UF panel to talk about startups that sold for more than $100 million

March 12, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Fourteen early-stage technology companies will present Thursday at “A Celebration of Innovation,” the University of Florida’s seventh annual technology showcase.

The event at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center will also feature updates from university officials and a panel discussion on UF startups that were bought for more than $100 million. Another new feature this year, a poster session during the Inventors Reception, will feature 14 more technologies well-positioned for entrepreneurs interested in starting companies.

”This is one of the premier events of its kind in the country, and a must-see for investors in the Southeast,” said UF Assistant Vice President David Day, director of the Office of Technology Licensing. “We’ve had several exits topping $100 million each over the past few years. At the showcase, we’ll hear how Gainesville is fostering these deals and see the next big startup and technology opportunities generated by more than $644 million in research conducted at UF.”

Experienced entrepreneur Jamie Grooms will moderate the panel, which includes Al Kern of Pasteuria Bioscience, acquired by Syngenta for $113 million in September; Lou Oberndorf, of METI, acquired by CAE Inc. for $130 million in 2011; and Randy Scott, who founded Novamin Technology, acquired by GlaxoSmithKline plc for $135 million in 2010.

For the first time, startup companies competed for the opportunity to present at the showcase. The winners represent the most promising early-stage companies from the many startups that license technology developed at UF and those that have located in UF business incubators.

Biomedical companies include medical-device startups such as EncephaloDynamics, making detection of neurological disorders fast and easy, and OBMedical, developing a state-of-the art maternal-fetal monitoring system. Other biomedical companies include Pulmokine, developing new treatments for pulmonary hypertension, and TrueMotion Spine, developing disc-replacement implants. Technology companies include Constellation Research, developing medical-imaging software; EigenChem, improving recycling and advancing renewable energy; and K&A Wireless, providing high-tech critical information delivery.

A tour of the Innovation Hub the morning of the showcase will introduce out-of-town guests to the unique multi-use business incubator that houses UF OTL along with dozens of tech-based startup companies, and service providers such as attorneys, accountants and venture capitalists.

A Celebration of Innovation, 2013 Technology Showcase, lasts from 12:30 pm to 5 p.m., immediately followed by the Inventors Reception, featuring 14 technologies in a poster session. See the agenda here: http://conferences.dce.ufl.edu/innovationshowcase/default.aspx?page=738

To register: http://conferences.dce.ufl.edu/innovationshowcase/