Thermaquatica gets Notice of Allowance for Coal-to-Liquids Technology Patent

Thermaquatica Inc., an SIU start-up that was recently in the news because of a partnership with Greenpower Energy Limited, received a notice of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for their patent entitled Process for the Dissolution of Coal, Biomass and Other Organic Solids in Superheated Water.  Congratulations to Thermaquatica and SIU inventor Dr. Ken Anderson!

Heads up youngsters: 10 business lessons you should know by age 40

After 30 years in business, an entrepreneur reveals 10 of the most important lessons he wishes he had learned earlier in life.  By Barry Moltz.

Have you saved the date? 2013 Tech Expo on Oct. 25

The 2013 Tech Expo is scheduled for October 25, 2013, at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center.

This year's keynote speaker is Lawrence Cruz, chief patent council for Conair Corporation and SIU alum.

Our tech presenters will be announced soon! The afternoon panel topic will be "Crowdfunding."

The Saluki Idea Competition elevator pitches will take place in the afternoon following the discussion panel, with winners announced at the reception.

Stay tuned for more info! You can also follow developments on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Give Feedback!

For the fall 2013 Saluki Idea Competition (remember, we run it on http://siu.launcht.com, crowdvoting, student teams, etc.) we are thinking of using the theme: Innovating Your Community.  Think along the lines of a benefit corporation; we will encourage entries with ideas for innovative community-based technologies, products or services that will not only be financially viable but will also socially and/or environmentally benefit the public.  Using the power/resources/know-how/whatever of the community where everyone wins!  It's similar to last year's theme, which was "Sustainability in your Community," but with a twist.

Do you think this is a good theme?  Do you have a better suggestion or suggestions for improvement?  Please give us your feedback here on the blog or at techtran@siu.edu.  Thanks!

Entrepreneur workshop for older adults is June 20

 

 

Sent to you by Amy via Google Reader:

 

 

Entrepreneur workshop for older adults is June 20

via The Saluki Times on 6/4/13

An event this month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will highlight that a person is never too old to become a successful entrepreneur.

 

 

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SIU Research Project on Kickstarter

Detect the Spawn: Biosensor for Fish Conservation

by Dr. Jim Garvey

Link to campaign: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/358503718/detect-the-spawn-biosensor-for-fish-conservation

Ever wanted to make a donation to help a species in need of conservation but didn't really know how your contribution was going to be used?  Researchers at SIU Carbondale have kicked this trend by using the popular fundraising platform Kickstarter.

"We've been conducting research on sturgeon in the Mississippi River basin for more than 15 years," says Dr. Jim Garvey, Director of the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences at SIU.  "Funding has been steady until the last couple of years.  We are trying to find alternative sources to continue our research.  Crowdfunding seems like an effective, grass-roots option."

Among the sturgeon Garvey and his colleagues research is a federally endangered species called the pallid sturgeon.  Key to recovering this species is identifying its spawning habitat in the river.

"One of the big mysteries for most any fish species is its spawning habitat.  In rivers like the Mississippi, it is impossible to actually see spawning occurring.  Knowing the site of spawning is critical because this is where the next cohort in the population will be produced.  Spawners need the right habitat and proper protection during the spawn."

Garvey and his team including Dr. Brian Small, Ian Suni, and Haibo Wang at SIU are raising money on Kickstarter to develop a sensor that will tell scientists when sturgeon are spawning.  The sensor will be implanted in female fish and attached to a transmitter.  When spawning occurs, the transmitter-sensor combination will be activated and send both the time and location information back to the researchers.

Garvey notes, "All the technology for developing a working biosensor that detects the spikes in reproductive hormones that occur during spawning are available.  The key is to develop a working model for the field affixed to commercially available animal transmitters.  We hope we can raise sufficient funds from Kickstarter to interest both government agencies and industry in partnering with us on more research."

Kickstarter is a great way for the public to become involved in conservation research at SIU and learn more about sturgeon in the rivers of the US.  The researchers benefit by accessing a unique source of funding.

Ultimately, the sturgeon win.

Coffee Talk today - shortened

Tech Tran Coffee Talk on Tuesday, June 4, will have a slightly altered schedule. Jeff Myers will be at the Student Center McDonald's from 9:45-10:30 a.m. for discussion of patents and innovation.