 2010: McKinsey Global Survey Results

After coping with the global economic crisis, companies are beginning to aim for growth again. But their approach to managing innovation and the challenges they face haven't changed. The survey results suggest a few ways to improve.

Roundup: University, Community, State, National and International Initiatives

U. of Texas Recruits New Chief to Boost its Commercialization Efforts

Richard Miller, who founded a string of biotechnology companies in California, has taken a new job: leading the effort to commercialize technology discoveries at the University of Texas at Austin.

The Idea Incubator Goes to Campus

By providing academics like Professor Hart a bridge to the business world, M.I.T. is in the vanguard of a movement involving a handful of universities nationwide that work closely with investors to ensure that promising ideas are nurtured and turned into successful start-ups.

University of Minnesota Ramps Up Effort to Commercialize Drugs

Four industry clusters - software, biotechnology, natural foods and outdoor products - are thriving in the Boulder area, and clean tech appears to be on a similar path. That bodes well for Colorado as it attempts to dig out from a crushing recession.

Big Pharma Scoops Up Early-stage Biotech Drugs
Large drug manufacturers are increasingly cutting their research budgets and licensing or purchasing experimental biopharmaceuticals in early stages of development. The trend has led to tighter competition for early-stage candidates and longer anticipation of return on investment.

State Strategies to Promote Angel Investment for Economic Growth

States increasingly recognize the value of angel investments and are adopting policies to promote them. Some have created statewide networks to assist the formation of angel groups, link angel groups to share best practices, and help groups invest together in companies that need more funding than a single group can offer.

Interactive Report: Renewable Energy in America

Renewable Energy in America is intended to provide decision-makers an executive summary on the status of renewable energy implementation at the state-level. The report provides a two-page, high-level overview on the key developments that have shaped the renewable energy landscape in each state, including information on installed and planned capacity, markets, economic development, resource potential and policy.

Roundup: News from the Venture Capital Community

University-fueled Venture-capital Funds Aid School-related Startups
Venture capital is difficult for startup companies to come by these days. Colorado's state universities are trying to make it a bit easier. (Editor's note: There was a slight misunderstanding as to where the proceeds from CU's fund would be directed. What the CU Foundation and TTO are considering is a fund where all the proceeds would be directed to CU, which as a not-for-profit corporation qualifies as a charitable contribution.)

Rare Bright Spot: Venture Capital Growth

Clean Technology Lifts Venture Funding to Highest in Two Years
Venture capital funding in the second quarter jumped to the highest level in almost two years, as investors increased their bets on alternative energy and biotechnology. Firms invested $6.52 billion in the U.S. during the period, a 53 percent increase from a year earlier and the most since the third quarter of 2008.

"And if everybody says that you are wrong, then you are one step ahead. But there is one situation which is better still, when everyone begins to laugh about you, then you know you are two steps ahead."

Albert Szent-Györgyi, Hungarian physiologist and researcher