Innovation + Job News

There's a new incubator network in town. The Maryland Clean Energy Technology Incubator Network will offer support to early stage companies working with clean energy technologies and advance green job creation in Maryland.

The production of a partnership between Maryland Clean Energy Center and the bwtech@UMBC the new site, the Maryland Clean Energy Technology Incubator@bwtech (CETI), is the first in a planned statewide network of clean energy incubators designed to strengthen Maryland's "Smart, Green and Growing" energy economy.

"bwtech@UMBC is our first site because we were so impressed with their management and track record there," says Katherine Magruder, executive director of Maryland Clean Energy Center.

""The Maryland Clean Energy Center is striving to partner with energy experts throughout the state in order to fulfill its mission of growing Maryland's clean energy economy through related economic development and job creation. Because bwtech@UMBC has a proven track record of success our Board elected to work with their team to establish our first Clean Energy Incubator Network site at UMB," she adds.

The goal is to draw from the depth and variety of the research presence in the state, and use the incubator network to move discoveries from the bench to the bank in the commercialization pipeline, according to Magruder.

"The program seeks to provide affordable space as well as assistance with business plans, marketing, and management of intellectual property for start-up companies that are focused on a clean or renewable energy product, service or technology," she says.

CETI will provide services specifically tailored to the needs of companies working with solar power, wind power, geothermal, hydro-power, biofuels as well as energy management and storage technologies. A part-time Entrepreneur-in-Residence and an advisory board of experienced researchers and executives in the clean energy sector will also provide tenant companies with assistance.

CETI will occupy about 18,000 square feet of office and wet lab space in the Biotechnology Building of bwtech@UMBC's Incubator and Accelerator, located on the south campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Writer: Walaika Hasins
Source: Katherine Magruder, Maryland Clean Energy Center

bwtech@UMBC Research Park has expanded its facilities, launching a new incubator in Class A office space that targets small disadvantaged businesses. The new incubator is designed for early-stage companies owned by minorities, women and veterans and have substantial business activities aimed at providing technology-related products and services to state and federal agencies.

Founding tenants include Premier Management Corporation, a network security consultant for NSA and other government agencies; Farfield Systems, a provider of IT and systems engineering services and training; CardioMed Device Consultants, a regulatory consultant for medical device companies; and the Nixon Group, a multi-faceted company in healthcare and financial services

Since its opening several additional companies have expressed interest in the new incubator, says Deborah Shapiro, a bwtech@UMBC spokesperson.

"Businesses that contract with the federal government are still experiencing growth, despite weakening in the overall market," says Alex Euler, associate director, bwtech@UMBC. "The Advantage Incubator's proximity to a number of federal agencies and research centers such as NSA, NIH, FDA, NASA and DOD is a great asset. Client companies also benefit from the park's federal HUBZone and state Enterprise Zone designations."

According to the Baltimore City Department of General Services (DGS), the City will receive more than $400,000 as a result of participation in BGE's energy capacity savings program. Designed for customers to reduce the drain on the power provider during times of peak electric demand, the program provides alerts from BGE.

DGS reduces demand by activating backup generators at seven City facilities, including the Back River and Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plants, the Charles Benton and Abel Wolman buildings, and pumping stations at Jones Falls, Leaking Park and Dundalk. The agency's conservation efforts pay off handsomely with the City receiving a credit of more than $34,400 each month.

Last year, the program saved the city $38,000. Savings this year, however, have grown to 10 times that amount, with the agency already reporting savings of $300,000 this year through the implementation of utility bill audits and more than $5 million annually saved through other initiatives including energy performance contracting, installation of LED traffic lights and the waste-to-energy cogeneration facility at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. Other energy conservation efforts currently underway include, evaluating the use of biofuels in City boilers and the weatherization of fire stations with replacement windows and new roofs.

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: Baltimore City Department of General Services

Two Baltimore area companies earned rankings on Inc. magazine's 28^th Annual List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Annapolis, MD-based High Street Partners, an international consulting firm providing finance, accounting, compliance and human resource assistance to U.S. companies overseas took the No. 78 spot on the list. This marks the company's second year on the list. In 2008, High Street was ranked 84^th.

"We're honored to be ranked at number 78 this year and look forward to continuing our efforts in the market," says Larry Harding, CEO and president. "As increasing numbers of small and medium sized businesses expand overseas, High Street Partners will be there to guide them through the challenges and help them achieve success."

Coming in at No. 224, Carchex, a Baltimore-based nationwide vehicle inspection company, saw sales increase more than 930 percent to $9 million between 2005 and 2008.

"Inc. 500 is one of the most anticipated announcements every year. It's a who's who of skyrocketing companies and entrepreneurs. Being included with the Inc. 500 is an honor and further validation that CARCHEX is leading the way in our industry," says Jason Goldsmith, Carchex CEO.

Writer: Walaika Haskins

Source: Larry Harding, High Street Partners; Jason Goldsmith, Carchex

Maryland employers added 10,000 jobs, an increase of 4.8 percent, in July. According to the Labor Department estimates, number of jobs created in July was the largest increase in Maryland in the past four years.

Nevertheless, Maryland's unemployment rate grew, rising from 7.2 percent in June to 7.3 percent in July, a high not seen for more than a quarter century. That, however, is still well below the national unemployment rate of 9.4 percent.

Based on Labor Bureau job category definitions, Other Services and Government, two principal sectors that held back job growth in June led the employment increases in July, adding 6,000 jobs, while Government added 4,600 jobs. In addition, Accommodation and Food Services added 4,400 jobs. The state's manufacturing sector employment broke a sustained period of losses to adding 900 jobs during July, its greatest increase in ten years. However, this increase was limited to the durable goods manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing also posted strong gains in other parts of the country including Michigan, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky. These gains suggest a rebound in automobile manufacturing.

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: DBED

Engineers at Johns Hopkins University have put down their high-powered computers and cutting edge imaging software in favor of a popular child's toy. Instead of using routine high tech toys, they've turned to Lego pieces to help them visualize the behavior of particles, cells and molecules in environments too tiny to see with naked human eye.

Researchers use the peg-shaped Lego pieces to recreate the microscopic activity inside lab-on-chip devices, known as microfluidic arrays, at a more easily observable scale. The devices are commonly used to sort tiny samples by size, shape or composition, however, the minuscule forces at work at such an extremely small magnitude are difficult to measure, to say the least.

Led by Joelle Frechette and German Drazer, assistant professors of chemical and biomolecular engineering in the Whiting School of Engineering, the team of researchers used beads that were just a few millimeters in diameter, an aquarium filled with gooey glycerol and the Lego pieces arranged on a board to recreate the scene and unlock the mysterious workings taking place at the micro- and nanoscale level.

Data gained from the somewhat unusual tests could provide clues on improving the design and fabrication of lab-on-a-chip technology.

Writer: Walaika Haskins

Source: JHU

There's been a lot said about the negative impact for kids who spend too much time tied to their computer screen, but according to a recent $50 million study funded by the MacArthur Foundation, using digital media could teach kids something and is not just mindless Internetainment.

Children, according to the study, can learn technical skills, how to get along with people and maintain an online public identity. Some kids are able to take these lessons to the next level by "geekin-out" a peer-driven method of learning focused on gaining deep knowledge and expertise in specific areas that interest them.

Enter Cogito.org, an online community for so-called geeks, gifted middle- and high-school student who live for math and science. Developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth in partnership with other leading centers for gifted children, Cogito, students have geeked out with Terry Tao, 2007 recipient of the Fields Medal in mathematics (the Nobel Prize equivalent on that subject), Johns Hopkins stem cell pioneer Doug Kerr, and geophysicist Allen West, whose theories about the extinction of the great mammals were featured in NOVA on PBS.

Writer: Walaika Haskins

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) researchers have developed a highly sensitive test that searches for DNA attachments that often serve as early warning signs of cancer. The new technology uses tiny crystals called quantum dots to detect the presence and quantity of certain DNA changes. It could be used to detect people at risk for developing cancer and let doctors know the effectiveness of a particular cancer treatment.

Published in the August issue of the journal Genome Research, the test was developed by Jeff Tza-Huei Wang, an associate professor of mechanical engineering and colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Center.

"If it leads to early detection of cancer, this test could have huge clinical implications," said Jeff Tza-Huei Wang, an associate professor of mechanical engineering whose lab team played a leading role in developing the technique. "Doctors usually have the greatest success in fighting cancer if they can treat it in its early stage."

Writer: Walaika Haskins

Swedish bioenergy company, Swebo Bioenergy International, has selected Maryland as the location for its U.S. headquarters. The clean technology company, which develops, produces and sells climate neutral bioenergy systems, plans to open its new offices in Annapolis this fall.

Swebo will initially hire 3 employees, but expects to bring on an additional 15 to 20 employees as the company gears up to its begin manufacturing operation in the U.S.

Gov. Martin O'Malley met with Swebo during his economic development mission to Sweden last June. Company representatives came to Maryland, touring several locations throughout the state, including Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore before settling on Annapolis.

"I am pleased that our economic development mission to Sweden produced such significant and swift results," says Governor O'Malley. "Swebo International will be a great addition to the business community in Maryland, which, because of Maryland's leadership in the use of smart, green technologies, is quickly becoming a very attractive location for alternative energy companies.

Based in northern Sweden, Swebo specializes in manufacturing products that handle the efficient combustion of waste fuels.

"We are happy with what we have seen in Maryland and our options to establish a U.S. headquarters, followed by manufacturing operations," says Swebo Bioenergy CEO Mattias Lindren. "We looked at other states to establish our U.S. operations, but decided to locate in Maryland because of the support we received from Governor O'Malley."

Writer: Walaika Haskins

What Maryland company is behind the HD in the latest iteration of Microsoft's Zune HD? That would be Ibiquity Digital Corp., a Columbia, MD-based technology company. It's HD Radio technology powers the Zune's HD Radio receive, enabling listeners to listen to higher quality sound than available via traditional radios.

If you're not familiar with HD Radio, you're not alone. In development for about ten years, the new radio technology has flown under the public's radar, but it is the future of radio. Essentially the same as AM and FM radio, HD radio broadcasters send out signals that are then picked up by listeners' receivers.

Unlike traditional radio, however, HD radio stations emit a mixed signal comprised of both analog and digital transmissions. Using the same frequencies allotted to analog stations, the addition of the digital band enables radio stations to transmit multiple broadcasts and also include textual data. HD receivers pick up the signals as they bounce of off buildings and other objects, providing crystal clear sound due to designs that enable them to sort through the reflected signals and reduce static, hissing, popping and fades.

"We are very excited about the launch of HD Radio technology on Microsoft's Zune HD. This brings a vast new group of consumers the high-quality, innovative HD2/HD3 programming only available through HD Radio broadcasts. Microsoft is blazing a trail for a whole new generation of small, hand-held HD Radio enabled products," says Bob Struble, president and CEO of Ibiquity.

With more than 3,000 HD Radio stations and an ever increasing number of auto manufacturers and electronics device makers embracing the technology, Ibiquity was reportedly able to add $21 million in backing from investors in August.

Microsoft'sZune HD, in 16GB and 32GB versions, is set for release on Sept. 15.

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: Bob Struble, Ibiquity

It took a year, but Charm City Concierge, a Baltimore-based corporate concierge service, launched its new virtual concierge website. The Concierge Dashboard software application is a nationwide first in the concierge industry.

The membership-only website enables clients to create a personalized desktop that acts as a virtual community available at the touch of a button. The site offers Charm City Concierge clients 24/7 access to shop online for products and services. The website's unique interface provides one-stop shopping for anything a client might need.

Forget scouring the Web for hours looking for just the right item or present, clients instead are able to chose from a variety of products and gifts meticulously chosen by Charm City staffers who have already done the virtual leg work.

In addition, the customizable desktop features news, weather, traffic and can also link to individual Facebook and Twitter pages.

"As our company has evolved, the need for this virtual concierge website became inevitable. It fills the needs of our clients on all levels nd allows us another step up on our competitors. Having our new technology in place leaves us poised for growth as the economy bounces back," says Tina Urquhart, president, Charm City Concierge.

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: Tina Urquhart, Charm City Concierge

The upcoming 2010 Census will create approximately 11,350 jobs throughout Maryland, according to the Maryland State Department of Business & Economic Development.

The Census Bureau will open nine local census offices across the state by October. Three offices located in Baltimore, Frederick and Largo have already opened, with six more expected to open during the fall in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Maryland's Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, and one additional office Baltimore City.

Hundreds of census takers and other administrative staff will be hired in the Baltimore City area for work that will begin in March 2010, says Sylvia Ballinger, a U.S. Census spokesperson.

"Recruiting will begin in November and training will start in 2010," she says.

The Baltimore County Data Capture Center, one of only three national data collection centers in the country, will continue to accept applications. Data capture centers will process the 2010 census questionnaires as households across the U.S. return them. The 236,500 sq. ft facility will bring some 2500 jobs to Baltimore County and will process about 40 percent of the census forms returned by respondents.

Anyone interested in applying for a seasonal position should call 866-861-2010 to submit an application.

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: Sylvia Ballinger, U.S. Census Bureau

Federal employees at the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Metro West complex are getting new digs. The SSA plans to move its 1600 employees from its current location at 300 N. Greene Street in West Baltimore to a new office building in Northwest Baltimore near the Reisterstown Plaza Metro station.

The 538,000 square-foot office building and 1,076 square-foot garage will be built on an 11.3-acre parcel of land at 6100 Wabash Avenue that will be leased to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The GSA is currently seeking a developer to complete the building by 2012.

The move from the technologically obsolete West Baltimore offices is not a part of any stimulus project, according to Rochelle Spector, City Councilwoman of the 5^th District where the new offices will be built. However, it will have the same impact as stimulus money would act as an economic generator for the next four decades.

"This is a major anchor for Baltimore City. It will promote further development for that area, including more residential, office and retail spaces. This has already benefited our area. For the first time in the Park Heights area in almost 40 years we have one-family homes being built so that people can live, work and play here. That's a real plus. This is not stimulus but it accomplishes exactly what we need to do to get people to live and work in Baltimore city," she says.

The planned office complex is the first stage of a larger development centered on the metro station at Reisterstown Plaza. It will include housing, retail space and offices. It is part of an initiative by the state of Maryland to create transit-centered mixed-use developments. The Reisterstown location could become a model for similar developments.

Residents of Canton, Dundalk and other communities near the Port of Baltimore will soon be able to breathe easier. The U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Port of Baltimore will receive $3.5 million in Recovery Act funding to help cut diesel pollution and clean the air in and around the Port.

The grant will be used to implement clean-diesel technology in 142 pieces of essential diesel-powered equipment used for harbor operations, including 2 tugboats, 7 locomotives, 50 short haul trucks and 83 on-dock handling units. It will also create jobs and reduce asthma rates and other respiratory illnesses.

The latest clean-diesel technology meets higher air quality standards. It is projected to cut emissions by up to 90 percent, dramatically reducing fine particulate and other pollutants contributing to smog. The new clean-diesel technologies include 9 engine repowers, 43 vehicle and equipment replacements, 83 exhaust controls and 7 idling devices.

The grant will also support extensive outreach to the maritime community with information about ways and technologies to cost-effectively reduce air emissions in collaboration with the Baltimore Port Alliance's environment committee.

"Recovery Act dollars will help the Port protect air quality and the health of Baltimore communities," says Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. "Investing in clean diesel puts people to work and keeps them working, which helps our economy and our environment."

The Port of Baltimore was one of seven applicants selected to receive a share of $16.1 million from a pool of 40 requests.

"We are pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency saw fit to award the Port of Baltimore one of these seven grants," says Kathy Broadwater, deputy executive director for the MPA. "This generous funding will help us continue our commitment to a cleaner and healthier Port of Baltimore and surrounding community. These stimulus dollars are an excellent example of our government working to retain employment and creating a healthier environment for the country."

The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI) has reached a deal with Plasmonix, Inc. that grants the company license to its metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF)patents. The agreement stipulates that Plasmonix creates a new spin-off company located in Maryland.

MEF technology dramatically increases the sensitivity and speed of a broad range of diagnostic and biological assays for DNA and for proteins. It has multiple applications in clinical diagnostics and homeland security.

One real world application of MEF technology will detect the elevated enzymes associated with a heart attack in 20 seconds as a patient is transported via ambulance to the hospital. From a security perspective, it can be used to rapidly detect minute amounts of biohazard agents.

The new company will be dedicated to bringing the MEF technology developed by UMBI's Institute of Flourescence to the marketplace.