Gov. Perry Announces Emerging Tech Fund Investments in North Texas Companies

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced the state will invest $1.5 million in Codekko Software Inc. of Dallas, and $250,000 in both DentLight of Richardson and Environmental Quality Management Associates (EQMA) of Waco through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) for development and commercialization of their innovative technologies.

"Continued investment in emerging technologies is essential to maintaining a strong position in an increasingly competitive economy,” Gov. Perry said. "These services will not only allow Texas to remain at the forefront of the global economy, but will increase workforce efficiency and improve the quality of life for all Texans."

Codekko’s technology improves the function and performance of computer servers by changing the compilation, execution, and delivery of web-based applications, improving performance, scalability and delivery speed by up to 10 times. Codekko has partnered with the Jonnsson School of Engineering’s Computer Science Department and the School of Management’s Marketing Department at the University of Texas at Dallas to assist with design, marketing strategy and evaluation of its product.

DentLight’s dental diagnostic technology integrates LEDs, lasers, optics and digital electronics into its next-generation treatment devices to improve and advance the care of dental patients and provide a solution to traditional problems in dental treatment and diagnosis. DentLight has partnered with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s dental school to research and evaluate the technology’s effectiveness at dental disease diagnosis.

EQMA’s technology transforms waste from captive animal feed operations and other industrial wastes into fermentable sugars which can be used as alternative sources of fuel. This system serves as a solution for waste management in ranching and farming operations and helps feed demand for alternative fuels without using corn or grain. EQMA has partnered with Baylor University to produce a business plan, financial models and growth strategy, and help identify resources for the project.

The TETF is a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor’s request and was reauthorized in 2007. A 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential projects and recommends funding allocations to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House. To date, the TETF has allocated $115 million in funds to Texas companies and universities.

For more information on the TETF, please visit http://www.emergingtechfund.com.