ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 24, 2008) - - -  Five companies specializing in cutting edge defense and homeland security technologies participated in the Chesapeake Innovation Center's (CIC) TechBridge program on July 16, 2008.  These companies were able to present their products and technologies to the CIC partners such as Northrop Grumman, National Security Agency, and ARINC.   TechBridge is the process used by the CIC to connect its partners who are major users of technology, with small, innovative companies at the forefront of innovation. 

 

Technologies that were presented during the July TechBridge program included:

• passive wireless microelectronic sensors and sensor interrogation systems based on proprietary acoustic wave technology for application in extreme environments
• a wireless sensor networks for use in aerospace, defense, civil structure monitoring, and other commercial markets
• a 3-D tracking, monitoring and data communications for applications such as real-time firefighter and Blue Force location, tracking and safety monitoring.
• a technology used for data extraction, validation and secure remote processing of complex formed data
• a technology applicable to manufacturing of next generations thin film products such as solar cells, optics, semiconductors and flat panel displays

 

"The high caliber technologies presented by these five companies could address some of the crucial needs in our defense sector," said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold.  "TechBridge is a strong program that can bring benefit to Anne Arundel County, the State of Maryland, and our nation."

 

County Executive Leopold continued, "TechBridge is one of the ways that the CIC responds to the needs of its partners while helping emerging tech companies reach potential customers.  The program has great potential to bring win-win outcomes to both sides of the technology supply and demand cycle."

 

Companies come to the TechBridge program from across the nation and around the world through a number of sources including recommendations from the CIC partners, incubator associations such as the National Business Incubator Association, the CIC database of emerging companies, service providers,  direct inquiries from the companies themselves, and referrals from the venture community. Since 2003 when the CIC began, 116 local, national, and international companies have participated in the TechBridge program. 

 

"The TechBridge process has many benefits," said Sarah Djamshidi, CIC Executive Director.  "For some innovative technology companies with products ready to enter into the market place, TechBridge can potentially shorten the sales cycle or it can help introduce these companies to new market opportunities.  The TechBridge process also provides a way for select companies (those who pass the selection process) to obtain great market feedback from their potential customers."  "Finally," she continued, "TechBridge provides CIC partners access to innovative companies and keeps them abreast of the latest technologies the startups are working on."  CIC offers both Affiliate and Residential Memberships to companies who would like to take full advantage of CIC services. 

 

The next TechBridge presentation date is set for September 24, 2008.  CIC will have TechBridge meetings at least six times a year.  Any companies interested in the TechBridge program and CIC services should call the CIC at 410-224-2030 or visit the website at www.cic-tech.org

About Chesapeake Innovation Center

The Chesapeake Innovation Center (www.cic-tech.org) is America's first business accelerator for homeland and national security. The CIC identifies and screens early stage technology companies to:

 

• Connect innovative technology and business models with government agency and corporate Partners who contract with the CIC to identify specific technology solutions
• Nurture and support promising advanced technology businesses
• Coach Member and Affiliate companies to succeed in this market

 

CIC services include access to potential customer and partners, Homeland and National Security contractors and government agencies, hands-on coaching and assistance on business planning, product planning, market strategies and fundraising; access to CIC advisors, and access to furnished Class A offices in the technology corridor.  The CIC's established partnerships with ARINC, NSA, and Northrop Grumman have provided support and access to the marketplace for CIC Member Companies. Currently, there are 5 Resident Member Companies and 2 Affiliate Member Companies.   Since it was launched in 2003, seven early stage technology companies have graduated from the CIC to grow their businesses.