WBT2011 Launch Pad for TechComm, Technology Transfer Hub for Federal Laboratories

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 8, 2010) WBT Innovation Marketplace is further strengthening its position as an innovation showcase by becoming the flagship event for the newly organized Technology Commercialization and Manufacturing (TechComm). An affiliate of the Center for Innovation in Arlington, Texas, TechComm will officially launch at WBT2011 as a hub for moving federal laboratory research results and technologies into the mainstream U.S. economy.

TechComm will be the point organization for technology transfer for an eight-state region, and will provide access to representatives from seven federal agencies and 300 federal labs that spend more than $100 billion annually on research that has resulted in more than 10,000 patented technologies and licenses. The agencies aligning with TechComm are U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Transportation, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

WBT Innovation Marketplace, which has an established reputation as the place to see the latest innovations from start-ups, federal labs and universities, will provide a forum for launching TechComm’s status as the technology transfer arm of the Center for Innovation, operated jointly by the Arlington Chamber and University of Texas, Arlington.

WBT2011 will be held March 22 and 23 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel and the Arlington Convention Center.

"The relationship between WBT Innovation Marketplace and TechComm is extremely important,” said Wes Jurey, President, Arlington Center of Innovation and TechComm. “Where TechComm represents an opportunity for the Center for Innovation to serve as a catalyst for technology led economic development in North Texas, WBT Innovation Marketplace is the central event for world-class companies and technologies, investors actively seeking deal flow, Fortune 1000 licensees, and federal agencies.”

TechComm represents an opportunity for the Center for Innovation to serve as a catalyst for technology led economic development in North Texas. The entity will build collaborative alliances between technology-rich government labs and universities, corporations, economic development entities and venture funds.

Serving as a subcontractor to TechComm is Development Capital Networks, LLC (DCN), producer of the annual WBT Innovation Marketplace. DCN is working with TechComm on process design and technical support, and identifying regional partners, affiliates and established companies interested in acquiring new technologies to expand their offerings or companies that can leverage the R&D capabilities of federal labs to create new technologies under exclusive license.

“Access to deal flow is the Holy Grail for technology commercialization” said Paul Huleatt, Managing Director, Development Capital Networks. “With the resources TechComm brings to the table, investors, licensees, and middle market companies will have the opportunity to fully leverage WBT events and TechComm for their tech scouting needs year round. By serving as a partnership intermediary for key federal agencies, TechComm opens the door to fostering research opportunities between businesses and universities and then commercialize government-developed technologies.”

“Each year, we work to make WBT Innovation Marketplace stronger and provide exceptional value to presenters, attendees and sponsors. This year, the relationship between WBT Innovation Marketplace and TechComm has spawned the new FedMarketPlace@WBT,” said Amanda Radovic, Executive Director, WBT Innovation Marketplace. “During WBT2011, a section of the WBT Innovation Marketplace exhibit hall will be reserved to host some of the nation’s federal agency labs and provide a place where Chief Technology Officers, Technology Transfer Directors, Licensing Officers and researchers alike can promote their lab's technologies and licensing opportunities to investors, licensees, universities and strategic partners.”

About WBT Innovation Marketplace
The WBT Innovation Marketplace is the world’s premier showcase converging revolutionary new energy, life science, nanotech, material science and information technologies to seed limitless solutions for current market needs. For additional information, visit www.wbtshowcase.com

About Development Capital Networks
Development Capital Networks LLC (DCN) provides specialized management and training to development associations and entrepreneurial networks. DCN builds problem-solving organizations relevant to the company’s expertise, including regional economic development, technology transfer, development finance, entrepreneurship, venture capital and capital formation. For additional information, visit www.dcnteam.com.

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