Idaho Office of Science & Technology November 2005

In this issue:

# AMIS Introduces ‘Smart Camera’ Chips

# Micron Develops Intuitive Sensor for Safer Driving

# Governor’s Science & Technology Council to Meet

# GIANTS Deadline Approaches

# Extended Systems Releases New Wireless Email Solution

# University of Idaho Lands $10.1 Million Biomedical Research Grant

# AMIS, WGI Workers Donate to Katrina Relief, United Way

# BSU Grad Studying Water Quality Issues in Mongolia

# Companies Sought for Entrepreneurial Internships

# EmergeCore Partners With Cable & Wireless

# UI Names Full-time Associate Vice President for Northern Idaho

# North Wind President Receives National Entrepreneurial Award

# NW Energy Companies Can Use Regional Test Bed

# Regional Energy Teleconference Held Monthly

# Blue Water Project Selected for Capstone Design Team

# Researchers Invited to Apply for Seed Grants

# Technology Grant Deadline Approaches

# Micron Developing New PillCam

# Deadline Approaches For World’s Best Technologies Showcase

# Idaho Governor Joins Call For More Basic Research

# News From Elsewhere

AMIS Introduces ‘Smart Camera’ Chips

(Pocatello, Idaho) AMI Semiconductor has developed a high-performance imaging chip that will help make digital cameras smarter.
The company, which designs and manufactures integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products for the automotive, medical and industrial markets, developed the chip in partnership with CMOS image sensor and camera specialist Photonfocus AG.
The new device, with a wide operating temperature range, will simplify the design and implementation of high quality digital camera applications in automotive, industrial, security and surveillance systems.
The AMIS-70700 can be used at temperatures ranging from -40 degrees C to 105 degrees C. High pixel resolution of 750 x 400 is combined with an RS232 image output speed up to 60 full frames per second.
The applications for this device include rear view park and blind spot detection in the automotive sector, as well as obstacle detection and avoidance systems, where the need for accurate edge and pattern identification demands clarity and high-speed operation in all driving conditions.
The device can also be used in digital cameras used in industrial and security environments that are capable of operating in low light or the infrared spectrum, and in high temperature applications such as welding process monitoring.
More information is at amis.com.

Micron Develops Intuitive Sensor for Safer Driving

(Boise, Idaho) Micron Technology Inc. has launched a new image sensor that will provide drivers with an intuitive look at the drive ahead or the view behind.
The new sensor will enable automobile manufacturers to design in camera functionality for side-view mirror replacement and assistance, or provide a reversing camera so the driver can clearly see what might be next to the car and behind it.
Imaging technology is used in cars primarily for scene viewing and understanding applications. Micron’s sensors also capture environmental conditions information and send that information to the vehicle’s data systems to provide input for potential actions, including safer deployment of a vehicle’s airbag.
Other potential applications for this technology include accident avoidance, airbag passenger occupancy detection, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control.
Micron, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of DRAM memory, has an expanded CMOS image sensor portfolio. More information on the new automotive imaging sensor is at micron.com/products/imaging/applications/auto.html.

Governor’s Science & Technology Council to Meet

(Statewide) The Governor’s Science & Technology Council will hold its third meeting of 2005 on Friday, Dec. 2 in Pocatello.
The meeting is open to the public, and RSVPs are requested to guarantee adequate seating. The council will meet in the Wood River Room on the Idaho State University campus.
The 15-member council serves as an advisory board to the Governor on issues relating to Idaho’s science and technology industry. The council established a strategy for strengthening the state’s technology industry and the Idaho Office of Science & Technology was launched in January 2004 to implement those strategies.
To be put on a regular notification list for these meetings, to receive an agenda, or to RSVP for the Dec. 2 meeting, please email Karen Lewis at [email protected].

GIANTS deadline approaches

(Statewide) Nominations are now being accepted statewide for the Governor’s Industry Award for Notable Teaching in Science, known as GIANTS. The award, now in its sixth year, recognizes teachers for their efforts to link industry and the economic future of Idaho to the classroom through the enhancement of science and technology education.
Winners are selected from teachers in three categories: elementary, middle school, and high school. Nominations must include a letter from student council organizations, students, and the school’s principal, along with a copy of the teacher’s resume. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 21.
Awardees and nominating student council groups are given a cash prize and meet with the governor in a special presentation ceremony.
For information outlining the nomination process, contact:
Kevin Collins
Science Coordinator
Idaho Department of Education
650 W. State St.
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0027
(208) 332-6952 or email [email protected]
The GIANTS award program is sponsored by the Micron Foundation, Hewlett-Packard Co., Washington Group International, the Idaho National Laboratory, the Idaho Office of Science & Technology, Treetop Technologies, the Idaho Department of Education and the Idaho State Board of Education.

Extended Systems Releases New Wireless E-mail Solution

(Boise, Idaho) Extended Systems, a mobile software company, has released the latest version of its email solution which supports more than 100 mobile devices.
OneBridge Mobile Groupware Version 5.0 has minimal power requirements, allowing devices to remain in always-connected mode for many days before requiring a re-charge.
The software also includes monitoring and "self-healing" features that provide easier IT support. The product is primarily targeted toward medium and large-scale deployments and is a result of field trials and feedback from numerous Global 2000 customers.
More information is at extendedsystems.com.

University of Idaho Lands $10.1 Million Biomedical Research Grant

(Moscow, Idaho) A $10.1 million renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health will allow University of Idaho scientists to continue biomedical research focused on infectious diseases.
The five-year grant from the NIH Institutional Development Award program funds one of two university Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence. This renewed center is devoted to the study of molecular and cellular basis of host-pathogen interactions.
"Biomedical research at the university already has yielded significant new inventions and patents," said UI President Tim White. "They in turn may yield new products to promote animal health and help the state’s biomedical and biotechnology industries, including agriculture. That fulfills another strategic goal: catalyzing entrepreneurial innovation.
"Another attribute of this award is that it will foster basic scientific research at UI to broaden understanding of a human virus that is the leading cause of viral birth defects each year," White added.
The renewal grant will allow the university to expand research programs and recruit top students and researchers, said Greg Bohach, Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station director at Moscow. He led the original team and will continue to direct the center.
The renewal grant also provides funds to support microscopy, cell separation and analysis and molecular biology research infrastructure throughout the UI Moscow campus, Bohach said.

AMIS, WGI Workers Donate to Katrina Relief, United Way

(Pocatello and Boise, Idaho) AMI Semiconductor employees located at the company’s world headquarters in Pocatello recently contributed more than $135,000 to the United Way and Hurricane Katrina relief during two simultaneous fund-raising campaigns.
More than 300 employees pledged to the United Way, which provides assistance to 23 agencies in seven southeastern Idaho counties. The company’s match brought the total to approximately $102,000. Additional funds raised through a corporate raffle brought the grand total to nearly $106,000 for United Way in the region.
AMIS employees also gave more than $15,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief in the same time period. A 100 percent company match boosted AMI Semiconductor’s total relief contribution to more than $30,000.
Washington Group International in Boise and its foundation have contributed more than $1.1 million to the American Red Cross for hurricane disaster relief.
Washington Group, a leading international engineering, construction, and management-solutions company, is also aiding in the reconstruction of infrastructure in affected areas by providing assessment, environmental remediation, engineering, procurement, and construction services.

BSU Grad Studying Water Quality Issues in Mongolia

(Boise, Idaho) A recent Boise State University graduate has received a Fulbright Scholar award to conduct water quality research in Mongolia.
Ben Linhoff, who graduated from Boise State in August, applied for the prestigious Fulbright award while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in geology. He will spend up to 10 months in Mongolia in 2006 and will conduct research under the sponsorship of the Mongolian University of Science and Technology in the capital city of Ulaan Bataar.
Linhoff is interested in looking at water quality issues in Mongolia associated with untreated sewage and with mine runoff. Because Mongolia is largely nomadic, there aren’t many water treatment facilities in the country, Linhoff explained. In addition, he may study the microbiology of saline lakes in the Gobi Desert.

Companies Sought for Entrepreneurial Internships

(Statewide) Idaho businesses interested in fostering a culture of innovation are encouraged to apply for interns through a new pilot program within Idaho’s National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, known as EPSCoR.
The program will involve university students in the creative entrepreneurial culture of technology-related startup companies and small businesses. In addition to the application of technical skills, hosts must be willing to mentor a student in the entrepreneurial challenges of operating a small business and/or developing a new product.
Businesses who have recently competed for SBIR funding are particularly encouraged to apply.
The program will provide the majority of students’ funding; small businesses will be asked to contribute 25 percent.
Contact Rick Schumaker at the Idaho EPSCoR office, (208) 885-5742 or [email protected].

EmergeCore Partners With Cable & Wireless

(Boise, Idaho) Emerge Core Network has partnered with eastern Caribbean telecommunications provider Cable & Wireless to bundle broadband services in the Caribbean region with EmergeCore’s all-in-one network appliance.
The St. Lucia operation of Cable & Wireless will provide EmergeCore’s award-winning "IT IN A BOX" all-in-one network appliance as a value-added option that will be offered with its broadband services from all six of the division’s island locations.
The IT-100 all-in-one network solution for small and medium businesses provides wired or wireless connectivity and basic network infrastructure.
For more information, go to emergecore.com.

UI Names Full-time Associate Vice President for Northern Idaho
(Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls/Moscow, Idaho) Larry Branen has been named associate vice president for University of Idaho in northern Idaho.
Branen’s region covers Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Sandpoint.
The university’s goal is to provide affordable access to quality university programs for traditional and non-traditional students working cooperatively with others in the area.
Branen moved to Coeur d’Alene in 2003 to conduct research at the university’s Research Park in Post Falls and maintained a part-time role as associate vice president for research and outreach to address the needs of northern Idaho. His research focused on the development of biosensors for food safety at the Center for Advanced Microelectronics and Biomolecular Research.
Branen will deal with the changing social, economic and educational issues and catalyze innovative programs working with community, state and university stakeholders. He will be the university spokesman in northern Idaho and chief administrator of the UI Research Park and UI-Coeur d’Alene Center. Branen also will act as interim director of the school’s Extension District 1.

North Wind President Receives National Entrepreneurial Award

(Idaho Falls, Idaho) North Wind, Inc. President Sylvia Medina has been awarded the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award by the Washington, D.C. based, Dialogue On Diversity.
The award recognizes outstanding women entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses.
Nominations for the award came in from across the country and were reviewed by a nine-member jury of business executives.
Medina was nominated by Yosef Patel, associate director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
Dialogue on Diversity works to promote the intercultural exchange of ideas and experience and to foster constructive dialogue among communities of diverse national and ethnic heritage.
North Wind does environmental restoration and remediation, waste management, construction, safety and health, natural and cultural resources, GIS, and public involvement. More information is at northwind-inc.com.

NW Energy Companies Can Use Regional Test Bed
(Pacific Northwest) Innovators and energy technology companies are invited to participate in the Northwest Energy Technology Center’s Regional Test Bed, a cooperative approach to energy test bed facilities in the Pacific Northwest.
Selected test bed participants will work with the test bed screening committee to best place their technology in the field for beta testing.
For more information, contact Karen Grieser at [email protected] or (206) 543-1226.

Regional Energy Teleconference Held Monthly
(Pacific Northwest) The Northwest Energy Technology Center invites interested parties to join a monthly regional leadership teleconference that gives energy technology leaders in the Pacific Northwest the opportunity to highlight outstanding events and projects in their province or state.
The monthly call also features a guest speaker who discusses a significant event or project involving energy technology. The calls are held the first Tuesday of each month.
For more information, contact Annie Chin at (206) 616-3099 or email [email protected].

Blue Water Project Selected for Capstone Design Team
(Moscow, Idaho) An industrial design project submitted to the University of Idaho, College of Engineering by Blue Water Technologies, Inc. has been selected as a Senior Capstone Design Project. The school’s Senior Capstone Design team is an interdisciplinary team consisting of two mechanical and two electrical undergraduate engineers. Academic assistance and mentoring are provided by three UI faculty members and a graduate student mentor.
In a collaborative effort with the UI College of Engineering, Blue Water is developing an electro-mechanical wastewater monitoring system. The College’s Senior Capstone Design program implements multiple, yearlong, real world industry projects, providing an opportunity for educational growth and industry networking for seniors in the College of Engineering.
The team will be responsible for developing an online working prototype of an innovative water quality measuring device targeting influent water chemistry. The goal of the design project is to arrive at a superior methodology for real-time operational adjustments to optimize Blue Water’s phosphorus removal process.
This year-long development process will include multiple iterations of the conceptual design, fabrication of the design, and statistical testing and verification of the prototype. Documentation including budgets, design concepts, and fabrication drawings will be intermittently submitted to Blue Water for review and collaboration.
The final product will be tested during an extended protocol at the Hayden Wastewater Research Facility beginning in May 2006.

Researchers Invited to Apply for Seed Grants
(Boise, Idaho) Researchers are invited to apply for seed grants in research related to the development of novel sensor technologies or systems to detect harmful compounds in the environment. Research may include new methods for sensor data communication, acquisition, and analysis.
While the program resides at Boise State University, outside collaboration is encouraged as long as there is a principal investigator within BSU and at least a co-principal investigator within BSU’s College of Engineering.
The seed grants are intended for the initiation of research with the potential of maturing into self-sustaining programs.
For more information, go to coen.boisestate.edu/sensor/MainPages/Research.htm or contact Dick Sevier at [email protected].

Technology Grant Deadline Approaches
(Statewide) Idaho K-12 public school teachers can apply for grants of up to $10,000 each for the use of technology in improving student learning.
The deadline for applications is Nov. 18. Applicants are asked to detail the goals of their project, as well as the hardware and software needed.
The grant recognizes Idaho K-12 public school teachers who are using technology in the classroom in new and innovative ways to improve student performance. Previous grant winners have used the award money for everything from global positioning systems to heart monitors to personal digital assistants.
Application information is at sde.state.id.us/dept/bots.

Micron Developing New PillCam
(Boise, Idaho) Micron Technology Inc., Given Imaging, Ltd. and Zarlink Semiconductor have partnered to develop a third generation PillCam, a camera-in-a-pill that is swallowed and then takes pictures of the intestinal tract.
The new capsule is expected to be commercially available in 2006.
The new capsule doubles the frame rate to four frames per second and increases operational time to nine hours. It is designed to provide the physician with more detailed and extensive information to improve diagnostic efficacy.
The PillCam is the only naturally ingested method for direct visualization of the entire small intestine. Another version for the esophagus has been cleared by the FDA and additional capsules for the stomach and colon are under development.
For more information, go to givenimaging.com and micron.com.

Deadline Approaches For World’s Best Technologies Showcase
(Arlington, Texas) The World’s Best Technologies Showcase is seeking breakthrough technologies and spinout companies emanating from universities, federal labs, federal agencies and research institutions.
Presenting technologies are selected by – and presented to – seasoned venture investors and Fortune 500 licensing pros representing a variety of industries. Selections are based on the merits of the innovation and the specific investment or licensing opportunity.
Exhibit space is limited to 75 presenting technologies. Final deadline for online submissions is Nov. 18, and there is no cost to apply.
The event will be March 27-29, 2006 in Arlington, Texas. More information is at wbtshowcase.com, or contact Paul Huleatt at (602) 795-8825.

Idaho Governor Joins Call For More Basic Research
(Nationwide) Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne has joined 27 governors nationally in signing a letter to President Bush calling for more federal funding of university-based research in science, engineering and technology.
The letter, dated Oct. 18, reads in part:
"Despite a period of scarce resources, basic science and engineering research is a vital national investment. We are united in our support for university-based research. Our future prosperity depends on it."

News From Elsewhere
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer online: The publication noted that the October Intermountain Venture Forum in Boise heavily featured Idaho and could be viewed as an attempt to "poach talent" from other states. The article noted an Idaho Statesman story that quoted Tenacious Games founder Scott Dodson of Seattle as saying he was impressed with Boise and that moving there was a "possibility."

Read More Idaho Technology News
Miss last month’s Science & Technology newsletter? Find the complete newsletter archives at technology.idaho.gov and click on "news."

Have an Idea/Submission for this Newsletter?
Contact Julie Howard at the Idaho Commerce & Labor’s Office of Science & Technology at (208) 334-2650, ext. 2147, or at [email protected]

2005 Events Calendar
November 1
Legislative Biotechnology Task Force
Boise
Legislative task force meets to discuss potential legislation affecting the biotechnology industry in Idaho. For information and minutes from previous meetings, go to legislature.idaho.gov.

November 2
Worldwide Luminary Series
Satellite Event
Fortune CEO panel includes Jack Welch, Carly Fiorina, Rudolph Giuliani, Stephen Covey and others to discuss "Leading to Greatness: Building True Success Wherever You Live and Work."
To register and for local location, call 1-800-289-0051 or go to luminaryseries.com.

November 2-3
Biotech Investing Conference
Millbrae, Calif
Hear from venture capitalists, corporate investors, private and public biotech companies providing market intelligence. Information is at ibfconferences.com.

November 3
Fourth Annual Intermountain Business Forum
Boise, Idaho
Hear from national and local speakers regarding "Growth and Governance: Aligning Company Directors and Management to Enhance Superior Growth." Program runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Boise Centre on the Grove. Cost is $175. More information is at intermountainbusinessforum.com.

November 3
SBIR/STTR Phase I Workshop
Salt Lake City, Utah
8-hour introduction and overview that includes the nuts and bolts of the SBIR/STTR programs, pre-qualification issues for potential participants, information about getting ready to write proposals, proposal writing tips, and evaluation of actual writing samples. Cost is $65.
Go to utah.edu/uees/sbir

November 4
SBIR/STTR Phase II Workshop
Salt Lake City, Utah
8-hour session emphasizes work that needs to be done to prepare a competitive Phase II proposal. $65 if registered separately; $95 for Nov. 3-4 together.
Go to utah.edu/uees/sbir.

November 4
Cognos Business Intelligence Workshop
Boise, Idaho
Free breakfast seminar focuses on business intelligence. For information, go to cognos.com/na/cognos8-tour13.

November 5
Idaho Energy Symposium
Pocatello, Idaho
Half-day conference on energy issues affecting Idaho. Presentations will run from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Idaho State University Physical Sciences Complex, room 140. Program is free. For more information, contact Karen Leibert at (208) 282-7703 or [email protected].

November 8
Selling Products in Canada and Mexico
Boise, Idaho
A half-day seminar for current exporters and Idaho businesses new to the Canadian and Mexican markets. The seminar runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, 250 S. 5th St. Registration cost is $25. For information, visit buyusa.gov or contact Amy Benson at 364-7791, [email protected].

November 9
Business Opportunity Conference
Boise, Idaho
Idaho businesses looking for customers and expanded sales should attend the 2005 Governor’s Business Opportunity Conference. The conference features seminars, buyers exhibits and luncheon keynote speaker Stephen Hanks, president, CEO and director of Washington Group International. Information is at cl.idaho.gov/ibn or call 334-2470.

November 10
Kickstand
Boise, Idaho
Kickstand’s monthly meeting brings together entrepreneurs and innovators. November’s speaker will be Mitra Fattahipour, founder of HoundSystems, LLC, a spinoff company from the Idaho National Laboratory and Bechtel National. Group meets 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Funny Bone in downtown Boise. RSVP requested at kickstand.org.

November 11
Engineering Lecture
Boise, Idaho
Michelle Gerritson, of Boise State University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, will speak on "Protein deposition onto titanium alloy" at 11:40 a.m. in the Micron Engineering Center, room 106, at Boise State University.

November 12-18
Supercomputing 2005 Conference
Seattle
Conference, sponsored by IEEE Computer Society and ACM, will host technology leaders from around the world to speak about everything from nanotechnology to the aerodynamics of household products to supercomputing. More information is at http://sc05.supercomputing.org.

November 15
Federal Data Rights seminar
Boise, Idaho
This breakfast briefing is designed to help government contractors (and future government contractors) protect their valuable rights in computer software and technical data. Seminar is 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at Perkins Coie LLP, 251 Front St., Suite 400, Boise. Space is limited. Register by emailing to [email protected] or call Jackie Powell at (208) 343-3434.

November 15
Engineering Lecture
Boise, Idaho
Kevin Shelburne, assistant director of the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, for Steadman-Hawkins Research Foundation, will speak on "Exploring knee mechanics with modeling and simulation" at 12:40 p.m. in the Boise State University Micron Engineering Center, room 106.

December 2
Governor’s Science & Technology Advisory Council Meeting
Pocatello, Idaho
Council will meet in the Wood River Room on the Idaho State University Campus. Day-long meeting is open to the public. RSVPs are requested to guarantee adequate seating. Contact Karen Lewis at [email protected] or call (208) 334-2650 ext. 2101.

For more calendar information, visit Conferences and Events at cl.idaho.gov

"We Create Jobs, Strengthen Communities and Market Idaho."

IDAHO COMMERCE & LABOR
PO Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093
Tel: 208-334-2470; Fax: 208-334-2631
Web: cl.idaho.gov
06-62000-250

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, GOVERNOR
ROGER B. MADSEN, DIRECTOR
KARL TUELLER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR & OST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Idaho Commerce & Labor is an equal opportunity employer.
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