alabama launchpad 2009 annual report

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NURTURING TOMORROW’S BUSINESS

IDEAS TODAY

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CONTENTS

3 Letter from the President

4 About Alabama Launchpad

5 Accomplishments

6 Nurturing Innovation: How Launchpad Works

7 Launchpad Impact

8 Business Plan Competition Winners

11 Where Are They Now?

12 2009 Reviewers, Judges, and Mentors

13 The Alabama Technology Database

17 Sponsors

18 Management

19 Get Involved


building an innovation economy through collaboration and entrepreneurship

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From the PresidentDear Believers in Alabama Launchpad,

Alabama Launchpad is four years old. Now that we are walking, we see that each small step Launchpad takes is a big step for entrepreneurship in Alabama. And, the Launchpad alumni are now walking alongside us.

Many alumni have taken giant steps to build a pipeline of successful start-up companies in Alabama. These alumni have already created 26 full time jobs, and nearly 50 part-time jobs. Our alumni have raised over $8 million in funding, leveraging the $525,000 in prize monies that we have awarded to date 15 times for every Launchpad dollar. And some of our alumni have begun posting revenue. Launchpad alumni are increasing Alabama’s supply of entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and building a more diverse economy for the future of Alabama.

As a young organization, Alabama Launchpad is still developing and learning. Nevertheless, we are confident we understand that entrepreneurs who enter the competition need more support before they get to us, and more access to resources after they leave us. Many come to us too soon. Many leave us and operate in communities that do not have a functional incubator, an angel network, or an organized support system. Alone, Launchpad cannot address all the gaps in Alabama’s commercialization infrastructure. Going forward, our leadership will continue to partner with organizations willing to align resources to build a more robust infrastructure to support Alabama entrepreneurs.

The Launchpad Board recognizes that our programs meet only a small subset of the needs of entrepreneurs, and that the needs we meet are important. To continue to meet these needs, our 2010 priority will be sustainability of our current programs. As we develop strategies for the future, our founding tenets will guide each step forward:

entrepreneur.

of our university partners.

We are very grateful to the many partners who are helping Launchpad mature and grow. With your continued support, we will all watch entrepreneurship grow. We will be successful building a sustainable future for Alabama Launchpad, and more importantly, for entrepreneurship and job creation in Alabama, if we continue to work together.


About Alabama LaunchpadAlabama Launchpad is a non-profit, public-private partnership formed in 2006 by several of the state’s research universities and Alabama’s business community to support and encourage high-growthentrepreneurship, entrepreneurship education, innovation, and commercialization.

Current partners include:Alabama A&M UniversityAlabama State UniversityAuburn UniversityThe University of AlabamaUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleUniversity of South AlabamaEconomic Development Partnership of Alabama* Foundation

*The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama is a privately funded economic development organization supported by 68 leading companies in the state that are dedicated to promoting quality economic growth in Alabama.

8K E Y P R O G R A M S

Alabama Launchpad Business Plan Competition (see page 8 for more information)This statewide annual business plan competition is designed to increase the pipeline of high-growth start-up companies and to foster support for entrepreneurs in Alabama. The competition provides seed capital to three early-stage businesses while also providing Alabama’s entrepreneurs with the opportunity to connect with and learn from the state’s business leaders.

The Alabama Technology Database (see page 13 for more information)This web-based resource provides summaries and contact information for 169 technologies available for commercialization and licensing from academic institutions and federal research facilities based in Alabama.

A Good StewardAlabama Launchpad gives more than 60 cents of every dollar directly to the winning entrepreneurs. Alabama Launchpad sponsors like thelean overhead structure and the growing base of volunteers. Sponsors know that their money makes a difference to the young, high-growth companies that will shape Alabama’s future.

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60%of

funds toward prizes

Prize Money 60%Administrative 32%Awards Event 3%Marketing & Media 5%

Alabama Launchpad’s annual budget


The leaders of Alabama Launchpad are growing entrepreneurial talent in Alabama. Building a broad network of support for entrepreneurs in Alabama is one of the most important steps we can take today to produce Alabama’s jobs for tomorrow. When we collaborate across geographies for the future of the state, Alabama wins.

$5 million of this came from Alabama investors. The remainder came from out of state.

More local funding options will keep these start-up companies and follow-on money at home in Alabama.

AccomplishmentsProvided guidance and mentoring to over 130 teams that wrote a business plan and entered the annual competiton

Built a network of experienced entrepreneurs, investors and service professionals willing to donate time and provide feedback to Launchpad teams

Funded nine start-up companies with non-dilutive cash prizes totaling $525,000

Established the Alabama Technology Database, a web portal for marketing Alabama inventions to the world, which showcased 169 technologies

Organized educational and networking events for entrepreneurs, university officials, government and business leaders

Plus, Alabama Launchpad alumni have raised significant follow-on money:

Since its founding, Alabama

Launchpad has:

GOVERNOR BOB RILEY Governor, State of Alabama


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$$ $55 million fof thhis came f from AlAl babama iinvestors.

raised significant follow-on moonneeyy:

Over $8 million


Alabama Launchpad helps fill an important gap in building a pipeline of potentially fundable companies. The Birmingham Technology Fund, which we manage, has invested in one of the previous finalists and has active discussions underway with two other such companies.

DR. LAWRENCE GREERSenior Managing Partner,Greer Partner Advisor

Nurturing Innovation

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A seed sprouts… An inventor with a new idea files for a patent, conducts proof

of concept, and enters the business plan competition.

…and is nurtured by Alabama Launchpad…

The Launchpad business community volunteer network offers market, financial and legal advice to the inventor, who often is solely

focused on the science or technology.

…to become a market-ready innovation.

After completing the business plan competition, an Alabama Launchpad

Certified Innovation is primed for early-stage investors.

2009 annual report copy.indd 6 1/21/10 1:58 PM

49Additional economic impact within the tates includes:

26Creation of

part-time jobs full-time jobs


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73%

Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino is proud to support Alabama Launchpad as a corporate sponsor. We are even more proud to have been given the privilege of mentoring Second Place winner Spectrum PhenomX during Alabama Launchpad’s 2009 business plan competition! Participating as a mentor allowed Warren Averett’s mentor team to work with an early-stage business idea and experience how a technology-based company is formed from the concept stage, an opportunity not often experienced by many professionals.

CECIL BOSTANY Warren, Averett, Kimbrough and Marino, LLC

of competition alumni said their submission was the first business

plan they attempted to write.

94%said they would recommend Alabama Launchpad to a friend or colleague.


G R A N D P R I Z E W I N N E R » $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Innovative Composite Solutions UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

Innovative Composite Solutions specializes in the design, development and manufacture of high-end thermoplastic composite components for the military, aerospace, mass transit and other high demand industry sectors. A thermoplastic composite material is a lightweight, recyclable, heat-reversible and fiber-reinforced plastic. The company provides turnkey solutions for the replacement of metal components and structures in applications that demand improved performance.

» advanced materials

» biotech and

pharmaceutical

» consumer products

» food science

» education

» manufacturing and

more

2009 at UAB

Business Plan Competition 2009

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Drs. Barry Andrews, Uday Vaidya, Selvum Pillay and School of Engineering Dean Linda Lucas showing off samples of their composite material. PHOTO: UAB Reporter


S E C O N D P R I Z E W I N N E R » $ 5 0 , 0 0 0

Spectrum PhenomX UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM / UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMASpectrum PhenomX develops and applies high-throughput phenotyping techniques to streamline the analysis of complex genetic diseases, such as cancer and obesity. These techniques provide a quantitative and genomic assessment of how variant genes can change activities of cellular pathways that can trigger specific disease processes. The company is led by Dr. John Hartman, Assistant Professor of Genetics at UAB.

T H I R D P R I Z E W I N N E R » $ 2 5 , 0 0 0

Direct Injection Flat Head Engine Company THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMADIFH engines offer a patent-pending alternative to current carburetor-based and direct injection small engines. DIFH Engine Company’s technology gives small engine companies a way to increase the efficiency of their engines and address reduced emissions mandates. The company is led by Mr. David Holt, a current Master of Engineering and Juris Doctorate student at UA.


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Alabama Launchpad is a vital component of Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Competition for seed funding is key to developing high growth potential, technology businesses. The independent review and feedback provided by the business plan competition really helps entrepreneurs refine their business proposal and makes them more attractive when they approach investors and apply to become a part of a business incubation program.

SUSAN MATLOCKPresident and CEO of Innovation Depot

Dr. John Hartman of Spectrum PhenomX. PHOTO: UAB Reporter

Dr. Scott Spear, Chris Cater, and David Holt.


N O N - P L A C I N G F I N A L I S T S

BioLinxTHE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMAThe team is led by Ms. Connie Zhang, a current Master of Business Administration student at UA. Biolinx uses a UAB developed technology to develop multidrug multiligand (MDML) conjugates that will improve the efficacy of delivering drugs to their sites of action. This process will allow more of a particular drug to act before it is metabolized by the body.

Keep The Story THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMAThe company is led by Ms. Dannielle Branam. Also on the team is Mr. Mark Greene, a current student at UA. KeeptheStory.com will be a specialized online journal with features designed to help busy parents preserve family memories as quickly as possible, so they can capture stories that might otherwise be lost. It will bundle existing technologies to break this job into smaller chunks, make it fun, and allow it to fit into a busy lifestyle.

Non-Crystalline Cellulose Inc.AUBURN UNIVERSITYThe team is led by Dr. Paul Swamidass, a professor at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University. The company plans to produce an alternative to micro-crystalline cellulose, a compound currently used as a fat-replacer in food to help with weight loss and as an approved filler in drugs. This non-crystalline cellulose produced by an Auburn University patent-pending process

is better in quality and less expensive than compounds currently used by the food and pharmaceutical industries.

TEGTECUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE The team is led by Mr. Charles Andrus, a current Master of Business Administration student at UAH. TEGTEC has developed manufacturing techniques that integrate new materials into micro devices that scavenge energy from low level heat sources, such as body heat. There are many potential applications for this technology, including medical devices that can be implanted into the body and powered by body heat. TEGTEC holds provisional patent protection for a combination of materials and fabrication techniques that will improve thermoelectric device efficiency by as much as ten times over current offerings.

ThoughtWright AUBURN UNIVERSITYThe company is led by Mr. Mario Moore. Also on the team is Mr. Ben Wyrosdick, a recent graduate of the Auburn University Bachelor of Software Engineering Program. ThoughtWright has developed GradesFirst, a student performance monitoring system that helps colleges and universities retain more students by identifying and engaging at-risk students early within their academic careers. This student success leads to happier students, better grades, and a higher student retention rate which, in turn, leads to increases in revenues, graduation rates, and in a growing number of cases, state government funding.

Business Plan Competition 2009

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Every new company starts with an idea. Alabama Launchpad provides fertile soil for new ideas to sprout and flourish. It serves a critical role for Alabama entrepreneurs.

DR. GARY YORK serial entrepreneur


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SEA DesalinationTHE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMASEA Desalination has developed a sun-powered desalination technology that removes salt from seawater or high mineral concentrations from ground water, without the need for electricity. Since the competition, SEA has doubled the output capacity of their original product and added two new desalination systems, one of which is designed for sailboats and the other for developing nations and disaster recovery. The company is now moving toward general market release of all of their solar desalination products. SEA Desalination is currently incubated at the Bama Technology Incubator at The University of Alabama

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SSS Optical Technologies UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLESSS Optical Technologies (SSSOT) has developed a sensor to monitor ammonia in animal feeding operations that is easier to install, easier to maintain, and provides long-term cost savings versus present methods. The company is now preparing for the first significant promotional push of its sensor to the poultry industry in January 2010. SSSOT is also working on a breath ammonia sensing application for the medical device industry, and is moving rapidly to bring this product to market. SSSOT is incubated at BizTech in Huntsville.

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OcuMedicAUBURN UNIVERSITY OcuMedic is an ophthalmic drug delivery company based in Auburn, Alabama. During the past year, OcuMedic has filed two additional patents and is pursuing patent protection in a number of countries. They are currently working on animal studies and in-vitro/in-vivo validation as well as conducting research and development on a number of fronts for an international eye care company.

S E C O N D P L A C E » 2 0 0 7

Halo Monitoring UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLEHalo Monitoring is a consumer healthcare company offering seniors innovative alternatives to traditional “panic buttons”. Halo’s system provides a wearable automatic fall detection device that eliminates the need for a senior to press a button. Since the competition, Halo has raised a total of $2.5 million in investment funding from The Huntsville Angel Network, Greer Capital Advisors, and Jemison Investment Company and increased its staff to 12 employees. A Series C financing round is planned for the 1st Quarter, 2010. Halo has now expanded to five active distribution partners with availability in five states and recently executed a trial vendor partnership agreement with Best Buy. Halo is incubated at BizTech in Huntsville.

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Prodigy BiosystemsUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE Prodigy Biosystems (formerly IntelCell) is building an instrument known as the InQ (pronounced “ink”) which revolutionizes traditional cell culture methods such as the Petri dish. The InQ is an advanced cell and tissue research system that gives researchers more control over their experiments and allows them to mimic conditions found within the human body while providing real-time feedback of all experimental conditions and publication-grade images and video. Since the competition, Prodigy has raised $1.25 million from the Huntsville Angel Network and has built several prototypes of the InQ currently being used in neurological and stem cell research. Prodigy is currently raising its second round of investment and will launch the InQ in first half 2010. Prodigy is incubated at BizTech in Huntsville.

Alumni of Alabama Launchpad’s Business Plan Competition have capitalized on the competition’s awards and achieved impressive success.

W H E R E A R E T H E Y N O W ?


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PHASE I REVIEWERS:Peter Beucher: Former Entrepreneur-in-Residence, BizTechDevon Laney: Chief Operations Officer, Innovation DepotSusan Matlock: President & CEO, Innovation DepotDick Reeves: Former President & CEO, BizTech, Executive Director, Huntsville Angel Network

PHASE II REVIEWERS:Doug Grove: Former Director of Business Development, Vaxin Inc.Dr. Franz Lohrke: Chair, Department of Entrepreneurship, Management & Marketing, Brock School of Business, Samford UniversityBo Megginson: Vice President of Sales, Apogee CapitalCurtis Palmer: CEO, ComplyMDJonathan Sides: Chief Financial Officer, DAXKO SoftwareGreg Spivey: Senior Managing Consultant, IBM Global Business Services

PHASE III JUDGESAlan Dean: Managing Partner at Greer Capital Advisors, LLCBob Higgins: Vice President of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and Director of the Baldwin County Business IncubatorDr. Danny Lewis: Former President & CEO of EGEN, Inc.George Myers: Principal at EquiFinalityCo and Vice President of Founders Investment Banking, LLCLionel Tehini: CEO of Acuitec, Inc.

PHASE IV FINALE JUDGESGreg Grice: Assistant Vice President, Hancock Horizon Investments Andre McFadden: CEO, Marnoel Company

Dr. Arthur Tipton: Vice President, SurModics, Inc. and President, SurModics Pharmaceuticals Lisa Williams: Founder and Former President, 3D Research Dr. Gary York: Technology Entrepreneur

MENTORS:Mike Baker and Trey Whitt: Dent, Baker & Company, LLPAlane Barnes: BioCryst PharmaceuticalsMatt Barnes: Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz P.C.Harrison Bishop et al: Maynard, Cooper & Gale P.C.Denise Browning: Browning, Mecke & O’Neal, LLCCecil Bostany et al: Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLCJames Childs and Jonathan Kipp: Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, LLPRobert Crutchfield: Harbert Venture PartnersDrew Deaton: MedMined (a division of Cardinal Health Corporation)Gene Fuller: RemTechJean-Denis Giraudet: Nektar PharmaceuticalsJon Holland: Thomas, Kayden Horstemeyer & Risley, LLPDuncan Lamb: Serial EntrepreneurDaniel Markstein et al: Markstein Consulting, LLCBill McKinnon: CapitalyticsVicki Morgan: New Perspectives, Inc.Trudy Phillips: File Management, LLC and Central Alabama Women’s Business CenterBrian Rabon: Braintrust Software, LLCIndia Vincent et al: Burr & Forman LLP

2009 Reviewers, Judges, and MentorsThanks to the

volunteers of this

past year who gave

so many hours of their time.

I am certain that many innovation inspired companies of Alabama will be seeded by Alabama Launchpad. There is no greater fuel to a young company’s engine than to be well introduced. Alabama Launchpad is that spark and combustion. Thank you for your program and its successes.

GREGORY GRICE Hancock Horizon Investments

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Too often innovative technologies never make it to market because they simply don’t get the exposure they need to attract attention within a global marketplace.

The Alabama Technology Database enables Alabama innovators to market their technologies across the globe, increasing the chances that technologies developed in Alabama will be commercialized and/or licensed. The database provides one-stop shopping to find summaries and contact information for technologies available from academic institutions and federal research facilities in Alabama. Alabama Launchpad established this intellectual property database in 2008 through a partnership with the founders of InvenioIP—a web-based resource developed by the University of Maryland.

Currently, 169 Alabama technologies can be accessed through the database on the Alabama Launchpad website, as well as on the InvenioIP website, which includes more than 2,700 technologies nationally. With the help of our partners, we plan to grow the database and make it available through additional online platforms, creating better visibility for these Alabama technologies.

To add a technology to the database, please contact Glenn Kinstler at [email protected]


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The Alabama Technology Database

C A S E S T U D Y

The strategy of seeking potential licensees for Alabama technologies by listing searchable non-confidential descriptions in the Alabama Technology Database has shown early promise. The University of South Alabama (USA) was contacted by a mid-size biotech firm within six months of listing a technology in the database. While USA remains in negotiations with the original contact, they have leveraged the database hit and conducted additional research to identify and contact similar companies who may also be interested in the technology.

In addition to promotion through the database, Alabama Launchpad promotes Alabama technologies at national conferences. In October 2008, representatives from Alabama Launchpad, EDPA and five partners attended the 2008 U.S. Licensing Executives Society annual conference to promote Alabama technologies.


University of Alabama in HuntsvilleTECHNOLOGY: Compositions Comprising Nitric Oxide or Nitric Oxide Donors for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases or Trauma

SUMMARY: Researchers at UAH have developed compositions which can be used for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease or trauma. The compositions provide to cells in the human or mammal an amount of nitric oxide that induces in the cellsan adaptive resistance to high levels of nitric oxide which are destructive andwhich are associated with diseases of the Central Nervous System, inter alia,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

University of South AlabamaTECHNOLOGY: Composition and Methods for Isolating Actively Translated mRNA’s

SUMMARY: A novel method of isolating actively-translated polysome bound mRNA’s from a small number of cancer cells so that they can be used for high throughput gene expression analysis to discover potentially translational regulated genes related to tumor development. The method uses molecular chaperones as a means to separate actively translated mRNAs associated with polysomes from free mRNAs using newly developed affinity antibody capture beads for selected chaperones.

The Alabama Technology Database

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Featured technologies listed in the database from our partnering organizations include:

ORGANIZATION NUMBER OF TECHNOLOGIESU.S. Army Aviation & Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center 10Auburn University 45Southern Research Institute 8The University of Alabama 20University of Alabama at Birmingham 60University of Alabama in Huntsville 21University of South Alabama 5

DR. ARTHUR TIPTON President, SurModics Pharmaceuticals

I enjoyed being a judge of the finale! It was clear that teams had benefited from the positive mentorship and input at each stage of the Alabama Launchpad process. And that groups from around the state had solid ideas complemented with teams ready to execute. Young companies with great ideas—a large part of the positive roadmap for our state.


Bringing Fortune 500 companies such as ThyssenKrupp and Mercedes-Benz to the state receives the majority of the economic headlines, but equally as important to the long-term health of the state is to nurture home grown talent and ideas that become the major companies of tomorrow. Alabama Launchpad is identifying those companies and, in doing so, helping to create the future economic engines of the state.

Auburn University TECHNOLOGY: Thin Film Nanocomposites of Carbon Nanotubes & Biomaterials

SUMMARY: There has been growing concern about the role of contaminated public surfaces in the spread of infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), staph and C. difficile. Researchers at Auburn University have produced coatings that combine the strength of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme (LSZ). These coatings could be applied to a variety of surfaces, such as computer keyboards, hospital beds or exercise equipment, in such a way as to provide long lasting antimicrobial protection. Lab-scale testing has demonstrated strong surfaces capable of killing Staphylococcus aureus on contact.

Southern Research InstituteTECHNOLOGY: Anti-Bacterial Inhibitors of FtsZ

SUMMARY: The development of resistance to anti-bacterial agents is a significant threat to the ability to treat diseases. As organisms develop resistance, new antibacterial agents are required. Ideally, these agents selectively target the physiology of the organism yet allow for action against a broad spectrum of organisms. These novel compounds function by inhibiting bacterial cell growth in vitro and in vivo through interference with FtsZ activity. FtsZ, a protein that is widely found in bacteria, plays a central role in cell division making it an attractive target for anti-bacterial agents. The compounds have a broad range of anti-bacterial activity and may be used to target gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria as well as bacteria that are non-gram test responsive. These compounds have demonstrated efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis, Escherichia, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus.


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ANDRE MCFADDEN President, Marnoel Company, LLC


The Alabama Launchpad business plan competition has played an important role in both enhancing and expanding an entrepreneurial culture among faculty, staff, and students on The University of Alabama campus. The competition has provided a real-life experience for training and mentoring young entrepreneurs for future leadership roles in business. Alabama Launchpad has also proven to be an effective vetting process for selection of University early-stage technologies for business plan development and new venture creation.

DR. JOE BENSON Vice President for Research, TheUniversity of Alabama

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Army AMRDEC CommandTECHNOLOGY: Swashplate Seal Assembly for a Rotor Shaft Assembly

SUMMARY: The swashplate seal assembly is sized to encircle a rotor shaft to allow rotor shaft rotation therein. The seal assembly includes multiple layers and rings which function together to minimize intrusion of environmental contaminants along the rotor shaft before, during, and after shaft rotation. The assembly could cover rotor bearing units utilized on aircraft. Another application would be as an adjustable, inspectable seal assembly within the interface between a rotating shaft and a non-rotating support assembly utilized in industrial machines. The swashplate seal assembly is capable of being increased or reduced in dimensions in order to function in conjunction with a variety of sizes of rotor shaft assemblies utilized in the aviation industry and selected industrial production facilities. The multiple segments of the outer portions of the swashplate seal assembly provide for efficient assembly for operation, and for rapid disassembly, either partial or full, to allow for inspection of interior segments.

The University of AlabamaTECHNOLOGY: FreezePruf®

SUMMARY: FreezePruf® is a non-toxic spray that improves a plant’s natural cold tolerance up to 9.4 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the species. Developed by botanists, FreezePruf® protects the plant externally and systemically (throughout the plant)

by enhancing both its natural “anti-freeze”-like properties and its ability to survive ice crystal damage. By applying FreezePruf® one can extend the growing season and minimize damages, be it on fruit and vegetable plants or home gardens. Because FreezePruf® enhances a plant’s ability to tolerate internal ice crystal formations it is also a “Zone extender” that adds one third to almost a full USDA Zone equivalent to the cold hardiness rating of all plants. Finally, all ingredients in FreezePruf® are currently in food or used to grow fruits and vegetables so there are absolutely no toxicity issues and the product is fully biodegradable.

University of Alabama at BirminghamTECHNOLOGY: Method for Treating High Grade Gliomas

SUMMARY: Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have developed a novel treatment for high grade glial derived tumors using known inhibitors of the cystine-glutamate exchange and transport system. High grade gliomas are one of the most aggressively malignant cancers. Researchers at UAB have determined that unlike normal brain cells, these cancer cells rely solely on the Na+ - independent glutamate transport system, system Xc, for the uptake of cystine which is necessary to maintain their increased metabolism. Advantages include the inhibition of tumor cell growth and eventual apoptosis of tumor cells using compounds which specifically block the uptake of cystine. The consequential release of glutathione in tumor cells is an attractive target that has virtually no negative impact on the function of non-transformed cells.

The Alabama Technology Database continued


PLATINUM LEVEL: $25,000 AND UP

Alabama Power Company Foundation

Alabama Research Alliance*

Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation

GOLD LEVEL: $10,000 AND UP

Vulcan Materials Company*

SILVER LEVEL: $5,000 AND UP

Alagasco

AT&T

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP*

Burr & Forman LLP

EBSCO Industries

Greer Capital Advisors, LLC

Harbert Management Corporation*

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

Metropolitan Development Board

BRONZE LEVEL: $2,500 AND UP

City of Auburn

Innovation Depot

Kinetic Communications*

Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C.

Southern Research Institute

Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP

The University of Alabama Office for Technology Transfer*

Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLC*

CONTRIBUTORS(UP TO $2,500 AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS):

21 Ventures, LLC

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers

Palo Alto Software

2009 FINALE SPONSORS:

Birmingham Venture Club » $5,000

Burr & Forman LLP » $1,000

Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLC » $1,000

Sponsors

* Indicates new for 2009


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W. BARRY MCRAE President, Birmingham Venture Club

For over 20 years, the Birmingham Venture Club has been an association of business professionals with the sole mission of increasing the amount and quality of venture capital-related activities in the Birmingham area. The mission of the Alabama Launchpad, and specifically its Business Plan Competition, fulfills our own mission perfectly: it promotes and rewards innovative ventures that can grow rapidly and that can add exciting new companies that boost Alabama’s economy. We are proud to have played a part in making the competition happen this year and we look forward to future competitions and to following the success of the competitions’ participants.


BOARD OF DIRECTORSDr. Douglas Ayers (Board Chairman)Associate Professor of Marketing and Director, MBA Programs, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Business

Greg Barker Vice President for Economic Development, Alabama Power Company

Dr. Bernadette ChappleResearch Director, Center for Leadership and Public Policy, Alabama State University

Dr. Daniel DalyDirector, Alabama Innovation and Mentoring of Entrepreneurs Center, The University of Alabama

Angela WierVice President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama

Dr. David Ketchen Lowder Eminent Scholar and Professor of Management, Auburn University College of Business

Dr. Teresa Merriweather OrokVice President for Institutional Research, Planning and Sponsored Programs, Alabama A&M University

Dr. Brent WrenChairman, Department of Management and Marketing, University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Business Administration

OFFICERSPresident: Angela Wier Vice President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama

Director: Glenn Kinstler

Secretary: Sidney HooverHouse Counsel, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama

Treasurer: David Brown CFO, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP OF ALABAMAAngela WierVice President205.943.4778 [email protected]

Glenn KinstlerDirector, Alabama Launchpad205.943.4709 [email protected]

Management

LISA WILLIAMS Founder and former President and CEO of 3D Research in Huntsville

Everyone participating in the Alabama Launchpad competition is already a winner because they are following their dreams of entrepreneurship. The Alabama Launchpad program is about helping those entrepreneurs succeed with their dreams by providing invaluable resources of mentorship and lessons learned from a diverse group of CEOs and professionals from all over the State of Alabama.

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