Idaho Office of Science & Technology March 2006

In this issue:

# China Becomes Idaho’s Top Trade Partner
# Governor Proclaims March 20-24 Entrepreneurship Week
# AMI Semiconductor Finalist in Innovation Awards
# Environmental Energy Moves Headquarters to Boise
# Product Promises to Curb Appetite While it Freshens Breath
# North Wind Receives $80 Million Contract
# Micron Introduces Even Smaller Image Sensor for Thin Phones
# University Analysis Shows Biodiesel Yields Positive Energy Balance
# Furby Inventor Applauded For New Dino-Robot
# Idaho Governor Endorses National Ad Calling for More Math, Science
# Healthwise Creates New Category of Patient Information Products
# TenXsys Tests Technology to Help Amputees Return to Active Duty
# AMIS Creates Acoustic Shock Solution for Headset Users
# DocuTech Marks Record Year
# Space Nuclear Research Center Offers Fellowships
# Telemetric Announces Three New Remote Telemetry Modules
# University Produces Breakthroughs in Materials Fabrication for Navy

# Read Four Op-Ed Pieces on Developing Idaho’s Technology Infrastructure:

Idaho Must Meet the Challenge and Secure the State’s High Technology Future
Statewide Technology Transfer Office Will Benefit Idaho
Small Investment Will Increase Idaho’s Share of Federal Research Dollars
Idaho’s TechConnect Program Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed
China Becomes Idaho’s Top Trade Partner

(Statewide) High-tech products helped drive Idaho exports above the $3 billion mark for only the second time, and China became the state’s top trade partner for the first time in 2005.
The 2005 year-end results were recently released.
International demand for computer chips and agriculture products made China, including Hong Kong, Idaho’s top trading partner for the first time with purchases in 2005 reaching $554.5 million. The last time an Asian nation was the state’s top trading partner was 1997 when Japan purchased nearly $327 million in goods.
Since then, Canada and the United Kingdom have traded the top position among Idaho’s international trading partners. Canada was second in 2005, and the United Kingdom was third. "With one of every 10 jobs linked to exports, a 12 percent increase in international sales played a key role in Idaho’s strong economic performance in 2005," Idaho Commerce & Labor Director Roger B. Madsen said. "The rise of China reinforces the importance of our investment in Asia and Governor Kempthorne’s plan to increase our financial commitment."
Idaho has trade offices in Shanghai, China; Taipei, Taiwan; Guadalajara, Mexico, and a representative office in South Korea. Idaho currently has no representative in Japan, and the state’s representation in China is limited.
To continue to increase Idaho exports, Governor Dirk Kempthorne won approval from the Legislature’s budget committee for a $300,000 budget increase to bolster Idaho Commerce & Labor’s export activities. That money would be used to finance a part-time office in Japan and increase the state’s promotional presence in Shanghai. The governor’s budget also includes a $30,000 budget increase for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to improve trade services in Mexico, a key buyer of Idaho agriculture products.
Nearly 72 percent of Idaho’s international sales last year involved high technology products, primarily integrated circuits, and high-tech sales accounted for nearly 90 percent of Idaho’s business with China.
Idaho products moving into the export market last year went well beyond high technology and agriculture and included everything from synthetic fiber, clocks and ceramic statuettes to woven caps, accordions and motorboats.

Governor Proclaims March 20-24 Entrepreneurship Week

(Statewide) An international student business plan competition and the return of KickStart, an entrepreneurial education program, will be the focus of Entrepreneurship Week on March 20-24.
Gov. Dirk Kempthorne proclaimed the week Entrepreneurship Week to celebrate Idaho’s rich history of entrepreneurialism and to encourage future innovators to launch their businesses here.
"Entrepreneurship continues to thrive in Idaho with the number of small businesses growing at a rate of 15 percent in 2004 compared to the U.S. rate of 4.5 percent, thus adding high-paying jobs to Idaho’s growing economy," the proclamation reads.
The week features two main events – the Northwest Venture Championship at Boise State University and KickStart programs. Both programs are open to the public.
Registration is advised as seats are limited.
Information is at http://www.kickstartidaho.com and http://cobe.boisestate.edu/nwvc/.

AMI Semiconductor Finalist in Innovation Awards

(Pocatello) AMI Semiconductor’s flash technology has been named a finalist in EDN Magazine’s 16th Annual Innovation of the Year Awards.
The technology that reduces power and cost while enhancing the ability to discern a faster signal was selected because it demonstrated innovation that significantly advanced a product development during the past year, according to EDN.
"Those subtleties represent hard-won engineering victories that make all the difference in the latest compelling consumer products, computers and communication systems," said Maury Wright, editor-in-chief of EDN.
In the next few weeks, EDN’s worldwide audience of electronics engineers and engineering managers will use an online ballot to select the ultimate winners from among these finalists. EDN’s editorial staff and editorial advisory board will also take part in determining the final winners, who will be announced on April 3 in San Jose, Calif.
Visit http://www.edn.com to review each of the nominees and vote.

Environmental Energy Moves Headquarters to Boise

(Boise) Environmental Energy Services Inc. moved its headquarters to Boise and announced an increased commitment from an investment partner.
The firm’s investment partner has "agreed to substantially increase" its $1.5 million investment in a land fund to acquire drilling rights on an estimated 18,000 acres in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. The company anticipates drilling next quarter.
Founded in 2001, Environmental Energy Services Inc. is an environmental resources company focused on energy and solid waste management. The firm has locations and projects throughout North America.

Product Promises to Curb Appetite While It Freshens Breath

(Boise) Omega Tech Labs of Boise has released a lip treatment that "helps curb your appetite while it freshens your breath."
Called Promise, the product is described as an all-natural lip treatment that conditions the lips, freshens the breath and helps curb the appetite. It comes in a roll-on container and will be sold in convenience stores and supermarkets.
The company has a patent pending.
More information is at http://www.omegatechlabs.com.

North Wind Receives $80 Million Contract

(Idaho Falls) North Wind Inc. has received a five-year $80 million environmental remediation services contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Under the contract, North Wind will perform a wide range of remediation projects including those that consist of hazardous toxic and radioactive waste, ordnance and explosives and asbestos and lead-based paint. The majority of work will be performed in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
North Wind has supported the Corps of Engineers under a predecessor contract for the past five years. In this capacity, North Wind has self-performed large remediation projects at the Tooele Army Depot and the Deseret Chemical Depot in Utah.
More information is at http://www.nwindenv.com.

Micron Introduces Even Smaller Image Sensor for Thin Phones

(Boise) Micron Technology Inc. has introduced a new, one-quarter inch, 2-megapixel image sensor to provide richer, higher-quality pictures inmainstream camera phones
The sensor is also the first to incorporate Mobile Industry Processor Interface standards, allowing cameras to be more easily designed into mobile phones.
The picture quality will also enable users to print photos taken with their cell phones on a 4-inch by 6-inch format and up to full 8.5-inch by 11-inch formats.
The new sensor was showcased along with its complete mobile handset image portfolio at the 3GSM World Congress last month in Barcelona, Spain. Mass production is expected by August.
More information is at micron.com/products/imaging.

University Analysis Shows Biodiesel Yields Positive Energy Balance

(Moscow) University of Idaho researchers say "flawed information" is fueling the debate about biodiesel energy balance.
The Idaho biodiesel researchers’ analysis shows the fuel from renewable sources produces far more energy for consumers than it takes to make.
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from renewable resources such as rapeseed, canola, soy or mustard oil and is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels in the marketplace. Dependency on fossil fuels is reduced by increasing the availability of biodiesel in the U.S.
Dev Shrestha, Unversity of Idaho professor in biological and agricultural engineering, and Jon Van Gerpen, the school’s lead researcher in biodiesel production, presented their findings at a biodiesel conference in San Diego last month.
Detailed information from a study conducted by U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Energy and published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows biodiesel’s energy return to be over 300 percent greater than the fossil-based fuel energy used to produce the alternative fuel.
In addition, Shrestha is working on a current federal research project evaluating the energy balance of biodiesel. Early results indicate similar, if not even higher, efficiency, particularly when recycled oils such as restraint waste oils are used.

Furby Inventor Applauded For New Dino-Robot

(Boise) Caleb Chung of Boise, co-inventor of the Furby toy sensation, unveiled his latest toy creation last month, and the toy world is paying close attention.
Chung showed his dinosaur robot for kids at the Demo conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. Caleb’s Silicon Valley, Calif.-based company, Uglobe, is making the toy called Pleo.
Pleo, selling for about $200, has seven computer brains that control 14 motors and 38 sensors. The robotics make the creation appear to have intelligence, personality and life-like movements.
Chung’s Furby doll, launched in 1998 by Hasbro, reaped about $1 billion in revenues.
More information is at uglobe.com.

Idaho Governor Endorses National Ad Calling for More Math, Science
(Statewide) Governor Dirk Kempthorne added his signature to a national newspaper advertisement to support United States competitiveness in the fields of science and technology through investments and incentives for research and strengthening mathematics and science education.
Kempthorne joined 24 other governors, 25 corporate leaders, 25 university presidents and 25 other luminaries including Nobel Prize winners and past cabinet secretaries in signing the advertisement, which appeared last month in editions of The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
Steve Appleton, chairman of Boise-based Micron Technology, also signed the advertisement. Other signatories included the heads of major Idaho employers like Hewlett-Packard Co. and Dell Inc.
The ad’s message echoes Governor Kempthorne’s call for reforming high school curriculum in Idaho to include an additional two years of math and science instruction in order to prepare students for the modern work force. The Idaho high school reform proposal, which is spearheaded by the Idaho State Board of Education, has been endorsed by the governor’s Science and Technology Advisory Council, the Idaho Workforce Development Council, the Idaho Department of Education, the Idaho School Boards Association, the Idaho Association of School Administrators, the Idaho Education Association and Idaho’s university presidents.
The Idaho initiative echoes the call by President Bush in his American Competitiveness Initiative, a nationwide focus on higher math and science education standards across the country.

Healthwise Creates New Category of Patient Information Products

(Boise) Healthwise, a nonprofit organization that publishes health information, is creating a new category of information products for hospital patients.
Healthwise Information Therapy Patient Instructions are personalized take-home education printouts that activate the patient’s role in managing his or her health at discharge and in the days to follow. The instructions guide patients to the hospital’s Web site for the relevant information they need right away and in the future.
"Old-style patient instructions mark the end of a health care encounter," said Donald Kemper, Healthwise founder and chief executive. "These information therapy instructions give patients the in-hand printed information they need today and the online detail they will need in the days, weeks and months to come."
The patient instructions product is the first step of an entire information therapy strategy for hospitals. Information therapy happens when patients are prescribed specific information — relevant to their particular moments in care — to help them manage their health.
More is at healthwise.org.

TenXsys Tests Technology to Help Amputees Return to Active Duty
(Eagle) TenXsys Inc. will team with Boise State University to test new technologies that help U.S. military personnel who have lost limbs return to active duty.
The Department of Defense is allowing increasing numbers of soldiers with prosthetics to return to active duty if they are capable. TenXsys will work with Boise State University’s mechanical engineering department to test tiny sensors that can be worn on the body to measure movement patterns and energy use.
"A soldier getting used to an artificial arm or leg faces a real challenge," according to TenXsys Chief Operating Officer Layne Simmons. "You can injure yourself through overexertion or balance problems. Our system can monitor a person in real time and help them safely through this recovery and adjustment process."
Work began Feb. 1 with an initial grant of $100,000 from the Department of Defense Small Business Innovation Research Program.
Testing will be performed in Boise State University’s biomechanics laboratory. Known as sensor monitoring and relay transmission, the system is designed for wear under normal conditions. It will transfer information by radio telemetry to a nearby computer for interpretation.
TenXsys is a privately held corporation headquartered in Eagle, Idaho. It produces a wide range of radio telemetry based products and services.
More is at tenxsys.com

AMIS Creates Acoustic Shock Solution for Headset Users
(Pocatello) AMI Semiconductor has announced new software to mitigate the problems of acoustic shock in products such as communications headsets.
The software allows manufacturers to design products that protect users from injury and help employers conform to new workplace safety legislation.
Acoustic shock, a growing problem in workplaces like call centers where headsets are extensively used, occurs when a sudden peak in sound reaches a person’s ears. Over the course of the day, the user commonly hears shrieks, whistles, feedback, clicks, pops or high-pitched fax/modem tones. Prolonged exposure to these high levels of sound can result in serious long-term harm, including conditions such as tinnitus, vestibular disturbance and hyperacusis or sensitivity to everyday sounds.
Unlike passive approaches to combating acoustic shock, AMIS’ approach enables the frequency spectrum of each instance of acoustic shock to be analyzed and processed differently. That means a tailored response depending on the nature of the sound. This is critical for properly managing long-term exposure.
With this built-in intelligence, a much wider range of complex sound scenarios can be managed. More is at amis.com.

DocuTech Marks Record Year
(Idaho Falls) DocuTech Corp., which provides compliance services and documentation technology for the mortgage industry, reported a record year of growth in 2005, the result of new products, key employee additions and fulfillment center expansion levels.
The success of WebXpress was a catalyst for last year’s performance. The new service enables users to meet government-mandated timelines for initial disclosures while providing increased speed and security.
Within its first year, WebXpress was implemented by 30 percent of the company’s existing users and accounted for 25 percent of the new business. The secure desktop and Web-based product enables users to better manage files by equipping them with the necessary tools to securely record and update all their loan documents in a fraction of the time traditional methods require.
More is at docutechcorp.com.

Space Nuclear Research Center Offers Fellowships
(Idaho Falls) The Center for Space Nuclear Research is accepting applications for summer fellowships.
The deadline is March 15.
The goal is to provide participants an opportunity to learn and evaluate current issues involving nuclear power and propulsion technologies for space exploration. This year’s primary project will be to evaluate the application of using a nuclear thermal rocket to support a Lunar Outpost. The fellowships will be granted for roughly 10 weeks at the center in Idaho Falls.
The 2006 program is composed of three different opportunities.
1) Support Idaho National Laboratory staff in experimental work on fabricating refractory nuclear fuels.
2) Support INL staff in risk analysis and human factors assessment.
3) Operate as part of a team for the center to evaluate the potential performance of a nuclear thermal rocket in supporting a lunar outpost.
An office, computer and phone will be provided to each fellow. Low-cost housing is available within a short distance of the facilities. A stipend will be granted to each participant depending upon grade level: $500 a week for upper-level undergraduates with over 50 credits, $600 a week for master’s level and $700 a week for PhD level.
Applications are available online by going to the center’s main page http://www.csnr.usra.edu.

Telemetric Announces Three New Remote Telemetry Modules
(Boise) Telemetric Corp., which makes wireless communication products for the electric utility industry, has added three new models to its family of intelligent wireless Remote Telemetry Modules.
Unlike private radio networks that require large investment in communications infrastructure, the remote telemetry modules communicate through the commercial wireless networks, delivering very cost effective solutions that can be rapidly deployed. Users can be notified of events via pager or e-mail, or the information can be delivered to their supervisory control and data acquisition systems, energy management system or other applications. They may also view and manage their device information on their own secure Web page using a standard Web browser.
The first new model communicates with up to five different intelligent electronic devices or remote terminal units using Distributed Network Protocol 3.0. The new model allows users to monitor and control up to 100 protocol points on each intelligent electronic device. The device is an ideal solution for communicating with voltage regulators, network protectors or small distribution substations.
The second new model communicates with advanced electric meters using the new C12.18/19 protocol of the American National Standards Institute. This new model provides a cost effective solution for obtaining customer load profile information for commercial and industrial customers or substation delivery points. It is particularly well suited for load forecasting applications requiring frequent reads.
The third new model communicates with any intelligent electronic device using Cooper 2179 protocol. This model enables customers to communicate directly with older Cooper reclosers using Form 4C controls.
Electric utilities throughout the United States and Canada have deployed remote telemetry modules to communicate with reclosers, switches, capacitor banks, network protectors, relays, remote terminal units and meters.
More is at telemetric.net.

University Produces Breakthroughs in Materials Fabrication for Navy
(Moscow) The push to develop smaller, lighter, efficient, cost-effective military communications technologies in University of Idaho laboratories has led to some breakthrough research in materials fabrication.
Professors Yang-Ki Hong, David McIlroy, Richard Wells, Wei Jiang Yeh and Jeffrey Young of the Microelectronics Research and Communications Institute have been working to develop thick hexaferrite films for use in wideband circulator devices essential to military communications. The devices are found in a variety of military technologies including point-to-point communication and radar systems.
Ferrite is magnetic material comprised of iron oxide and other chemical compounds. It is used in devices like circulators, which allow microwave communications systems to receive and transmit electromagnetic signals simultaneously. In such applications, ferrite films are expected to reduce manufacturing costs, increase microwave communications efficiency and result in smaller, light-weight communications devices. Ferrite films can also be used effectively in filters, isolators, inductors and phase shifters, which are also critical devices in military systems.
Every branch of the Department of Defense is currently looking to develop next generation microwave communication technologies to support a highly mobile, adaptable and agile military. The Navy, particularly, has demonstrated interest in materials science that might lead to improved technologies. Office of Naval Research grants support the University of Idaho’s Advanced Microwave Ferrite Research project, which began in March 2004.
Once a device emerges from school’s laboratories, the technology will be transferred to the Navy and evaluated for use in large-scale shipboard systems including missile guidance and targeting systems. The university team hopes to have a prototype built and tested by the end of 2007.
The project has resulted in multiple patent applications through the Idaho Research Foundation. Future applications and incarnations of the technologies for air and land-based military operations are also likely as are eventual industrial uses, Young said.
The university is one of only a few in the country addressing the scientific challenges of microwave ferrite film development for military applications.

Below: Read Four Op-Ed Pieces on Developing Idaho’s Technology Infrastructure

Idaho Must Meet the Challenge and Secure the State’s High Technology Future
By John Grossenbacher, director of the Idaho National Laboratory and chairman of the Governor’s Science & Technology Advisory Council
Link to opinion piece here. click here
Statewide Technology Transfer Office Will Benefit Idaho
By Robin Woods, founder and president of Alturas Analytics in Moscow, and a member of the Governor’s Science & Technology Advisory Council.
Link to opinion piece here. click here
Small Investment Will Increase Idaho’s Share of Federal Research Dollars
By Layne Simmons, vice president, chief operations officer and co-founder of TenXsys, Inc. in Eagle, a small business that specializes in developing advanced telemetry devices for monitoring and collecting biometric and environmental data.
Link to opinion piece here. click here
Idaho’s TechConnect Program Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed
By Ray Barnes, who chaired the Interim Board of Directors of Idaho TechConnect and is the Director of Technology Transfer and Commercialization at the Idaho National Laboratory
Link to opinion piece here. click here

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]

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."

2006 Events Calendar
March 2
INL Day at the Legislature
Boise, Idaho
The Idaho National Laboratory will feature its technologies 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Idaho Capitol Rotunda, fourth floor. Two special speaker presentations will take place in the morning. Displays will include information on Space Nuclear Projects, Idaho’s Test Range, Bioenergy and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies as well as others.

March 16
Be Your Own Media Seminar
Nampa, Idaho
Boise State University and a group of innovative media companies sponsor a program to share insights on the implications of new media technologies to traditional marketing at a day-long seminar. Seminar will focus on the evolution of new media technologies such as RSS, Web 2.0, blogs and podcasts. Admission is free by simply registering for the event at http://www.bluelineresults.com/beyourownmedia.

March-May
Ecohydraulics Research Seminars
Boise, Idaho
The Student Chapter of the International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research announces its brown bag series for spring 2006. The free series is open to the public and will take place each Friday until May 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Idaho Water Center in Boise. Topics will include stream restoration, remote sensing, data transfer in visual basic, riparian habitat and flood plain modeling, shear stress reversal and much more. Web site: http://www.uidaho.edu/ecohydraulics

March-June
Six Sigma Belt Courses
Boise, Idaho
Green belt and black belt certification programs offered throughout the spring. Instruction provided by ETI Group of Bellevue, Wash. For registration or information, email [email protected] or call (208) 364-6188.

March 22-24
Kickstart/Northwest Venture Championships
Boise, Idaho
The second annual Kickstart event featuring keynote speaker Bo Peabody will include more than a dozen workshops to help entrepreneurs get started. More information is at kickstartidaho.com.

March 23-25
Idaho Academy of Science Meeting
Moscow, Idaho
The 48th annual Idaho Academy of Science meeting and symposium is themed "Science Across the Boundaries — Interdisciplinary Research for Natural Resource Conservation." Information is at ag.uidaho.edu/ias06/.

March 27-29
World’s Best Technologies Showcase
Arlington, Texas
More information is at wbt05.com.

April 9-12
BIO 2006
Chicago, Illinois
The Idaho pavilion returns to the international Biotechnology Industry Organization show in Chicago. For information on attending the show as part of the Idaho contingent, contact BioIdaho at (208) 336-8431. More information about the international tradeshow is also at bio.org.

May 15-18
National SBIR Spring 2006 Conference
Louisville, Ky
More information is at sbirworld.com.

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.
This document is available upon request in alternative formats for individuals with disabilities.
[email protected] • Idaho Commerce & Labor