Houston Technology Center

HOUSTON - October 21, 2009 - The Houston Technology Center (HTC), a business accelerator that assists emerging technology companies, is hosting 80 local companies to assist them in accelerating the commercialization of their technologies. The companies are presenting their latest technologies during the Gulf Coast Innovation Conference & Showcase at the Hilton Americas.

Governor Rick Perry will announce three new Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) awardees that have received pre-seed commercialization awards in the amount of $250,000 from the ETF. These recipients may be eligible to receive up to $1 million in assistance from the ETF and include LaserGen, Inc., Qcue, Inc. and Shape Memory Therapeutics, Inc.

“Since its inception, the ETF has galvanized the research environment in our state by harnessing Texans’ amazing ideas and encouraging even greater efforts to inquire, innovate and invest,” Governor Perry said. “These investments make a difference not only by creating cures for diseases, therapies for afflictions and technologies that make life easier, but also by growing companies and allowing Texans to earn a living to support their families.”

 LaserGen, Inc. is a Houston-based biotechnology company commercializing a next-generation DNA sequencing chemistry that will improve sequencing quality and reduce costs by orders of magnitude.

Qcue, Inc. develops dynamic pricing software that helps sports and entertainment organizations adjust ticket prices to evolving market conditions. Customers include the San Francisco Giants and Dallas Stars.

 Shape Memory Therapeutics, Inc. is a medical device company founded to commercialize innovative medical devices based on shape memory polymer materials developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Texas A&M University.

“It is our pleasure to congratulate these new awardees. To date, 30 Gulf Coast companies have received ETF awards making a tangible impact on our region,” said Walter Ulrich, president and chief executive officer of HTC. “This year’s event features a variety of companies and their innovative technologies representing the Gulf Coast and key sectors including Energy, Life Sciences, Information Technology, Nanotechnology and Aerospace technologies.”

The ETF is a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor’s request, and reauthorized in 2007 and recently again with $203.5 million for the 2010-2011 biennium. The 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential projects and recommends funding allocations to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House. To date, the ETF has allocated more than $110 million in funds to 89 early stage companies.

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Source: www.houstontech.org