***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jane Teague (561) 620-8494 ext. 15

JANUARY 19, 2009

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Commemorate the Opening of the
Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research

~Institute to assist in the creation of spin-out companies from technology developed at Florida’s publicly funded research institutions and to stimulate growth of industries driving the global economy~

BOCA RATON – To commemorate the official opening of the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research (Institute), a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Friday, January 23 from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Park, located at 3998 FAU Boulevard, Suite 307 in Boca Raton.

The Institute was established by Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature in the 2007 legislative session to assist in the creation of spin-out companies from technology developed at Florida’s publicly funded research institutions and to stimulate growth of industries driving the global economy.

"The Institute’s mission is key to the success of Florida’s overall economic development strategy," said Governor Charlie Crist. "I congratulate the Institute for their leadership in creating new ventures and opportunities to showcase technologies developed by our publicly-funded institutions.  Working together, we will ensure Florida’s ability to compete in a fast-paced, ever-changing global economy and secure a bright future for our citizens."

Distinguished speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony will include Maureen Jaeger from Governor Crist’s Office, The Honorable Susan Welchel, Mayor of Boca Raton, The Honorable Jeremy Ring, State Senator, District 32, Gary Keller, Executive Director, Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research, David Day, Principal Investigator and Vice Chair, Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research, Beau Ferrari, Chair, Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research, Louis Laubscher, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise Florida Inc., Robert Hold, President, Hold-Thyssen and Robert Swindell, Senior Vice President, The Broward Alliance.

For more information, contact:

• Jane Teague, executive director, Economic Development Corporation of South Florida, jteague@edc-tech.org or 561-620-8494, extension 15.
• Stuart Doyle, Enterprise Florida Inc., sdoyle@eflorida.com or (407) 956-5689

About the Institute:

The Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research was established through legislation passed in 2007 to assist in the creation of spin-out companies from technology developed at Florida’s publicly-funded research institutions and to stimulate growth of industries that are driving the global economy. Related initiatives include the availability of gap funding targeted towards universities to help take new ideas through the "proof-of-concept" stage and the creation of the Florida Opportunity Fund for increased investment in existing, early stage ventures. The institute links the two, taking proven technologies from the universities and identifying funding and other resources required for commercial success. For further information contact Gary Keller at 561-368-8889 or visit www.florida-institute.com.

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