Innovation News

NKUInnovates gets creative juices flowing in Northern Kentucky

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Entrepreneurship
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March 30, 2010

An entrepreneurship class at NKU is looking for big ideas to improve life on campus and get creative juices flowing ahead of the annual Cincinnati Innovates start up competition. NKUInnovates is a first-time, campus wide competition encouraging creative and innovative ideas from anyone with an @nku.edu email address. Students, faculty and staff can submit ideas in seven categories ranging from waste reduction and wellness promotion to entertainment and new businesses.The competition started March 26 and ends April 22. It's modeled after Cincinnati Innovates, a regional competition that starts May 1 this year. "Out of the 286 ideas submitted to Cincinnati Innovates last year only 17 came from Northern Kentucky and only one was from NKU," said Bill Cunningham, director of the NKU Entrepreneurship Institute. "The class felt we needed to jumpstart that. People need permission and a venue to be creative, and this is a great opportunity to do that."Ideas can be submitted at the NKUInnovates web site in these categories: Green Planet, Health Wellness, Campus Environment, Community Connection, Culture, Start-Ups, and Big Ideas/The Future.Anyone with an @NKU.edu email address can vote for favorite ideas once a day. Each day an idea will be selected randomly and posted on the NKUInnovates website and the Student Union as Idea of the Day. A group of 50 selected judges from the business, education and cultural and social communities will also select top ideas. The top vote getters in each category – and the People's Choice – winner will be awarded an iPod. The person with the top-ranked idea out off all categories will win an iPad.Cunningham will encourage those with start up ideas to enter then into the Cincinnati Innovates contest. Other ideas will be presented to appropriate people on campus, and some of them could become reality.NKU Innovates is sponsored with grants from http://civicengagement.nku.edu/ Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement at NKU and the Griggs Family Foundation in Union.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Bill Cunningham, NKU Entrepreneurship Institute

Latest in Innovation News
Two UC professors found company to test bone strength
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Entrepreneurship
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March 30, 2010

A technology aimed at helping osteoporosis patients is the foundation of a new company that two University of Cincinnati professors launched.OsteoDynamics will be housed in BIOSTART, Cincinnati's life science company incubator. The company was formed with the help of Integrated BioScience Solutions, or IGBS. David Ralph, CSO of IGBS, will be OsteoDynamics chief executive officer.The company is based on technology developed by UC professors Amit Bhattacharya, PhD, and Nelson Watts, MD. This technology, based on the concept of "Bone Shock Absornace" will go into the development of a new diagnostic tool that with test a patient's risk of bone fracture."The key to reducing the number of osteoporosis-related fractures and their associated health care costs is the availability of a diagnostic test that can better determine which patients are most likely to suffer these types of fractures,” says Bhattacharya, a professor in the department of environmental health. "With that information, we can then provide them with more effective medications and other interventions that have already been proven to reduce fracture risk."In February, OsteoDynamics signed an agreement to license Bone Shock Absorbance technology from UC. The company also received $125,000 in seed financing from Southern Ohio Creates Companies.The non- invasive test measures the how the energy from a heel strike is absorbed and dissipated. It’s a new way of testing that measures bone quality and appears to be a better indicator of fracture risk that traditional tests."Our Bone Shock Absorbance technology has the potential to more accurately identify patients who will suffer an osteoporosis-related bone fracture than is currently possible with alternative diagnostic techniques," said Watts, says Watts, professor of medicine and director of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Center at UC.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: University of Cincinnati and BIOSTART

Hispanic 100 Initiative helps Latino professionals branch out
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Diversity
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March 30, 2010

The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA is looking for a few good men and women - a hundred, in fact. HCCUSA's Hispanics for Community Engagement, also known as the Hispanic 100 Initiative, will identify, guide, and mentor a hundred Hispanic businesspeople, positioning them for leadership in greater Cincinnati organizations.Alfonso Cornejo, president of the Hispanic Chamber, described his vision for the Hispanic 100. "We want to enroll fifty women, and fifty men - half from Fortune 500 companies, and half from small businesses." He plans to divide this mix into affinity groups based on common interests, such as sports or the arts. When organizations from around Cincinnati call the Hispanic Chamber in need of volunteers, Cornejo and his staff will have teams ready to go. If an organization is looking for Hispanic representation on their board, the Chamber can easily recommend a talented leader. The Hispanic 100 will also sponsor group outings to build community and increase visibility of Latinos at local events. Observing that many Spanish-speaking countries lack a strong system of nonprofits, Cornejo hopes to build up volunteer work as a new tradition for Hispanic Americans. After emigrating from Mexico, he came to Cincinnati through employment at P&G. He's spent the last nine years operating his own consulting firm, specializing in human resources and Latin American business. The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA was founded fourteen years ago; its mission is to promote the creation and growth of Hispanic companies. It's the largest Hispanic chamber  in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Cornejo has served as Board President for the last seven years; his enthusiasm for the growth of the Hispanic Chamber is contagious. "We're making Cincinnati a more welcoming city for immigrants," said Cornejo. "We can show the world how beautiful this city is." Writer: Elena StevensonSource: Alfonso Cornejo, Board President, Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA

Bringing Google to Cincinnati
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Innovation News
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March 23, 2010

Over 100 cities are vying to attract a one-of-kind test of Google's Fiber to Home Gigabit network, and the internet giant has enlisted city officials and residents to make the case for their hometowns.  Many cities are getting creative starting Facebook pages and using video and photo contests to promote their candidacy, while others, like Topeka, Kansas, have even offered to change their name to "Google, Kansas" to lure them to their city.  Cincinnati has thrown its hat into the ring as well. A Facebook page is gaining steam, and with a little under two weeks to go, the City is also encouraging residents to help attract the popular internet search engine giant to the Queen City where, if successful, would test a national broadband plan that offers internet speeds up to 100x faster than most users experience. While the City is busy preparing its application to be considered it's also enlisting residents to help. As part of application process, Google has released a Request for Information (RFI) from citizens in support of the local government's application. The deadline is this Friday, March 26. Residents have to create a free Gmail account as part of the process. The plan, according to Google, is to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people in one or more cities. According to Cincinnati city spokesperson Meg Olberding, if Cincinnati is successful, it means a lot more than just bragging rights. "There are lots of people in Cincinnati who want it to be a more attractive, competitive and inclusive city. Google is providing an opportunity that could be a step towards that so we should try to be a city they choose," she said. Olberding also says it sends a signal about the kind of city we are, and could help attract business and talent to our city. To submit a response visit here. Writer: Sean RhineySources: www.google.com, City of Cincinnati, Meg Olberding.

HealthyMondayNKY set to relaunch bigger, better, and online
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General
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March 23, 2010

Everyone knows about the Monday blahs, but when it comes to getting healthy, Monday is often the day of the week people decide to start fresh.That's the theory behind HealthyMonday, a national initiative to get people thinking about making - and sticking to - healthy habits at the start of the week. HealthyMonday was founded in 2005 by Johns Hopkins, Columbia and Syracuse universities. Its aim is to end chronic, preventable disease by promoting health awareness and actions through community, private and public organizations.Locally, HealthyMondayNKY launched in 2008 at Northern Kentucky University, and expanded last spring with the help of the Northern Kentucky Health Department. HealthyMonday doesn't just give out advice, the organization also provides resources through its web site to make healthy living attainable. Among HealthyMonday NKY's initiatives are Meatless Mondays, which encourages people to eat vegetarian once a week (along with veggie friendly recipes online). There's also the Monday Mile, a challenge to walk at least a mile (the web site contains mapped out routes in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties, as well as in Covington and Newport). You can see other initiatives and supporting resources here. The effort so far has mostly been limited to NKU students and a number of people reached by the University, the health department and other partners. But within the next two months, with the aid a grant from the National HealthyMonday organization, HealthyMonday NKY will release with a bigger promotional push."We basically did a pilot when we first built our web site. But we're getting it running again and will also start an aggressive use of Twitter," said NKU Director of Wellness Karen Campbell. "Every Monday we can send a health tip out that will help people stay motivated and focused."HealthyMondayNKY is relying on community partners to support residents who want to live healthier, more active lives.  HealthyMondayNKY is also working with area restaurants to promote dining out on Meatless Mondays. Through Twitter the organization can alert diners to places that are serving vegetarian meals that day. The organization also will be working with Covington schools to promote vegetarian friendly lunch options."This is absolutely crucial. Simply raising awareness is important in impacting health changes, but what really makes a lasting impact is environmental changes, where making a healthy choice is an easy choice," Campbell said.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: NKU Director of Wellness Karen Campbell

AMP Electric Vehicles ramping up manufacturing capabilities in Blue Ash
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Innovation News
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March 23, 2010

At a former Land Rover dealership, an emerging breed of car -  100 percent electric -  is being cranked out in Blue Ash at AMP Electric Vehicles. Founded by a local engineer, the company moved from an engineering lab into its new digs late last year. AMP manufactures and installs state-of-the-art, all-electric, high performance engines and transmissions for the Chevrolet Equinox, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac Solstice. AMP is diving into the new technology in a practical way. "We're taking established vehicles, vehicles that people know and like, moving the entire combustion engine components and replacing it all with 100 percent drive train," said AMP Sales and Marketing Director JD Staley.Currently, AMP works with three types of vehicles: the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, and the 2007-2009 Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice convertibles. It takes about two weeks to convert the vehicles to electric and costs range from $25,000 to $50,000 after federal tax incentives.The company uses non-explosive, new technology lithium batteries with a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty. Individual cells can be replaced without replacing the entire battery pack and AMP estimates the battery will retain 80 percent of its capacity up to 100,000 miles. It takes about 3.5 hours to charge a vehicle fully, and can drive about 40 miles on a 1.5 hour charge. Find out more details about AMP vehicles here.The company currently has a 500-person nationwide waiting list. As the company grows it expects to convert 1,000 vehicles each year."Right now (our clients) are those who are the early adopters of technology. Since we've released the Equinox, we've opened up a new demographic of people who are looking at an economical way of commuting. It is more expensive than a (traditional) vehicle. But these people are very conscious of their impact on the environment and don't want to rely on oil," Staley said.AMP was founded by Steve Burns, a local engineer and entrepreneur. The company employs 26 people and Burns plans to stay in the Cincinnati area as the company grows."He's been in the Cincinnati area all of his life. He wants to keep the business in Cincinnati. We're trying to do business with Ohio companies, and we want to help the Ohio economy," Staley said.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: AMP Electric Vehicles Sales and Marketing Director JD Staley

Ohio Indie Film ‘Life After’ to Generate Jobs, Grow Film Industry
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Arts + Culture
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March 23, 2010

Thanks to the new Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, "Life After" will begin shooting in the Cincinnati area later this year. Cincinnati native Jim Amatulli, at the production's helm, looks forward to bringing more of the film industry to our region.In "Life After," a family man takes a job as a caretaker at a cemetery that supposedly houses a secret treasure. Human and supernatural opposition drive the plot. Like his protagonist, Amatulli sees himself as a "plate spinner" who's energized by wearing three hats in "Life After" - writer, producer, and director. His personal pot of gold is a strong market for filmmaking in Ohio."As a Cincinnati-based filmmaker, I've made one feature at home and a second in San Diego," Amatulli said. "My personal objective is to make films in Ohio and be a part of a thriving industry. I feel the [tax] incentive shows the state's belief that we can provide the talent and services to attract filmmakers and help Ohio's economy in the long term."The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit provides a total of $30 million to film production companies who complete an Ohio shoot in Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011. Similar tax credits in other states have bolstered the growth of their film industries and created jobs. Amatulli estimates "Life After" will employ around 150 people. On top of the wages earned, young professionals in the industry will gain experience—and perhaps stay here. "Other filmmakers will come here if they can get the level of [film personnel] professionalism you can find elsewhere," says Amatulli.The website for Arte Films, Amatulli's production company, says that Arte will apply a sound business strategy to the less predictable elements inherent in the motion picture world. Amatulli is uniquely positioned to strategize, having owned a communications business for 30 years. Producing corporate training and marketing videos prepared him well for the constraints of budget, time, and talent that filmmaking imposes. In the movie industry, as in many others, there's no one-size-fits-all model for success. Yet Amatulli maintains a sense of humor about the risks of doing business in a medium he loves. "Anyone who puts money in films has some hope of getting their money back." Written by: Elena StevensonSource: Jim Amatulli, president, Arte Films; Ohio Department of Development

HYPE Uses Digital Media to promote the Cincinnati Brand
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Innovation News
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March 23, 2010

Branding - it's not just for products anymore. A group of talented young professionals are using digital media to improve the Cincinnati brand. HYPE Digital Media and Branding, a subcommittee of HYPE Leadership Council, held their first meeting on February 23. HYPE stands for Harnessing Young Professional Energy; it's the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber's initiative to attract and retain young professionals. About a dozen young people from HYPE attended the subcommittee's first meeting. Their mission: to capture, distribute, and maintain social media streams that promote Cincinnati as a Next City - a hotspot for educated professionals.  Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day Communications, tied Digital Media and Branding's goals to the city's strengths, already identified by the Chamber. "The Talent Handprint - research the Chamber did last year - benchmarked Cincinnati against other cities. The word that kept coming up was 'affordability.' We're an affordable place to live, but also a world class city with arts, entertainment, sports, and Fortune 500 companies."  Now, Digital Media and Branding sets goals and designs projects that allow young professionals to promote our city with their creativity and social media savvy. "Social media allows you to get information out in a vibrant, quick manner," says Reau. HYPE members already make good use of Facebook and Twitter; they hope to begin utilizing YouTube soon. A revamped HYPE website is the largest new project. Reau is enthusiastic about the opportunities for growth - "It's a chance to use your talents to benefit the larger community." HYPE Digital Media and Branding Subcommittee will meet monthly through the end of 2010. It is co-chaired by Jackie Reau and David Volker. Writer: Elena Stevenson Source: Jackie Reau, chair, HYPE Digital Media and Branding Subcommittee, www.cincinnatichamber.com

OTR Good Girl’s gone ‘Bad’ and wants to bring others with her
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Entrepreneurship
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March 16, 2010

Local attorney Candace Klein got the idea for micro-lender Bad Girl Ventures from her day-to-day interactions with entrepreneurs who've recently found it nearly impossible to finance their ideas. "I spend a lot of time in my profession with entrepreneurs, and at a series of meetings I was talking to people who couldn't get traditional bank loans. Some of them said 'I'm just going to use my credit cards.' That was scary to me," she said.That's when the Over-the-Rhine resident decided to make a change. She's just launched Bad Girl Ventures, which aims to provide funding for Cincinnati women-owned start ups. The idea is just getting off the ground and was first pitched publically at Ignite Cincinnati, a fast-paced, five-minute pitch event."It's really difficult for women-owned startups right now. And Cincinnati is really a philanthropic area. Personally, I've given to so many charities, political causes and organizations.  I thought, 'If there was a way I could give just a portion of that to a startup company that would create jobs, I would,'" Klein said. "I think we're really missing the boat on supporting women-owned startups."Bad Girl Ventures will be based on the micro-financing model of international organizations like Kiva,  where small loans from individuals are bundled together. Klein is kick starting Bad Girl with a 30-person meeting of invited potential financers and entrepreneurs March 19th downtown at Ingredients restaurant.Klein plans to finance the first start up this summer at the $25,000 level through a  competitive process. Five chosen startups will undergo a six-week entrepreneur competition, where their ideas will be voted on online by friends and family. They'll vote by pledging investment dollars. The entrepreneur who gets the most votes will have their idea funded by Bad Girl. Another round of financing will follow every six weeks or so.Bad Girl Ventures will be housed in the OTR Revitalization Corporation housed at the OTR Chamber.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Candace Klein, Bad Girl Ventures Founder

Rural America OnShore sourcing brings jobs back home
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General
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March 16, 2010

Some of the best business models rise from the ash heap of failure. Christopher Hytry Derrington founded Rural America OnShore Sourcing with three partners and Sundeep Dronawat after seeing poor results from several offshore outsourcing projects. Since opening in December 2008, Rural America has made location a non-issue for Americans needing outsourced work.Offshore outsourcing is an irresistible cost-saver for many U.S. companies. But the lower wages paid to foreign workers are offset by communication and time barriers. "You're paying people to help you do business," said Marty Gardocki, Rural America's Vice President. He has contracted outsourcing in the past, and observed that the blended offshore rate - the actual cost of offshore services - is comparable to what Rural America charges.     While visiting family in rural Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Hytry, now Rural America’s CEO, noticed the area's workforce dynamics. A wealth of qualified, experienced rural workers had no place to go. He had an idea: what if a company could bring the jobs to them?Rural America opens sales offices in larger cities. Companies come with the projects they need to outsource. Rural America sends the work to the pool of talent, which is limited only by access to broadband. The same technology that allows tasks to be shipped overseas frees businesses to use workers outside major metropolitan areas where high living costs necessitate a higher wage. Rural America pays wages that are fair for the employee's region, but still allow client savings.Rural America is currently recruiting talent in 12 states, expanding to 25 states by end of 2010, and all 50 states by end of 2011.As a minority-owned company, Rural America has preferred status for bids and proposals at the federal, state, and local levels, and can pass that savings on to customers. It extends traditional outsourcing by offering project teams as well as individual workers. From the beginning, their vision has been for a national business, operating in many sectors. In a welcome reversal of fortune, Rural America has already attracted overseas clients looking for American labor.Currently, Rural America's leadership team floats between Business Development Centers in Cincinnati, Louisville, and Two Rivers, Wisconsin. They plan to open offices in eight new states in 2010. But Gardocki is proud to make Cincinnati Rural America’s home. He describes our area's entrepreneurial community as "a nice embryonic kernel," ideal for his company's start-up."People are attracted to the opportunity. The demand for our services are real - We developed the means to deliver on those opportunities."Writer: Elena StevensonSource: Marty Gardocki, Vice President, Rural America OnShore Sourcing

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