 |
August 22, 2005 Purdue showcases technologies to Indianapolis entrepreneursINDIANAPOLIS, Ind. and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue Research Foundation today (Monday, Aug. 22) showcased a half dozen emerging technologies before an audience of approximately 50 Indianapolis-area entrepreneurs at the Early Stage Showcase II. The purpose of the event, held at the Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, was to interest participants in becoming more involved with the successful commercialization of new startups formed from the results of research and development conducted at Purdue University. During a luncheon that followed the three-hour technology presentation session, Purdue Research Foundation Senior Vice President, Treasurer and COO Joseph B. Hornett told the audience, "We're taking an aggressive approach to business formation by marketing our technologies directly to management teams from groups, such as Indiana's entrepreneurs and angel investors. They, in turn, develop relationships with our inventors that accelerate our commercialization efforts. This is an important element of our evolving strategy to get Purdue technologies into the marketplace more rapidly." Among the innovations highlighted were software and hardware based solutions for people with disabilities; software and hardware for network security implementations; technology to improve hardwood tree nurseries; advanced nano-biomaterials with applications in cardiovascular, orthopedic implants, neural and soft tissues; technology for hydrogen fuel generation for micro-scale fuel cell devices; and a biomedical device for intubation of patients with greater accuracy. These technologies are in various stages of commercialization, some developing under a company structure and others fresh out of the university's laboratories. "One of our top priorities is to broaden the availability of these technologies to the entrepreneurial communities and angel investment network across the state," said Steven Gerrish, the foundation's director of business development. Gerrish works closely with the foundation's Office of Technology Commercialization as well as the Purdue Office of Engagement, the area responsible for the university's statewide economic development outreach. In the last three months, the foundation has conducted similar "technology roadshow" events in Anderson, Fort Wayne and West Lafayette. About Purdue Research Foundation Established in 1930, Purdue Research Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that is legally constituted to accept gifts, administer trusts, acquire property, negotiate research contracts and perform other services helpful to Purdue University. As part of its holdings, the foundation owns more than 130 properties, including the award-winning Purdue Research Park, named best research park in the country in 2004. The park is home to the greatest number of technology companies in Indiana. The foundation also is the organization that facilitates the transfer of technology from the university to the private sector via the foundation's Office of Technology Commercialization. Contact: Jeanine Phipps, the foundation's senior media relations specialist, at (765) 494-0748 (office), (765) 409-2745 (mobile) or jeanine@purdue.edu |
