Archive for April, 2009

Quantum Simulations Nabs Platinum Award

Published April 30, 2009 General , PTC Member Leave a Comment
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It’s always good news when a Pittsburgh Technology Council member company picks up an award for their trophy case.

Looks like Quantum Simulations, Inc., a developer of artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring, assessment and professional development software for science, mathematics and accounting, received a Platinum Award for its exceptional achievements in software development at the USDLA International 21st Century Best Practice Awards Ceremony. This is the second consecutive year Quantum has received this prestigious award.

The Platinum award is the highest recognition offered by the USDLA and is presented to leading organizations which have designed and delivered outstanding and comprehensive online programs in distance learning education. This year’s award was for Quantum’s work in building accessibility into its chemistry tutorial software to provide online tutoring and homework help for blind and visually impaired students. Certified by the National Federation of the Blind’s (NFB) Nonvisual Accessibility Web Application Certification Program, Quantum is the first to deliver accessible artificial intelligence tutoring software for the blind.

Bally Design to Host Open House for IDSA Attendees

Published April 29, 2009 Events , General , PTC Member 1 Comment
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bally-design-logoNorth Shore-based Bally Design will host an open house this Friday evening from 6-8pm for attendees of the IDSA Mideast District Conference. The Conference will be in town this weekend at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. For more information, point your browser at http://www.idsa.org/absolutenm/templates/?a=114&z=27

Morgan Lewis Launches “Entrepreneur Resources Headquarters”

Published April 29, 2009 Knowledge Center , News , PTC Member Leave a Comment
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The foks at Morgan Lewis & Bockius want to assist entrepreneurs as they develop their business.  So, the firm has created an Entrepreneur Resource Headquarters of its web site.

According to the firm, the site is designed to provide its emerging business clients with information regarding the legal and business challenges confronting them. It also provides tools to help them take advantage of opportunities as they grow—from start-up to global expansion to preparation for liquidity.  Mmm…liquidity.

The site contains articles and presentations by Morgan Lewis attorneys and covers topics such as financing a company, board development, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and many others.  Topics are labeled as having Technology or Life Sciences focus. The site also has links to clients web sites and will also feature venture capital news.  The Resource Headquarters will be frequently updated with the latest Morgan Lewis information on entrepreneurial issues.

It’s pretty interesting and useful stuff. Be sure to bookmark it. Even if you’re not an entrepreneur.

Two-for-One: Chatham Hires Entrepreneurship Director; CivicsLab Founder Named ‘Young Innovator’

Published April 28, 2009 General , News , PTC Member , Personnel News Leave a Comment
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Here’s a double-shot of tech/business news that made it on to the Techburgher grill. It’s like getting double the news at no extra charge. How excellent is that? Check it out:

CivicsLab’s Laura Staniland Receives MacArthur Foundation’s Young Innovator’s Award

 Local start-up CivicsLab recognized last week by the MacArthur Foundation’s Young Innovator’s Award in the Digital Learning and Media Competition.  The project – Your Place, USA – and one of its founders, Laura Staniland, 22, of Pittsburgh won the award. The award was presented at a winner’s recognition conference held in Chicago.

Your Place, USA, a web-based video game based on demographic, fiscal and political conditions in southwestern Pennsylvania, is being developed for kids 9 – 13.  Your Place will teach sustainable practices by exposing young people to civic decision-making and regional planning.

Chatham’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship  Hires Rebecca  Harris

Continuing to both advance the role of women business owners in southwestern Pennsylvania and enhance entrepreneurial education for its students, Chatham University hired Rebecca U. Harris as the Director of its Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship.  Bringing to the Center a wealth of professional experience as both an entrepreneur and a consultant for women-owned businesses, Harris will be responsible for expanding the Center’s strategic initiatives and alliances. She will also establish new programs which will provide practical hands-on training, guidance, and networking opportunities for both Chatham University students and local and regional women entrepreneurs who are starting and growing their businesses. 

The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University was established in 2005 to provide greater support for women entrepreneurs in the Pittsburgh region. Designed to assist both current and future women business owners, The Center provides new and innovative services and programs that are unique to both established and start-up businesses owned by women. Some of these programs include FastTrac® programs in Pittsburgh and Washington, Pa. for emerging and established women business owners; Mentoring for Women Business Owners; and Think Big Conferences featuring successful women entrepreneurs.  Funding for the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship is provided by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the Lois Tack Thompson Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation. Program information for the Center is available at .

Virtus Sensor Technology Selected for Motion Enabled Next-Generation Remote

Published April 27, 2009 General , News , PTC Member Leave a Comment

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has recently selected Virtus’ proprietary sensor technologies and sensor products for developing motion detection chip for the next-generation interactive TV remote controllers to be used with HDTV and digital home applications.

ASTRI and Virtus will continue to collaborate on other motion sensing enabled applications and products. According to IMS Research, 45 million households worldwide received HDTV service via DTH, cable, IPTV and DTT at the end of 2007 with approximately the same number of HDTV sets shipped during the year. IMS Research forecasts that 255 million TV
households worldwide will be watching HDTV by the end of 2013.

For instance, the implementation of mandatory use of digital television and the ending of analog service is scheduled within the next several months in the United States. However, despite the intimate relationship with and heavy usage of the TV, consumers today still rely on a bulky remote controller with more than 50 buttons to interact with TV to access different kinds of contents, services and applications. The interaction is often detached and even impersonal. Motion Sensing, embodied today by the popular Nintendo Wii, represents a major step forward in the interaction between people and machine. However, the possibility of using these technologies extends far beyond the fun in the video game application for Consumer Electronics industry. “ASTRI’s interactive technology for next generation TV controllers provides a rich and intuitive user experience in one’s living room with the cost structure compatible with traditional remote controllers via neural network based motion recognition algorithms.

Virtus sensors provide the needed performance and competitive price as the foundation of our motion sensing and recognition technologies. The move to digital TV and convergence of DTV and broadband is expected to help stimulate the use of such systems,” said Dr Shen-Chang Chao, Vice President and Group Director, Enterprise and Consumer Electronics Group, ASTRI. “TV centric digital home products and applications using ASTRI’s leading-edge motion sensing interactive technology will enrich user’s experience, and will enable manufacturers and value-added service providers to deliver innovative interactive applications. ASTRI is making this technology available for collaboration partners via IP licensing and other arrangements.”

“This particular design in win is important for us as a young company and an indication of our capabilities of moving forward. We continue to cater to the growing Chinese market developing a strong local presence. TV remotes are one in a long, growing list of applications for our technology as the market for MEMS inertial sensors accelerates, defying the current global economic malaise”, commented Louis Ross, President & CEO of Virtus.

Virtus is planning large volume shipments to China-based TV remote control manufacturers starting late 2009, and the demand is expected to grow in 2010.

Submission Deadline Extended for Art + Tech Inititative’s 15 Minutes Gallery

Published April 24, 2009 Events , General , News Leave a Comment
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artThe submission deadline for the 15 Minutes Gallery has been extended to  May 7, 2009.

The 15 Minutes Gallery is currently seeking artists and innovators to showcase recent work in both traditional and new media. To celebrate the synergy that exists between the art and tech communities in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Technology Council is partnering with the James Gallery to create this one-of-a-kind exhibition.

DETAILS: The exhibition will open at the 15 Minutes Gallery on June 18, 2009 and run through September 1, 2009. The opening event will feature live music, cocktails, hor’s d’ouvres — as well as speakers and presentations from some of Pittsburgh’s foremost art organizations and creative tech companies.

SUBMISSIONS: Participants are encouraged to submit artwork in any medium, including 2D, 3D and 4D, in any subject matter. Works that exemplify regional excellence and ingenuity will be selected for exhibition.

AWARDS + PRIZES: Exhibition participants will be eligible for the following awards:
Best in Show; Best BOT Award [best robotic work]; Art + Technology Award [best new media]; Fine Art Award [best traditional media]; One Pittsburgh Award [regional culture award]; and One World Award [global diversity award].

A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the Best in Show. All awardees will be granted the opportunity to participate in a Winners Exhibit at The James Gallery. All awardees, plus 5 additional Honorable Mentions, will be awarded extended consignment for one year at the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s 15 Minutes Gallery.

ELIGIBILITY: All individuals age 18 or older are eligible for submission. Participants currently residing in western Pennsylvania are preferred. Individuals may submit work on behalf of a business unit.

FEES: The entry fee of $25 [non-refundable check or money-order, payable to PHTC Services] includes up to 5 artwork submissions; All works of art in the 15 Minutes Gallery can be for sale to the general public, with 75% of the proceeds returning to the artist.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: All entries should be submitted in electronic format, with a maximum of 10 MB each. No slides, printed reproductions or original pieces of artwork will be accepted for review. Each submission must be clearly labeled with its title and artist’s name. All submission materials become property of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Submission materials will not be returned.

NOTIFICATION: Accepted participants will be notified via email or phone by May 15, 2009. A gallery/participant contract will be presented upon acceptance notification.

JUDGING: Submissions will be juried by The Pittsburgh Technology Council, The James Gallery and CREATE Lab.
Chosen work must be delivered to the gallery by Friday, June 5, 2008. All work must be delivered ready to display, including any accessories, electronics and/or hanging wires with museum quality framing or mounting. Advanced installation criteria must be executed by the participant in coordination with the gallery. The 15 Minutes Gallery will not be responsible for providing electronic equipment or executing installations. 2D artwork is limited in size to 70”x70.”The 15 Minutes Gallery will recieve a 25% commission on any work sold.

TO ENTER: Send a one-page artist statement [in electronic format] along with the Submission Form, $25 entry fee [payable to PHTC Services] and up to 5 submissions to the Pittsburgh Technology Council via mail or delivery, by May 7, 2009.

CONTACT: Direct alll questions and submission forms to:
Kim Chestney Harvey,  kharvey@pghtech.org, 2000 Technology Dr., ste. 100, Pgh, PA 15219

SBIR Funding Workshop Set for May 15

Published April 23, 2009 Events , Knowledge Center Leave a Comment
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There is $2.5 billion in small business funding for technology and science innovations.

The money is out there, but how will you access it? Check out a special funding workshop and learn the nuts and bolts of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Learn how you can enter the multi-billion dollar federal funding arena, and discover which opportunities are best suited to your business or innovation.

The workshop is set for May 15, 2009 from 8 – 10 AM, at  114 Mervis Hall, University of Pittsburgh Oakland

Topics include:

• Strategies to make your technology appealing to R&D funders

• Pre-qualification issues for potential participants

• Steps for applying for federal SBIR research

• Proposal writing tips to make your innovation stand out

• Technology value realization

• Trends in innovation

• Overview of participating federal agencies

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the SBIR/STTR programs that will enable your business to expand its horizons. The funding you need is waiting for you – now learn how to get it! Space is limited and reservations are required.

Register today by calling 412.648.1542 or emailing ieeregistration@katz.pitt.edu.

Dynamics Wins Rice Business Plan Competition

Published April 22, 2009 News , PTC Member 1 Comment
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Pittsburgh-based Dynamics, Inc.,  took the Rice Business Plan Competition’s first place prize of $20,000 in cash and $305,000 in investments and services.

A card-carrying Pittsburgh Technology Council member, Dynamics produces a paper-thin, flexible computer with high processing capabilities and low power requirements.  The computer can be laminated into a number of different card-based products.  Dynamics’ first product is the Dynamic Credit Card.  The card periodically changes a portion of a user’s credit card information – both visually and magnetically.  In doing so, the Dynamic Credit Card annually eradicates over $20 billion in credit card fraud and associated costs.

In addition, the company landed the prestigious $100,000 Technology Award from Opportunity Houston, which it can collect only if it moves from Pittsburgh to Houston. (Who wants to live in Houston any way? It’s hot and humid and full of strip malls. Trust me I know firsthand.)  Dynamics also won the coveted $125,000 investment prize from the GOOSE Society of Texas.

CNN even did a little write up about Dynamics and the competition. Check it out right here.

Federated Investors CEO to Speak at Tech Council Breakfast Briefing

Published April 21, 2009 Events , News Leave a Comment
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If you’re in Pittsburgh’s business and/or technology scene, you really have to make time for tomorrow’s (4/22) Breakfast Briefing featuring Federated Investors CEO J. Christopher Donahue.

Federated Investors has grown to become one of the nation’s largest investment managers with more than $407 billion in assets under management.  Donahue will discuss the strategies that Federated has implemented to remain competitive and successful in this struggling economy.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently featured Donahue as a top wealth-creating CEO over the past three years. Get more on that right here.

Donahue will share thoughts and perspectives on the impact of the many tools being deployed by the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury to restore stability in the credit markets. He will also give an overview on how regional policy makers can focus their efforts to create a globally competitive business climate in southwestern Pennsylvania. Do not miss this opportunity to hear from one of Pittsburgh’s most prominent financial leaders.  Get details on the event right here.

ASK Process, Inc., Heads Back to Western Pennsylvania

Published April 20, 2009 General , News , PTC Member Leave a Comment
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Techburgher absolutley loves getting news of smart people returning back to the region with their companies in tow. After four years in Florida, Alan S. Koch decided to return to western Pennsylvania, and he brought his company ASK Process with him. The Kochs grew up here, and love the four seasons – including winter. So they were eager to leave the heat, humidity and hurricanes of Florida behind.

“My wife and I started out here too many years ago to admit to,” says Alan. “And while family was a strong draw for us personally, this area is a great home base for my business as well!” ASK Process provides consulting and training services to organizations all over the world. But most of their clients are in the Eastern U.S., making Western PA a convenient central location. “Almost any location in Pennsylvania, Ohio or New York is an easy drive from here,” says Alan. “And if I want, I can drive to my most important business centers; Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC.”

In addition, Alan finds that he can connect from the Pittsburgh International Airport to any major city he needs to reach. The area is also rich with business support systems. Alan has already made connections with the Technology Council of Northwest PA , Pittsburgh Technology Council , the Small Business Development Center, The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership , and the National Speaker’s Association and the Project Management Institute .

“It is good to be home,” says Alan. “We are settling in for the long term.” Over the past decade, ASK Process, Inc.  has enabled scores of organizations to achieve success in Information Technology and software development by applying a pragmatic approach that exploits industry standards, as well as both traditional and Agile methods to meet clients’ unique challenges and needs.

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