Nearly 300 Expected to Attend Igniting Innovation Showcase

Ten high-tech companies to compete for $100,000 Prize

Melbourne, Fla. – Space Florida and the Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) expect nearly 300 participants at the Igniting Innovation (I²) Showcase on September 7, 2011 in Port Canaveral. The Showcase attendees will represent a diverse group of venture capital and angel investors, business development executives, investment bankers, entrepreneurs and others interested in technology business development in Florida.

The day-long Showcase of business plan presentations begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Radisson at the Port convention center. Registration services will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. The Showcase combines two efforts lead by the TRDA—the Capital Acceleration Program funded by Space Florida, and Clean Tech Ventures supported by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Both of these TRDA managed initiatives competitively sought out the most promising and investment ready technology businesses in Florida.

The companies presenting and exhibiting at the Showcase represent a wide array of key industry clusters in Florida, including Aerospace/Aviation, Biotech/Life Science, Clean Technology/Alternative Energy, Defense/Homeland Security, and Information Technology/Telecommunications. “These are the high-growth potential industries that will generate the quality jobs now and in the future that are so critical to our community,” said Chester Straub, TRDA Executive Director. “Together with Space Florida we are excited to host what we believe will be unparalleled day of entrepreneurial presentations and exhibits of cutting-edge products and services.”

The Showcase’s morning business plan presentation sessions will be devoted to the Capital Acceleration Program and feature companies in all the industry clusters. The afternoon presentations are dedicated to the Clean Tech Venture companies. In addition to the presenting companies there’ll be nearly a dozen other innovative businesses exhibiting their technologies and products in a dedicated area inside the convention center of the Radisson.

One of the most unique elements of the Showcase will be the presentation of a $100,000 award to a selected company from those presenting during the morning sessions.  “Space Florida and TRDA are jointly collaborating to provide participating companies with access to industry expertise, customer contacts, qualified investors and experienced technology startup executives that understand what it takes to raise investment capital in Florida”, said Frank DiBello, Space Florida President and CEO.  “The inclusion of a $100,000 award allows the Igniting Innovation Program to pair up a meaningful capital infusion with the program’s superb business guidance.”

Showcase event sponsors include: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Christopher & Weisberg, P.A., Spacecoast Business, Hoyman Dobson, Community Credit Union, Hutchison Law Group, BB&T - J. Rolfe Insurance Services and Brevard Business News.

The Igniting Innovation program is an expansion of both Space Florida’s and TRDA's activities in technology-led economic development leading to Florida companies being better prepared for investment and boosting deal flow in the state.

The Capital Acceleration Program is funded under a U.S. Department of Commerce financial assistance grant to Space Florida. The management of the program was competitively awarded to TRDA. TRDA’s Clean Tech Ventures received its funding from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

For questions about the Showcase email Chester Straub, TRDA Executive Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For additional information about the I² Capital Acceleration Showcase, visit the website at www.i2Florida.com.

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About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov

About TRDA: Launched in 1987, the TRDA is a technology-based economic development organization with a focus on the incubation of new businesses, the acceleration of the growth of existing firms, and the commercialization of innovative technologies. For more information, visit www.trda.org