Advanced Engineering

19 new jobs at Post Glover in Northern Kentucky

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February 14, 2012

Post Glover, a power resister developer and manufacturer in Erlanger, is expanding in Northern Kentucky and creating 19 new jobs in the process. The expansion follows the merger of Post Glover and T&B Resistors in Milford in December 2010. The 19 new jobs include four relocations from Milford. The rest are new hires, says Post Glover President Richard Field. “Post Glover is proud of our 118-year heritage in the region,” Field says. “We are pleased to remain in Northern Kentucky and excited with our continuing growth prospects for the future. We appreciate the Commonwealth’s efforts in helping us to expand in Northern Kentucky." When the move is completed, sometime in June, the company will have 120 total employees in two spaces, the current Erlanger space and a second nearby in unincorporated Boone County. Post Glover also employs 20 in Australia. “After we merged with T&B Resistors, we thought we'd benefit from being in the same area, since we make similar products and will be sharing technology,” Field says. As part of its expansion the company will create some manufacturing jobs of components formerly imported from Italy. “We will be bringing manufacturing jobs here,” Field says. Post Glover resisters are sold to large international companies like Rockwell and Siemens, as well to municipal subway systems. The company was founded in 1892 as an electrical and railway supplies manufacturer and dealer. The company was offered several incentives as part of the expansion. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved Post Glover for tax incentives up to $300,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment Program. The performance-based incentive allows the company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets. KEDFA also approved Post Glover for up to $49,000 in tax benefits through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act. This allows eligible companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures and equipment used in research and development, and electronic processing equipment. By Feoshia Henderson

Latest in Advanced Engineering

UC prof game to teach product development

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Higher Education

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August 9, 2011

In successful medical device development, grounding new products in the fundamentals of science and medicine is a given. But creativity adds the X factor that can make devices better and more effective, says University of Cincinnati Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Mary Beth Privitera."There are a lot of grand challenges in treating diabetes, obesity, and stroke," she says. "In every instance, when you look at those grand challenges, what it's going to take to solve them is collaboration and creativity. It's really about not settling for the first answer that comes to your mind. It might be the most obvious answer, but not the best answer." Privitera, who teaches upper-class undergrad and graduate biomedical engineering students, emphasizes creativity through her work. Among the ways she sparks creative thinking in her classes is through a puzzle/card game she developed that challenges students to find solutions to health problems. Creative solutions are important in the real world for difficult-to-treat patients, Privitera says."It impacts patient care. If a treatment doesn't work well for a patient, and that's all a physician has, then you as a patient don't have the best possible outcome," she says.The game, which she began using in class about six months ago, puts students in teams of three to five. They are dealt a medical problem and challenged to create a medical device to treat it. As part of the game, they must also work to get the device to the market, navigating federal and international regulations and finding ways to pay for it."I'm an industrial designer by training, and I've seen other games that encourage creativity in design or transportation. This was a way to break the mold by creating a game around medical devices," she says.The game has generated interest among several British universities, and a U.K. version is being developed, Privitera says. College is a prime time to get future physicians and medical device developers thinking outside the box. "What we are creating is a culture of creativity," Privitera says. "If you have a crazy idea, it may be the ideal way to do something. It's very safe in the academic environment to test those ideas." By Feoshia Henderson You can follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites

CincyTech closes Fund II round, will invest $4.4 million in 10-12 startups

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Entrepreneurship

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July 12, 2011

CincyTech has just closed a $4.4 million investment round for a seed fund that will invest in 10-12 Southwest Ohio high-tech startups.CincyTech Fund II follows Fund I, which launched in 2007 with $6 million from the Ohio Third Frontier program and $4.4 million from local corporations, foundations and institutions. Fund I has been fully committed or reserved. The initial CincyTech Fund led to investments in 24 local companies.As with the first fund, Fund II is comprised of a mix of public and private dollars. CincyTech matched $2 million announced earlier this year from Ohio Third Frontier with $2.4 million raised from Southwest Ohio partners. That $2 million state award is part of the $25 million invested statewide through Ohio Third Frontier's Pre-Seed Fund Capitalization Program and Entrepreneurial Signature Program Continuity Initiative. Third Frontier is a target economic develop and job creation program approved by voters. The 10-year, $1.6 billion state initiative aims to grow Ohio's economy by investing in advanced and alternative energy, biomedical, advanced materials, instruments, controls, electronics and advanced propulsion. The effort launched in 2002. In May 2010 voters overwhelmingly approved a $700 million bond issue renewal.There are plans to announce new CincyTech investments in the next few weeks."The timing of the Fund II's closing is crucial because we have such an active pipeline of potential investments," says CincyTech president Bob Coy.Like CincyTech Fund I LLC, Fund II will invest in companies focused on information technology, bioscience and advanced manufacturing and that are based in or willing to move to Southwest Ohio. In addition to financial investments, CincyTech also offers business support services like management assistance, business plan development and Imaging Grants which help cover the costs of fleshing out an idea and making it a potential business. Grants can cover technology validation studies, market analysis and other work.By Feoshia HendersonYou can follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites

UC grads’ innovative, portable stroke detection headband could be a lifesaver

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Health + Wellness

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June 28, 2011

A team of recent University of Cincinnati grads hope to commercialize a portable stroke detection device created in the Medical Device Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program (MDIEP) at UC's biomedical engineering department. The device, Ischiban, has the potential to be a game-changer in the early detection and treatment of strokes, a life-threatening condition where minutes can make a difference in a successful recovery, disability or death.Ischiban was developed by a group of UC student biomedical and computer engineers and an industrial designer: Pooja Kadambi, Joe Lovelace, Scott Robinson and Alex Androski. They developed the device, comprised of an elastic headband connected to an electronic diagnostic device, which can quickly determine the type of stroke a patient is suffering from. This allows for quick diagnosis and faster treatment for better recovery rates, according to the developers.Ischiban relies on Impedance Spectroscopy, which can measure electrical property changes in the brain associated with strokes."We received the idea to use Impedance Spectroscopy from a group in Massachusetts General Hospital doing research in this area. We developed the device, made prototypes of the parts and built it by ourselves," explained Kadambi, a biomedical engineer. Strokes are caused by a blood clot in the brain, or bleeding in the brain. Treatment is different based on the type of stroke.Currently, such stoke differentiation is done by a CT scan, which is costly and time consuming. Ischiban can be used by EMTs at a patient's home or during the ambulance ride. Early detection is important because patients whose stoke is caused by a blood clot who are treated within three hours of symptoms are significantly more likely to survive and recover.Ischiban is one of 90 entries in the ongoing Cincinnati Innovates contest. The third annual competition offers nearly $90,000 in prizes designed to push forward groundbreaking products and services. It ends July 15, and all entries are posted online. Kadambi said the competition could help Ischiban garner attention and investment."Medical device research and development is an expensive, complicated and long drawn out process. We are a passionate team but do not have the funds to carry this forward alone. Winning this competition would open doors for us, help us make great contacts and keep our project alive and on track. Putting Ischiban on the market will help save lives and prevent disability globally and that is a fact," she said.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Pooja Kadambi, Ischiban co-developerYou can follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites

UC joins national Woodrow Wilson STEM Teaching Fellows initiative

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Education + Learning

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June 21, 2011

The University of Cincinnati has just kicked off its first class of Woodrow Wilson STEM Teaching Fellows, a nationwide program aimed at getting more math and science teachers in high-need urban and rural schools. A class of 18 fellows started a year-long, field based master's degree program under the university's teacher education program. The fellows include recent university grads, former educators and private sector professionals looking for new careers. They'll all be mentored by STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) faculty in teacher education as well as in the University's College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering and Applied Science.Each fellow will be given a $30,000-stipend in return for teaching for three years in high-need urban or rural schools."I've been in Cincinnati a tremendous amount of time. I graduated from Morehouse College a lot of years ago - 1977 - which means I graduated before my fellow fellows were born," said Roosevelt Merritts Sr., one of the UC fellows. He is looking ahead to becoming a math teacher. "Kids today need a lot of help, and hopefully, I can make that difference," he said.The University of Cincinnati was one of the first four schools across the state chosen to offer the program last year. This summer, the program has been expanded to include three more universities: Ohio University, the University of Dayton and the University of Toledo."These Fellows are extraordinary people who bring real science and math expertise to the kids who most need strong teachers," Arthur Levine, Woodrow Wilson Foundation president said in a recent announcement about the program. "They are patented inventors and biomedical engineers and statisticians, some in midcareer, others just graduating at the top of their classes. Many come from the same high-need backgrounds as the students they will teach." Ohio, Indiana and Michigan are the first three states to launch the program. It's funded through a mix of federal, state, and local university and foundation dollars.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSources: University of Cincinnati, Ohio Board of RegentsYou can follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites

Northern Kentucky ezone taking applications for varied funding opportunities

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Entrepreneurship

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June 14, 2011

Northern Kentucky tech, science and medical entrepreneurs have a chance to tap one of three state funds for seed capital through the end of this month. The Kentucky Enterprise Fund, Rural Innovation Fund and Kentucky New Energy Ventures Fund are accepting applications for funding through June 23 at 4 p.m. These three targeted funds are geared toward high-growth potential businesses in five sectors: Biosciences, Environmental & Energy Technologies, Human Health & Development, Information Technology & Communication and Materials Science & Advanced Manufacturing. In the last round of funding more than $600,000 was awarded statewide to companies. Past recipients in Northern Kentucky include Jacobs Automation, Zoomessence, Bexion Pharma, ASAP Analytical, and TodayForward.Northern Kentucky businesses can submit applications through Northern Kentucky ezone, a division of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED that has a mission of accelerating start-up, emerging and existing high-tech businesses."This is open to early stage companies from an idea to a company that is running and looking to grow," said ezone commercialization director T. Keith Schneider.Companies can apply for a combination of direct funding (that must be repaid) or matching grants. To find out more or to apply, contact Schneider at (859) 292-7785 or tks@northernkentuckyusa.com. Following are the basics on each fund: Kentucky Enterprise Fund Eligible Companies: Must be Kentucky-based and have 150 or fewer employees. Must be operating in one of the following industries: Biosciences, Environmental & Energy Technologies, Human Health & Development, Information Technology & Communication or Materials Science & Advanced Manufacturing. Funding: Grant: $30,000. Company must match the grant 1:1 through cash or in-kind services.Funds must be used for approved business development activities. Investment: Up to $250,000, $500,000, and $750,000, must be repaid. Rural Innovation Fund Eligible Companies: Must be Small, Rural (located outside Fayette/Jefferson Counties), Kentucky-based company and have 50 or fewer employees. Must be operating in one of the following industries: Biosciences, Environmental & Energy Technologies, Human Health & Development, Information Technology & Communication or Materials Science & Advanced Manufacturing Funding: Grant: $30,000. Rural funds must be spent with independent third-party partners/consultants. Grants must be repaid upon receipt of follow-on award from Rural Innovation Fund or Kentucky Enterprise Fund. Funds must be used for approved business development activities. Investment: $100,000 must be repaid Kentucky New Energy Ventures Eligible Companies: KNEV will provide support for companies developing and commercializing products in the following areas: Alternative transportation fuels produced from coal, waste coal, biomass or extract oil from oil shale, synthetic natural gas, Ethanol produced from food crops or cellulosic ethanol, any other fuel that is produced from a renewable or sustainable source. Must be Kentucky-based and have 150 or fewer employees. Must be developing/commercializing alternative fuel and renewable energy products, processes, and services. Funding: Grant: $30,000. Company must match the grant 1:1 through cash or in-kind services. Funds must be used for approved business development activities.Investment: Any amount over $30,000. Companies must match the fund's investment on a 1:1 dollar ratio. Funds may be invested via convertible note or through direct stock.Investments can only be made in a company organized as a C Corp. or as an LLC Writer: Feoshia HendersonSources: ezone commercialization director T. Keith Schneider and Start-Up Kentucky You can follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites

Rem-Brands chemical technology is a family affair

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General

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May 24, 2011

Entrepreneurship and invention is a family affair for the Schneider family. Father Dr. Charles Schneider and son Dr. David Schneider have a combined 75 years of experience in specialty chemicals, and hold nearly 40 patents between them in chemical technologies. Both have extensive corporate and entrepreneurial experience, and in 2005 they founded a company that put those skills to use, so far with great success.Rem-Brands, with its tagline "Bonding Science with Business," is a Northern Kentucky-based chemical company that specializes in technologies related to odor and stain removal and disinfection applications.David and his father started the company while he was president and CEO of Iofina, a London Stock Exchange Company, which he helped take public before leaving to focus on Rem-Brands. Their technologies are used in household, commercial, industrial and agricultural applications. Among them are products that have been sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond, PetSmart and home shopping channel QVC. In the agricultural field, among their products is one that is sprayed on cows to keep germs from contaminating the milk before the milking process. Creating these types of technologies has long been a passion for both father and son, David said."This is something we've both done our whole lives, with protect (our technologies) with patents or keep trade secrets and take them and see where it can be used," he said.The company is based in Florence; the company has manufacturing, lab and office space. Most of the technological work is done by David or Charles. David's brother Michael Schneider is company EVP and COO, and also has an extensive chemical background."We design all of our own equipment and our own processes," David said. "Most of the work can be overseen by one or two people."Research and development is conducted in Florence, along with some product manufacturing. Larger manufacturing orders and packaging are outsourced to other companies, David said.The company has recently hired a sales and marketing director, financial advisor and business advisor. Rem-Brands is growing, and within the next year plans to expand into a larger facility. The company plans to stay local, but if growth demands it, could open a facility on the West Coast for logistical reasons sometime in the future, David said."I think this is a great location. Traditionally Cincinnati was one of the major areas for the chemical industry in the U.S. It's to a lesser extent now, but it's still a hub of chemical manufacturing, formulating and distribution. There are a lot of good minds still around," he said. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Dr. David Schneider, co-founder Rem-BrandsYou can follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites

AMP Electric Vehicles hands over keys for all-electric SUV to Iceland’s Northern Lights Energy

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General

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May 17, 2011

In a ceremony attended by local government officials, business associates and employees, AMP Electric Vehicles turned over the keys to the first of 1,000 all electric SUVs it will deliver to Iceland as part of a ground breaking partnership.AMP signed a deal last fall with Northern Electric Lights, a private company in Iceland. Under a letter of Intent, NLE has committed to buy the SUVs from AMP over the next five years. This marks the largest single order for the startup, and the first time the company has converted vehicles for an overseas buyer."Northern Lights Energy has been a visionary in the application and advantages of electric driven SUVs. We are extremely pleased to be working closely with NLE in the first large scale deployment of electric SUVs. This agreement represents a major advancement in transportation from conventional combustion engines and hybrid/extended range vehicles into effective SUV-sized 100 percent electric vehicles," said AMP president and CEO Steve Burns.One in four vehicle purchases in the US are SUVs. The company is working to capture less than 1 percent of the SUV market. Currently AMP specializes in converting three vehicles to 100-percent electric: the Chevrolet Equinox, Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice. AMP manufactures and installs state-of-the-art, all-electric, high performance engines and transmissions for the vehicles.Burns said Iceland is the perfect place to experiment with introducing a large number of all electric SUVs into the market (the country only has 200,000 drivers). SUVs are very popular in the Northern European Island, which has some rugged terrain. Gas is expensive, up to $8 U.S. per gallon, because it's all imported. Electricity is cheap and in the last few decades the government has made it a priority to develop the country's renewable hydropower and geothermal power sources.In addition most of the country's densely packed population lives in or near the capital, making the average commute about 30 miles.The potentially $100 million deal will set AMP as a leading SUV supplier, AMP CEO James Taylor said. The agreement allows for expansion into the Nordic region including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the Faroe Islands. Initially AMP will supply the Chevy Equinox and Mercedes Benz ML EV.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: AMP Electric VehiclesFollow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites

Frost Brown Todd partners in virtual trade missions between Cincinnati and overseas companies

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Architecture + Design

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April 5, 2011

Frost Brown Todd has just begun hosting what the law firm hopes will be a series of virtual trade missions, where regional companies meet with firms abroad to boost U.S. exports.These trade missions occur at the firm's downtown Cincinnati offices, and partner six to eight U.S. and foreign-based companies through video conferencing. The meetings are in partnership with the U.S. Consulate and the U.S. Commerce Department's US Export Assistance Center in Cincinnati.The most recent one, on March 8, was between Cincinnati area firms and companies in Saudi Arabia, whose representatives connected via U.S. embassy feed. The Saudi firms were looking for architecture, construction and engineering services."There is a lot of money in Saudi Arabia, and they are building whole cities there. They tend to import architecture and construction services because there are not many providers there. It's a great opportunity for smaller-sized engineering and architecture firms in Cincinnati," said Joseph Dehner, chair of the international services group at Frost Brown Todd.The sessions are done in a group setting and in total last about two hours. Each U.S. and Saudi company has about five minutes each to introduce their companies, skills or needs followed by a question and answer period.The law firm designed the idea for the missions and garnered the participation of the U.S. government. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the law firm also hosted a meeting between regional companies and Egyptian firms late last year. A life sciences trade mission is planned in June with Indian companies in partnership with the India-US Business Network. You can register here.Each company is selected beforehand based on specific projects and abilities to make the meeting its most effective. And though nothing beats an in-person meeting, this comes pretty close, and saves companies travel dollars and time."Why spend the time and money traveling. This way it's pretty easy to meet eight companies that might actually hire you," Dehner said.A couple of companies have already received work from the Egyptian meeting, Dehner said. It's too early to know the results of the Saudi Arbian one, he added.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Joseph Dehner, chair of the international services group at Frost Brown ToddYou can follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites