Sweet Briar College is hosting a summer engineering course for high school (senior and junior) young women titled ‘Explore Engineering‘ July 24-29, 2011. This week-long course is built around hands-on, team based design projects that emphasize creativity. No engineering experience is needed to attend. Students have fun while working with engineering faculty and students. From the event brochure:

“Try on engineering and earn college credit!

Engineers use their imagination and analytical skills to invent, design and create things that matter. Did you know that engineers save more lives than doctors? By dreaming up creative and practical solutions, engineers are changing the world everyday. At our week-long event, you’ll learn about the supportive and challenging environment at Sweet Briar, where classes are small and student and faculty interaction is high. Participants will earn one college credit hour while exploring the many aspects of engineering.

ENGR 101-Exploring Engineering Design (1 credit)

Students will apply the engineering design process to solve various problems in a team setting. An emphasis will be placed on engineering design as a creative process. Students will explore the iterative design test- improve cycle using tools such as three dimensional computer-aided design and analysis software.”

The deadline for the application is June 25, 2011. Registration received by May 15 will have highest priority. A $100 deposit is due with registration. Total participant cost is $550, which includes all meals, lodging, supplies and tuition. Need-based course scholarships are available.

For more information, see the course application online.

Our 10th Annual Awards Night and Technology banquet was a smashing success! We had a record crowd, lots of energy and excitement -we debuted a brilliant, short documentary video by Devin Olson Media on the Technology Council and technology growth in the Lynchburg regional area- we had a passionate keynote address from entrepreneur Cameron Johnson and much more. Many people were honored but the highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2011, 10th Annual Awards. From the official press release (which you can find: here or download the PDF version here) -

“Virginia’s Region 2000 Technology Council hosted the regional technology community at it’s 10th Annual Awards Night and Banquet on May 17, 2011 in downtown Lynchburg with a record crowd and an inspiring keynote by world-renowned entrepreneur Cameron Johnson. Four top winners were honored for their leadership and innovation among the technology community.

The Innovator of the Year award went to Ms. Isabelle Duston, nationally and internationally recognized founder and CEO at iLearn4Free Inc and CEO at Apps Of All Nations. Isabelle is a native of France and fluent in five languages and began her first business- Apps of All Nations -when she developed a series of iPhone cookbook apps. Her love of languages led to a second concept- ILearn4Free ipad apps. This nonprofit is helping children develop their native language reading skills in this new global and technological world.

This year’s Educator of the Year award went to Mr. Douglas Wickham. Doug has been involved with Lynchburg City Schools since 1990. Over the years he has served as Technology Education Teacher with the school system teaching both middle and high school students through STEM activities; as Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) with E.C. Glass High School where he served both students and teachers; and as Lynchburg’s first Network Administrator for Instruction in 2003. Since then, he has worked with all Lynchburg City School’s ITS’ to provide quality professional development for teachers in the areas of science, math and technology. He frequently works with both students and teachers by developing superior activities, instructional materials and innovative approaches to STEM education.

The Technology Company of the Year award went to B&W Nuclear Energy, Inc. With locations in Lynchburg, Campbell County and Bedford County, The Babcock & Wilcox Company is a global corporation with deep roots in Central Virginia. B&W has been a pillar in the region for more than 50 years and has significantly contributed to Central Virginia’s leadership in nuclear energy. B&W continues to grow and innovate through such efforts as the mPower reactor program, their involvement with the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research’s new facility in New London Technology Park and their constant pursuit for the future of nuclear power. Accepting the award for Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Energy, Inc. was Mr. Jeff Halfinger, Vice President for Technology Development for the B&W mPower reactor program.

Finally, the Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Mr. Allen Leath, President of L&R Precision Tooling, Inc. Allen has demonstrated outstanding success in the development of his company, a commercial-based manufacturer of parts for a multitude of technology-based applications. L&R began in 1997 with three employees and today employees 33 people with their present operations in the 58,000sq ft. former Coca Cola Bottling Plant in Lynchburg. A man of high integrity, Mr. Leath focuses on providing quality and value to his clients, a good work environment for his employees, and support for his community.

The Region 2000 Technology Council is pleased to announce these winners of the 10th Annual Awards Night and is honored to be a part of such a vibrant and growing technology community here in our region.”

On the evening of May 17, 2011 at our 10th Annual Awards Night and Banquet we called together the regional technology community to celebrate with us the past, present and future of technology in Virginia’s Region 2000- the 2000 square miles in and around Lynchburg. It was an incredible evening as we looked back on what we have collectively accomplished, reaffirmed the need for collaboration, and set the stage for a new spirit of entrepreneurship for the days ahead (big thanks to entrepreneur Cameron Johnson for his keynote address).

As a part of our evening we premiered a powerful, short documentary video produced by outstanding talent, Devin Olson of Devin Olson Media that sums up the Region 2000 Technology Council’s past ten years and it’s impact on the wider community. It was deeply inspiring and we know many of you are eager to watch it again and share it with others. Here is the video: ‘Virginia’s Region 2000: A Continuum of Technology Growth‘. Enjoy!

The University of Virginia’s Institute for Nanoscale and Quantum Scientific and Technological Advanced Research is hosting their ‘2011 nanoSTAR Spring Symposium‘ May 24-25, 2011. Dr. Daniel Rugar will be giving the Eminent Speaker Address “Nanoscale Magnetic Resonance Imaging –The Quest for a Molecular Structure Microscope”. Other speakers will present on nanotechnology in medicine, electronics and energy and the environment.

“…This year’s program will continue to showcase the nanotechnology activities at the University of Virginia. The meeting promises to be an outstanding event with an extended poster session and reception, great speakers and external participation and lab tours the morning after the close!…”

For more details and a schedule of events please see the flyer below (PDF) or download from the UVA website.
For more information on UVA’s NanoSTAR Institute go: here.

The Region 2000 Greenway Alliance, a newly formed, ad-hoc committee that champions the promotion and implementation of trails and on-road bicycle facilities in Lynchburg and the surrounding region, will host the first ever Region 2000 Bike Week as part of National Bike Week, May 16-20, 2011.

During the week, the Greenway Alliance will host several events to encourage residents to get out and use their bicycles. One event is the Region 2000 Bike to Work Challenge, a week-long event to challenge individuals to bike or commute to work through a combination of biking, walking, or transit for one or more days during the week.

According to Kelly Hitchcock, Region 2000 Greenway Alliance organizer, event planners are hoping to engage local companies in promoting the Bike to Work challenge internally with their employees.  A webpage has been set up where companies can register as a group participant, and individuals can register and document their plans for biking, walking, taking public transportation or carpooling with friends.

“The idea here is to get people thinking about alternatives in transportation and to do something that gets them on track to a healthier lifestyle, Kelly said.

For more information about the Region 2000 Bike to Work Challenge or Bike Week, please contact Kelly Hitchcock. Review all local Bike Week activities and register for the Challenge here.

Need a refresh on Bike laws or safety in Virginia? The League of American Bicyclists offers helpful resources here.

We’re excited to invite technology-based entrepreneurs and business owners in the Lynchburg regional area to ‘Acceler8: Business Growth Forum‘ June 1. This free event is designed to help you discover the wide range of business resources available to you to help you grow your business or launch a new venture. Sample topics include: angel & gap financing, federal funding, business optimization, state assistance programs and planning for success.

Event Schedule:

1:00 – Welcome Remarks from R2KTC & CVCC

1:10  – Center for Innovative Technology – Gap Fund

1:30  – Southside Business Technology Center

1:45  – VA Department of Business Assistance

2:00  – Networking Break

2:15  – Genedge Alliance

2:30  – Center for Innovative Technology – Federal Funding

2:45  – General Q&A Session

3:00  – Concluding Remarks and Break Out Sessions for
one-on-one meetings with presenters.

One-on-one sessions will be scheduled upon registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Details:

When: June 1, 2011 | 1 pm
Where: Central Virginia Community College, Merritt Hall (Lynchburg, Virginia)
Cost: FREE

REGISTER BELOW and spread the word!

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Robotics Course

STEM-based (science, technology, engineering, math) education is a growing focus within American schools. This year Bedford County high schools are joining the movement. The Robotics course at Bedford Science and Technology Center (BSTC) is the first of a two-year course sequence encouraging student interest in the real world application of science and technology and related careers.

The course will provide instruction in basic computer programming, electronics, motor control, and feedback systems used in assembly and manufacturing settings. In addition, students will learn how to program a microcontroller for robotic manipulation.

Students and parents are encouraged to contact their school guidance counselor for more information on registration details and additional information.

Bedford County Seeks Robotics/Engineering Instructor

As a part of this new STEM course offering Bedford County Schools is seeking a qualified ‘High School – Robotics/Engineering Instructor’ who will be directing student instruction for the Robotics/Engineering program. For more details on this job opening go to the Bedford County Public Schools website.

For additional inquiries about this new course please contact: Fred Conner

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Related links and video:

BEST: “Middle and high school robotics competition whose mission is to engage and excite students about engineering, science, and technology as well as inspire them to pursue careers in these fields…”

FIRST: Their mission is to “mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership…”

VEX Robotics: “VEX Education is dedicated to providing engaging and fun student experiences that enable individuals to reach their full potential while they develop the knowledge and skills vital to success in the 21st Century.

Given today’s global challenges compared to the rest of recorded history, there has never been an age with a greater need for new scientists, engineers and problem solving leaders. Recent breakthroughs in chemistry, medicine and physics have revealed a new set of challenges and created even greater opportunity for problem solving through technology. This underscores a dramatic challenge: there are not enough students choosing related paths to meet that global demand.

Recognizing this dilemma, scores of governments and organizations are turning toward programs that integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as a means to meaningfully engage and develop the next generation. VEX Education exists to help schools focus on practical, affordable and accessible ways of delivering dynamic hands-on STEM educational experiences to as many students as possible.”

(video of 2011 Lynchburg VEX tournament by RoboDesigners)

“Lawmakers approved many of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposals aimed at growing Virginia’s technology and life sciences industries by dedicating about half of the funding requested by the governor to support R&D, commercialization, SBIR matching grants, and funding for early stage equity investments. To help reach a goal of adding 100,000 college graduates to the state over the next 15 years, lawmakers also passed the Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011, providing enrollment-based funding to increase access to higher education and enhancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields of study.

The legislation and amendments to the 2010-12 budget approved by the General Assembly for attracting tech companies closely mirror components of the governor’s economic development agenda presented to lawmakers earlier this year (see the Jan. 5, 2011 issue of the Digest). Specifically, lawmakers approved $10 million for an Economic Development Incentive payment, which includes:

• $6 million for the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) to authorize grants to technology firms, loans to construct wet-labs and for the SBIR matching program. Of this amount, $2 million is earmarked for matching grants for winners of Phase I SBIR awards from the National Institutes of Health; and,
• $4 million in new funding for the Center for Innovative Technology Gap Fund to provide seed-stage equity investments in Virginia-based technology and science firms.

The governor’s proposal, while similar, called for a $25 million Research and Technology Fund to provide grants and loans to be distributed among three funds: a commercialization fund, a research and matching fund, and Eminent Scholars fund.

Another $5 million was appropriated to seed a new R&D tax credit program approved by lawmakers earlier in the session. Under the bill, companies can claim a 15 percent credit for qualified research, increasing to 20 percent if the research is done in partnership with a Virginia university. The program is capped at $5 million per year.

Lawmakers also passed a measure (HB2324/SB1485) amending the code governing the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Authority to expand its board membership, create a Research and Technology Investment Advisory Committee to review applications for awards from the CRCF, and develop a comprehensive research and technology strategic roadmap for the state. The bill also strengthens the Eminent Scholar Researcher Recruitment program to acquire and enhance superiority at public qualifying institutions.

A measure to repeal an existing solar manufacturing grant program and biofuels production incentive grant program and create a new Clean Energy Manufacturing Incentive Grant (CEMIG) was passed with broad bi-partisan support. The new program will provide incentives to companies that manufacture or assemble equipment, systems or products used to produce renewable or nuclear energy or products used for energy conservation. The goal was to streamline the state’s energy incentives and provide a better return on investment. Eligibility is restricted to manufacturers who make a capital investment of at least $50 million and create at least 200 full-time jobs. Wind suppliers are required to make a $10 million investment and create 30 full-time jobs.

The Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011 (SB1459/HB2510) passed by the General Assembly, provides a roadmap for achieving an additional 100,000 undergraduate degrees over the next 15 years, according to the governor’s office. When enacted, the bill will provide a new higher education funding policy, targeted economic and innovation incentives, and the creation of a STEM public-private partnership.

The budget bill (HB1500), providing appropriations for the 2010-12 biennium, awaits action by Gov. McDonnell. Virginia lawmakers will reconvene April 6 to consider any vetoes.” (via SSTI.org (State Science & Technology Institute))

Former Va. Secretary of Commerce Bob Stolle to Head CIT Regional Growth Programs

March 21, 2011 (HERNDON, Va.) – The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) announced today the appointment of Bob Stolle as the new Vice President for Regional Growth Programs, where he will be responsible for the establishment and operation of strategic programs designed to maximize the growth of Virginia’s regional technology industries.

In making the announcement, Pete Jobse, CIT President and CEO, said, “I am honored to have Bob Stolle join the CIT team as a senior executive. He brings a wealth of experience in technology, innovation, economic development and the unique strengths of each region of the Commonwealth that will help CIT advance new ideas in an ever-changing marketplace.”

In his role at CIT, Stolle will design and oversee the development of a statewide technology roadmap and growth programs specific to regional technology priorities, including expanding existing CIT programs to underserved areas. CIT’s Roadmap Project will serve as the foundation for research and company formation programs funded by the Commonwealth.

Stolle comes to CIT after four years as Executive Vice President and COO of Richmond-based Core Consulting and ten years as Executive Director of the Greater Richmond Technology Council.

Prior to that, he served in several key positions for the Commonwealth of Virginia during the Allen administration, including Secretary of Commerce and Trade where he was responsible for 15 state agencies and promoting economic and community development in the Commonwealth.

Stolle’s private sector experience includes service as engineering director and executive management for the world’s leading manufacturer of military and space simulation and training systems. He has served on the Commission on Information Technology and the Virginia Research and Technology Advisory Commission where he chaired the Intellectual Property Committee.

Stolle has served on the Technology Transition teams for Governors Warner, Kaine and McDonnell, and he served on Governor Warner’s Higher Education Task Force and the Attorney General’s Identity Theft Task Force, and Youth Internet Safety Task Force.

Other appointments include membership on Virginia Commonwealth University’s Information Systems Advisory Board and on the Executive Advisory Committee at the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business. Stolle is also Vice Chair of Virginia FIRST’s Robotics Program and serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Technology Alliance.

A graduate of the US Naval Academy, Stolle served on active duty and in the Reserves as a Navy pilot and retired with the rank of Commander.

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About the Center for Innovative Technology | www.cit.org

CIT is a nonprofit corporation that accelerates the next generation of technology and technology companies. CIT creates new technology companies through capital formation, market development and revenue generation services. To facilitate national innovation leadership and accelerate the rate of technology adoption, CIT creates partnerships between innovative technology start-up companies and advanced technology consumers. CIT is now listed on the GSA MOBIS Schedule, Special Item Numbers (SINs) SIN 874-1 for Consulting Services and SIN 894-2 for Facilitation Services. Its CAGE Code is 1UP71.

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View this press release as a PDF from the CIT website: here.

The Region 2000 Junior FIRST LEGO Expo is coming up April 30, 2011 in Lynchburg, Virginia and will be featuring 25 teams of 6-9 year old children who will present their projects on the theme “Body Forward” for judging and will participate in a number of hands-on science and technology activities. A little more about Jr.FIRST LEGO from their website:

“…The newest program in FIRST introduces the youngest students to the exciting worlds of science and technology. Just like FLL, this program features a real-world challenge, to be solved by research, critical thinking and imagination. Guided by adult coaches, students work with LEGO elements and moving parts to create solutions and present them for review.

Younger elementary school students get to:

• Design and build challenge solutions using LEGO elements.
• Apply real-world math and science concept.
• Research challenges facing today’s scientists.
• Learn team-building and presentation skills.
• Develop Show-Me posters”.

This year’s sponsors include Verizon, Wells Fargo Wachovia, Greater Lynchburg Community Trust, and AREVA

Details:
Location: Timberlake Christian Schools
Date: April 30, 2011
Time: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.