FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 30, 2007

For more information contact:
Eugene (Gene) Watson, Program Manager
Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative
Phone: 307.742.7162, 307.760.0456 cell

A. Lee Lang
Advanced Biologicals
Phone: 307.399.1345

David M. Bloom
Alces Technology, Inc.
Phone: 307.732.1994

Mark A. Weitz
Kennon Products Inc.
Phone: 307.674.6498

Mark Peterman
Labrador Research, LLC
Phone: 650.218.5427

Robert Viola
Square One Systems Design, Inc.
Phone: 307.733.7507

Zachary Gray
Wyoming Silicon, LLC
Phone: 307.752.2615

Six Wyoming businesses receive Phase 0 awards

CHEYENNE – Six Wyoming firms including Advanced Biologicals of Laramie, Alces Technology of Jackson, Kennon Products of Sheridan, Labrador Research of Jackson, Square One Systems Design of Jackson and Wyoming Silicon of Sheridan have each secured $5,000 Phase 0 awards through the Wyoming Business Council and the Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI).

The Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase 0 award will enable Advanced Biologicals, one of Wyoming’s first biotechnology companies, to develop a National Institute of Mental Health SBIR Phase I proposal to develop a G Protein-Coupled Receptor Antibodies for Neuroscience Research. Advanced Biologicals produces high quality antibodies for the life sciences research market, which is a world market worth more than $1 billion. The business is currently working with the Wyoming Technology Business Center and seeks private funding to increase operations.

Wyoming Silicon, LLC received a Phase 0 award for teaming up with researchers from the University of Wyoming and Silicon Valley to produce a novel pressure sensor for the National Science Foundation. The company will work to develop a new sensor based on a miniaturized mechanical device, commonly called “micro-electromechanical system” (MEMS). The new device is expected to enable tiny, highly accurate, low-power devices for use in industry, research and medical applications.

Kennon Products has been working with the Navy (NAVAIR) on an SBIR project to improve components of the V-22 Osprey's internal thermo-acoustic insulation system. Kennon is a small manufacturer in the aviation field, producing protective coverings for both the military and private fleets. The company’s concept represents a new generation of improved insulation and safety based on advanced composite materials and novel construction and installation designs. Based on this recognized need, Kennon has been attempting to gain additional resources for developing and testing these new concepts.

Square One Systems Design received a Phase 0 award to fund the submission of an SBIR proposal for actively heated gloves. Square One specializes in the development of complex automated systems for scientific applications. This new proposal is in response to a solicitation by the US Army seeking an innovative method for maintaining the warmth and dexterity of soldiers’ hands in extremely cold conditions. Working in collaboration with Dr. Jeff Greenbaum, Square One proposes the use of a high-density heat source that will be worn by a solider much like a small hip pack. A compact peristaltic pump will circulate water warmed by the heat source through a closed-loop network of tubing. This tubing will be configured to apply heat to critical areas of the hands and lower arms thus keeping the hands comfortable even if the wearer is sedentary and exposed to very low ambient temperature for extended periods of time. Experienced glove designers from Black Diamond Equipment will also participate in this project.

Labrador Research, a nanotechnology company, will use its Phase 0 award to propose to the National Science Foundation a new method for sorting uncharged polymers based on size. This novel technique will improve resolution and speed separation of uncharged molecules for the chromatography industry, which is an industry of great importance to water and food safety, biotechnology, and environmental analysis. The award will provide the Labrador team with the resources to pursue a federal small business research grant and an opportunity for the company to grow in Wyoming.

Alces Technology, Inc. received a Phase 0 award to assist in a proposal titled “Smart Display Chips” submitted to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) specific to the Advanced Technology Program (ATP). The company is currently developing a high resolution, low cost display technology that will change the way displays are used in education, entertainment, research, business, and control rooms. At the heart of this display technology is the Smart Display Chip which combines a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), high speed micro light modulators and key optics in a single packaged chip. Smart Display Chip technology can be easily scaled in design for applications ranging from ultra high resolution systems with tens of millions of pixels for scientific analysis to low cost consumer HDTVs.

The SBIR Phase 0 Program helps Wyoming companies develop competitive proposals for the federal SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The SBIR Phase 0 Program is a project of the Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI). The WSSI receives funding from the Wyoming Business Council and gives out $120,000 in Phase 0 awards each year.

The federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs make up the WSSI alliance and provide more than $2 billion annually in Research and Development (R&D) awards and contracts to qualified small businesses.

Eleven federal agencies are required by law to provide these funds by setting aside 2.5 percent of their annual extra-mural R&D budgets for use exclusively by U.S. small businesses for new product R&D. Hence, these programs provide a unique source of start-up and seed capital for small businesses to develop new innovative product concepts.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

###