Gov. Perry Awards Four Emerging Tech Fund Awards

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today awarded more than $3.86 million through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor’s request.

“Technological innovation is the lifeblood of today’s economy,” Perry said. “Texas is making an important investment in the foundation of our state’s future by supporting advancing technology. Thanks in part to the Emerging Technology Fund, our state is making a difference in a wide variety of products and services that enhance the quality of our lives here today, and in the future.”

TETF grants were awarded to following institutions:

• $1.45 million to Bellicum Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Houston. Funds are dedicated to further development of its next generation therapeutic cancer vaccine technology researched at Baylor College of Medicine. Bellicum’s BP-GMAX-CD1 formula incorporates a pharmacologically-regulated switch designed to generate a more potent and durable immune response against a patient’s cancer cells than other vaccines in development.

This award will leverage $1.2 million received from the National Institute of Health and the Department of Defense to accelerate the commercialization of this technology.

• $160, 000 to Laser Tissue Welding Inc. of Humble for further development of its laser-assisted tissue welding device. The innovative tool joins and repairs human tissue using biodegradable and biocompatible materials, replacing the need to repair incisions with sutures or staples. Laser-assisted bonding is compatible with endoscopic and robotic applications, and will lead to faster wound healing and better cosmetic results.

The award will leverage $160,000 received from the National Institute of Health Small Business Innovation and Research program to accelerate the commercialization of this technology.

• $1.5 million to ThromboVision Inc. of Houston for further development of its T-Guide™ platelet function monitor, which will commercialize a groundbreaking solution to help physicians and their patients monitor and assess anti-platelet therapy. Until recently, measuring the effectiveness of such therapies in preventing heart attacks, strokes, stent occlusions and other cardiovascular malfunctions was not possible.

The award will leverage $3.6 million received from the National Institute of Health to accelerate the commercialization of this technology.

• $750,000 to Visualase Inc. of Houston for further development of its commercial-ready prototype. The technology uses a MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) system for treatment of cancerous tumors, particularly small focal metastatic tumors.

The award will leverage $750,000 received from the National Institute of Health SBIR program to accelerate the commercialization of this technology.

A 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential TETF projects and recommends funding for projects to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.

To date, the TETF has allocated $94.9 million in grant funds to Texas companies and universities in areas promoting:

• Increasing research collaboration between public and private entities through new Regional Centers of Innovation and Commercialization where the seeds of an idea can take root in a university lab and eventually grow into a new product marketed by a new or expanding firm;
• Matching research grants provided by both federal and private sponsors to help innovators acquire the capital they need to bring their idea to life; and
• Attracting more top-notch research teams from other universities around the nation that will help put Texas universities on the cutting edge of technology research and development.

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