DeltaNu, formerly CC Technology Inc., is a UW spin-out company founded in 1997 by Keith Carron and Robert Corcoran, professors in the UW Department of Chemistry. They are partnering with Smiths Detection for the new system that will complement Smiths Detection's widely-deployed HazMatID FT-IR system. That product offers a confirming, independent analysis of unidentified liquids, powders and solids.

Smiths Detection, a U.S. subsidiary of Smiths Group plc, a $5 billion United Kingdom-based company, is one of four operating divisions. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons and contraband.

DeltaNu has developed a highly-sensitive spectrometer called an Integrated Raman Device (IRD). Carron and two DeltaNu engineers, Mark Watson and Shane Buller, invented a portable and rapid high-tech detection system useful for widespread applications ranging from medical diagnostic techniques to environmental monitoring and detection of illegal drugs.

"We are pleased to partner with Smiths Detection," says Carron, who is the company's CEO. "Our hand-held Raman technology is a vital, new addition to the arsenal of tools enabling first responders to rapidly identify unknown chemicals at the site of the incident. Our company has been looking for the appropriate strategic partner to market our revolutionary technology, and Smiths was at the top of our list." The company's Raman technology was developed using nearly $4 million in seed capital grants received from the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. In addition to the Raman system designed for Smiths Detection, the company manufactures and sells a number of other Raman systems for the research, education, industrial and forensic markets.

At last month's National American Chemical Society meeting it was announced that a team of researchers at Northwestern University used DeltaNu's system to detect sub-pathogenic levels of anthrax, Carron says. He adds that the company has sold more than 80 of its products, mostly to universities, but the products also are being used by The Louvre Museum in Paris to authenticate artwork, the Museum of Natural History in Paris to measure the gems and minerals used to inlay a 17th century Florentine marquetry table, and by the U.K. Ministry of Defense.

Based on Raman technology, the new chemical analyzer requires only seconds to identify toxic industrial chemicals, nerve and blister agents, weapons of mass destruction, explosives, narcotics, and common chemicals. The system will non-destructively analyze substances directly or through glass and clear plastic containers.

The DeltaNu Raman system creates a unique spectral signature by measuring the interaction of a low-power laser with a sample. Like the HazMatID, the signature is compared against an on-board database library of known chemicals for an identity. Because Raman measures a different chemical property than the HazMatID, it is an ideal confirmatory tool for analysing unknowns, Carron says.

To verify the identification of a potentially dangerous unknown substance, emergency response teams routinely conduct two or more independent tests. The Raman spectroscopy, when combined with FT-IR spectroscopy, enables first responders to quickly apply two fundamentally different techniques to a sample, ensuring a high degree of accuracy when identifying unknowns. The combination of the two analyzer technologies is well suited to identifying complex materials such as mixtures containing multiple chemicals and wet samples, Carron says.

DeltaNu is expanding its operations to a new 5,000 square foot facility in Laramie and recently added two new employees, bringing the workforce to six full-time and six part-time employees, and plans to make several more hires in the next year.

"We are very happy with the cooperation of American National Bank, the Wyoming Business Council and the Laramie Economic Development Corporation in putting together a package to create a manufacturing center in Laramie," Carron says.

Gene Watson, Wyoming Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Initiative program manager, says DeltaNu is the state's most successful SBIR program to date.

"The past seven years the company has received 16 Phase I and Phase II awards totaling $3.7 million and has shipped Raman systems to customers around the world," he says.

The Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI) is funded by the Wyoming Business Council and administered by the University of Wyoming vice president for research. The initiative helps qualified Wyoming small businesses and individuals to access the funds available through the SBIR and STTR Programs, which support the development of new, cutting-edge technologies. Eleven federal agencies support the SBIR program, providing U.S. small businesses with more than $2 billion annually. Last year 12 Wyoming businesses received more than $3.5 million in SBIR grants.

The SBIR grants are provided in two phases. Phase I, when the feasibility of the concept is determined, typically is funded by a grant of up to $100,000. The Phase II grant, used to develop a prototype, typically is funded by up to $750,000.

I am very excited to help put this conference together, said Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander. Telecommunications is a critically important part of Wyoming's economic future. We need to continue the progress made in making our communications infrastructure the equal of the best in the world..

Case and others organized the telecommunications forum, which is designed to bring legislators, regulators, industry stakeholders, consumer advocacy groups, business sector representatives and interested individuals together in a neutral venue to discuss existing telecommunications law and possible future revisions.

In 1995, lawmakers passed the Wyoming Telecommunications Act, which recognized the increasingly competitive nature of the telecommunications industry and the impact of competition on the citizens of Wyoming. The act made Wyoming one of the first states to promote competition in the telecommunications industry as statutory policy. During the last decade much has been accomplished, and Wyoming citizens have seen new options and choices in their telecommunications services.

The number of wire line carriers has increased by more than 500 percent, from 14 incumbent providers to 72 providers. During the same period, eight wireless companies began providing service to about 278,000 Wyoming residents. Also, several local companies have indicated that they intend to roll out various forms of Internet voice and information services including VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) in various Wyoming areas in the near future. However, challenges remain, and there is room for improvement in Wyoming telecommunications.

The upcoming telecommunications forum is designed to look to the future and examine what policy and statutory initiatives might now be best suited for Wyoming, Gov. Dave Freudenthal said. Both affordable basic phone service and high speed communications services will be vital to the future of Wyoming. The forum will address the best public policy strategies to address both needs.

During the forum, speakers and panelists will cover topics including: the future direction of federal telecommunications legislation; current and emerging technology; Wyoming’s telecommunications infrastructure; consumer issues including availability, reliability, security, safety, and affordability; the Wyoming Universal Service Fund; what is working elsewhere, especially in other states; and the present and future needs of Wyoming telecommunications customers.

Telecommunications infrastructure is a critical necessity to diversify Wyoming's economy, said Tucker Fagan, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council. More businesses are looking for a place with a business-friendly environment and factors like high-speed broadband, low crime rates, good schools, low air pollution and recreational opportunities.

The 2005 Wyoming Telecommunications Forum is scheduled for April 26-27, 2005, at the University of Wyoming Rochelle Athletic Center in Laramie. General registration is $100 per person and includes meals and all forum sessions. Participants can register for the forum toll-free (877) 733-3618, by calling (307) 766-2124 or online at https://outreach.uwyo.edu/eventmanager/OnlineRegistration.asp?EventCode=4WM

For questions about the forum, or to get a copy of the current agenda please contact Deb McFerrin at 307-777- 7420 or dmcfer@state.wy.us.

On March 24, 2005 the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) governing board voted to allow MAMTC-Wyoming to form their individual state MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) to be known as Manufacturing-Works. Coincidentally it has been almost exactly 10 years since Wyoming initiated its place in a multi-state partnership known as MAMTC.

During the period of April 1 through June 30, 2005 the Wyoming MEP will be transitioning from the MAMTC (Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center) you have known for the last 10 years into the Manufacturing-Works you will encounter after July 1, 2005. The new name is in place today as well as some new contractual forms and identification material. Current professionals and contact information will remain the same for now, with some changes, additions, modifications and reassignment in personnel and abilities anticipated to emerge going forward.

Larry Stewart, Director
MANUFACTURING WORKS

Conventional wisdom has it that venture capital-backed start-ups are the best engines of innovation. But are they in fact? With venture capital funding an order of magnitude greater today than it was in the early 1990's, now is an excellent time to ask: has all that funding over the past decade brought more innovation or less? Two venture capitalists present data that runs counter to the conventional wisdom in this article from IEEE SPECTRUM ON-LINE.

The Wyoming Small Business Development Center exists to help start-up and existing small businesses by providing education, workshops, resources and free, confidential business counseling. The Wyoming Small Business Development Center is a partnership program funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council, and the University of Wyoming. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact: Linda Calhoun in Gillette at: (307) 682-5232, toll-free 1-888-956-6060 or email: reg5sbdc@vcn.com

7.1 VENTURE WEST'S 3rd ANNUAL ENTREPRENEUR’S PITCH MEETING, MAY 12, LARAMIE


The MIT Forum was started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a time-honored format for business plan presentation and critique. The program was designed to allow an entrepreneur access to advice and criticism from experts within his industry. Each entrepreneur has 5 minutes to give their business plan presentation and then the panel will have the opportunity to critique the presentation and plan.

Cost: $30 for members and students; $40 for non-members

If you are trying to build or grow your business, you need to:


• Hear from experienced entrepreneurs that have raised capital
  
• Network with investors that have capital to invest
  
• Write a business plan that can attract investment $$
  
• Learn what you need to give-up for what you can gain

Also, May 12 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Venture West is sponsoring "Maturing Your Business Plan to Attract Investors and Grow a Company" workshop.

This workshop will look at the before and after versions of a business plan that successfully received investor financing.

Cost: $10 for members and students; $20 for non-members

Both events will be held at the Howard Johnson's (formerly Foster's Country Corner) in Laramie
Located at I-80 and Snowy Range exit. For room reservations call 307-742-8371

Register for both May 12 events on-line at: http://www.venturewest.org/registermain.html

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7.2 7th ANNUAL NIH SBIR/STTR CONFERENCE



The 7th Annual NIH SBIR/STTR conference dates are now set for July 28- 29,2005. The conference will be held on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. Learn How to Tap into $640 M Reserved Explicitly for Small Businesses Interested in Biomedical/Behavioral Research.

This free two day conference, organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will focus on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding opportunities available explicitly to small businesses that have innovative biomedical or behavioral research ideas with commercial potential. This conference will benefit those who are relatively new to the Program as well as those who are more experienced.

This is a must-attend conference if you're interested in the NIH SBIR/STTR program.

Questions? Contact Mark Brown - ConferenceInquiries@mail.nih.gov or 240-632-5618.

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7.3 2005 FALL NATIONAL SBIR/STTR CONFERENCE, ALBANY, NEW YORK


Where: Albany, NY, The Crowne Plaza Hotel Albany City Center
When: Monday, November 14, 2005 to Thursday, November 17, 2005


Description: The National Science Foundation, in association with the Small Business Administration and all 11 SBIR agencies, is sponsoring this 2005 Fall National SBIR/STTR Conference.

Annually, the SBIR and STTR programs provide over $2 billion to small businesses through federal programs to help entrepreneurs take their ideas from conception to reality. This conference will give you the tools you need to obtain part of the $2+ billion available to small business innovators. This conference also provides each participant with multiple opportunities to meet and network with SBIR and STTR Program Managers, and fellow attendees, including SBIR/STTR award winners, speakers, and experts from businesses and the government willing to work with you to move your business ahead.

Who Should Attend: Attendees include SBIR and STTR representatives from the Federal Agencies involved in the programs, sales and marketing professionals, small business owners, entrepreneurs, university researchers, scientists seeking commercialization strategies, venture capitalists, and all small businesses seeking to secure federal funding.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. Refer questions to Sharon DelaBarre at sbir@dbamlg.com or 360-683-5742.

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This competition tip first appeared in the July 30, 1999 issue of the Wyoming SBIR Newsletter. Follow this link to a complete set of Competition Tips.

TO BE ADDED TO OR REMOVED FROM THE DISTRIBUTION LIST FOR THIS NEWSLETTER, SEND NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL ADDRESS TO jillkline@vcn.com.

Prepared by: Jill Kline, WSSI Outreach Coordinator, 307.682.2660 or toll free in Wyoming, 866.703.3280, jillkline@vcn.com, and Gene Watson, WSSI Program Manager, 307.742.7162, ewatson@wyoming.com.

This newsletter is published every other week as part of the Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI). The mission of the Initiative is to increase the number of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program awards to Wyoming. The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) funds the initiative which is administered by the University of Wyoming Research Office. Please contact Jill Kline (see contact information above) with your comments.