Iowa Technologies Headed for Market

State development funds awarded; 2 Iowa City companies included

A dozen awards to commercialize new products, develop the future workforce and improve entrepreneur networking were approved at the January meeting of the Economic Development Board. The Board accepted recommendations from the review committee of the Innovation and Commercialization Division, Iowa Department of Economic Development, approving Demonstration Fund grants to companies in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Iowa City, and Johnston.

· An award of $150,000 was made to Santos Human Inc. of Iowa City to finalize commercial software that simulates human interactions with new products in a 3D environment.

· Cyber-Anatomy of Iowa City was awarded $70,000 to finalize the medical level detail of anatomy models that are part of medical education software.

· Cellencor, Inc. of Ames was awarded $75,000 to develop industrial microwave technology for enhancing enzyme reactions at ethanol plants.

· Visual Medical Solutions of Ames will receive a $75,000 grant to finalize commercialization of BodyViz software, which delivers 3D visualizations of medical data for surgeons.

· GlobalVetLink, Ames was awarded $25,000 to further development of web-based software allowing veterinarians and others who manage livestock to define and document treatment and prescriptions, using the latest guidelines and information.

· A $25,000 grant was approved for Cognitive Media Inc., Cedar Rapids, which is developing computer games that will measure and track improvements in a player’s mental and brain capabilities.

· Mobile Demand of Hiawatha will use a $150,000 grant to introduce a new rugged tablet computer, which is smaller and will be able to use “off the shelf” software.

· ThinkSafe of Hiawatha was awarded $120,000 to launch new computer technology for first aid training at companies, fitness centers, schools and other places.

· A $50,000 grant was approved for ezPay of Johnston to expand the market for web-enabled software that handles financial transactions between businesses.

The Economic Development Board also approved these awards from programs designed to develop the future workforce and increase the success rate of entrepreneurs.

· A Career Awareness Grant of $40,000 was approved for Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge to integrate a program that informs students of occupations that match their interests and abilities as well as related degrees and programs.

· From the Community College Equipment Fund, a grant of $900,000 was awarded to the Iowa Department of Education for a regional system to connect young people with opportunities and experiences in targeted industry sectors of the biosciences, advanced manufacturing and information technology.

· The Iowa Association of Business and Industry was awarded $266,450 from the Grow Iowa Values Fund to participate in the Iowa Commercialization Services Network, a statewide collaboration to accelerate new product and service development and new business formation.

More information on Innovation and Commercialization programs is available on the IDED web site at www.iowalifechanging.com/busness/innov&comm.html