NCET

A team of a dozen undergraduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno spent their summer working to transform the genes that synthesize cinnamon oil into plants that can then be used as an eco-friendly mosquito killer.

Their project will be in competition with projects from 120 teams worldwide at the annual International Genetically Engineered Machine competition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The event from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 is the premiere undergraduate synthetic biology competition.

Synthetic biology is a new area of biological research that combines science and engineering in order to design and build novel biological functions and systems. This is the first team from Nevada to participate in the five-year-old competition that includes schools such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT and U.C. Berkeley.

For its first venture into this new realm of research, the University team chose to engineer a product of cinnamon oil into duckweed, a small aquatic plant that is a source of food for mosquito larvae.

“Our goal is to transform the genes that produce cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon oil) so it can be used to control mosquito populations, without using chemically synthesized, potentially harmful pesticides,” Janice Cho, the creator of the idea said. “More than one million people die in the world due to mosquito-transmitted diseases. The introduction of this new duckweed into mosquito prone areas could make a big difference.”

Independent of classwork, the biochemistry students, lead by students Cho and Nick Tschernia, have been using a lab in the department of biochemistry to prepare for the competition. The group has been successful in creating a novel genetic pathway into E.coli, as required for the IGEM event, and is in the process of increasing the gene expression within duckweed.

““Many of the private universities we compete against fund their participation in this competition with endowments,” Tschernia said. “We want to show that we, as a public university, can compete on the same level.”

The students are looking for donations to help defray costs of the project and competition. They recently set up a table at the University Farms Field Day and sold root beer floats to raise money.

Technorati Tags: University of Nevada Reno, International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Janice Cho, Nick Tschernia, business, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation officially launched “Build a Stronger America,” a movement to unite entrepreneurs and help give them a stronger voice in the public discussion about the country’s economic future. The Movement went “live” before 1,200 of America’s most prolific entrepreneurs at the Inc. 500 conference in Washington. Through the Movement’s Web site (www.BuildaStrongerAmerica.com), entrepreneurs and business owners will, for the first time, have a central hub to share their stories, hear about issues affecting them and create a unified voice.

“Entrepreneurs are the key to our country’s economic recovery because they are creating the jobs and innovations that will bring us out of this decline and into sustainability and growth,” said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “As a group, entrepreneurs are the silent heroes of our economy, and their success is heavily reliant on many factors outside of their direct control. The Kauffman Foundation is proud to give them a platform for the first time to share their stories and amplify their voice.”

By creating a unified, clear voice, “Build a Stronger America” will assist entrepreneurs and business owners in influencing the current dialogue on the economy to ensure that their specific needs are at the forefront of the decision-making process. Read more:

Technorati Tags: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, entrepreneurs, Carl Schramm, business, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

NCET is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 “NCET Awards,” recognizing Greater Reno-Tahoe’s top technology companies and technology entrepreneurs.

Please join us at the Awards Dinner at Reno’s Atlantis Casino Resort Spa on October 14, 2009 as we recognize this year’s winners:

Companies

Technology Company of the Year (TIE)
     SpecTIR, LLC
     IGT -   International Game Technology

Technology Start Up – InTUUN Systems

Green Company of the Year – ElectraTherm

People

Technology Entrepreneur of the Year – Casey Hakansson, Moment Skis

 CIO / CTO of the Year – Paul Ayoub, EMPLOYERS

Technology Educator of the Year – Joe Elcano, Washoe County School District

Hall of Fame

Dave LaPlante, SVP of Sales and Marketing, One to One Interactive (formerly CEO, Twelve Horses)

Complete winner information here

NCET Awards Dinner

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa – October 14, 2009
Cocktail reception: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Dinner and the Awards Presentation: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Individual tickets – $75
Tables of eight – $600.

Please RSVP for tickets and tables to Emily Somerville
(775) 853-4226 or Emily@NCET.org

The awards reception is hosted by Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology and sponsored by the Northern Nevada Business Weekly and EDAWN, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada.

So you’re looking for a much-needed infusion of business capital and want to tap into the angel or venture capital markets.

Unfortunately, both groups have scaled back funding in  the downturn: Venture capital investments slipped 8 percent in 2008 vs. the previous year, while angel investments were down 26.2 percent for the same period, according to the National Venture Capital Association and the Center for Venture Research.

On the upside, venture capitalists and angels are still looking for solid investments. The key is knowing which  to target to maximize chances of success, say experts.

“There are a couple of big differences between VCs and angels,” says Jeffrey Sohl, director of the Center for Venture Research at the University of New Hampshire. “You have to be able to think like an investor and know what they’re looking for. Read full story:

Technorati Tags: venture capital, National Venture Capital Association, Center for Venture Research, Jeffrey Sohl, Center for Venture Research at the University of New Hampshire, Jeffrey Bass, Executive Strategies Group, Long Island Capital Alliance, David S. Rose, New York Angels, Bob Brill, Jason Bishara, SLM Holdings, Gwynella Private Equity, Mark Heesen, business, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

NEW! Business Computer Skills Series- Fall 2009 / University of Nevada, Reno / Redfield Campus

The new Business Computer Skills Series from Extended Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno offers instruction and practice in the latest versions of Microsoft Office applications ranging from the basics of word processing to intermediate-level database management. Six- and 12-hour short courses explore a range of introductory to advanced topics in Microsoft ExcelR, WordR, AccessR, PowerPointR and OutlookR. Hands-on practice prepares participants to apply skills immediately in the workplace. Courses are held at the University’s Redfield Campus, 18600 Wedge Parkway, Reno. Courses may be taken independently and require no formal admission to the University. A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful completion of each course. Course fees include course materials and parking. For information and registration, visit http://www.extendedstudies.unr.edu or call (775) 784-4062 or 1-800-233-8928.

Fall 2009 Classes:
Microsoft Word Intermediate
Microsoft Excel Basics
Microsoft Excel Intermediate
Microsoft Excel Advanced
Microsoft Access Basics
Microsoft Access Intermediate
Microsoft Outlook Basics

Register today! Call (775) 784-4062 or 1-800-233-8928 or visit
http://www.extendedstudies.unr.edu. For information, email jmcclenahan@unr.edu.

Technorati Tags: Extended Studies at the University of Nevada Reno, Microsoft Word, Excel, business, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology