SPOKANE – Washington State University Research Foundation and Greater Spokane Incorporated will host an inaugural event to showcase emerging WSU technologies with commercialization and market potential.
The event, targeted to the investment community and potential business partners, is scheduled for May 10, from 2-4 p.m. at the Academic Center Building, Room 20, on the Riverpoint Campus at 600 North Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane.
Technologies to be presented include:
– Lignin Precursors: Making it easier to produce biofuels from plant biomass
A WSU research team has developed a process that enhances the production of biofuel from biomass, and results have shown that it could also provide improved sources of various high value flavor/fragrance components.
– Nanotechnology for hydrogen fuel cells
WSU researchers have found that a form of silica/glass has potential for hydrogen storage. Driven by targets established by the U.S. Department of Energy for the year 2010, a team of WSU and University of Idaho scientists has developed a process for producing materials suitable for hydrogen storage applications.
– Advancement in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
A WSU researcher has identified and isolated a novel gene that promises speedier recovery from cancer and surgical treatments. Current treatments affect both cancerous and normal cells. Isolation of this new protein introduces the possibility that new therapies could be developed that will selectively target cancer cells without attacking normal cells. In addition, it will target the lethal part of cancer which is its spread to other parts of the body. This discovery creates the potential for improved human health through better cancer diagnostic techniques and improved therapies.
– Energy-efficient device for building ventialtion systems
WSU researchers have developed a motorized, insulated damper system which provides energy conservation and improved air quality. This patented design actively injects fresh air into a furnace system and seals and insulates the fresh air intake duct when the furnace is not operating.
– BEST (Biological Engineering Systems Technology)
BEST, is developing the next generation of agricultural systems and industrial biotechnologies. Focusing on efficient resource use for the production of bioproducts and bioenergy, BEST is developing systems for extracting value from agricultural waste streams by developing technologies and processes for cost-effective utilization of crops and agricultural residues for production of chemicals, fuels, nutraceuticals, biogas, and other value-added products.
About the WSU Research Foundation:
To fulfill the land grant mission in the 21st century, the WSU Research Foundation, in collaboration with the WSU Foundation and the Office of Research, is striving to build an entrepreneurial culture at WSU. WSU is becoming a university where research results are successfully transferred to commercial ventures. The increasing numbers of intellectual property disclosures at WSU indicates both the success and growth of this transformation. In 2004, there were 20 intellectual property disclosures, in 2005 there were 47, and last year there were 76 disclosures! WSU is creating jobs and increasing revenue in the state of Washington, all the while strengthening WSU’s focus of providing world-class education in a research environment.
About Greater Spokane Incorporated :
Greater Spokane Incorporated is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region. Greater Spokane Incorporated is funded by more than 1500 private-sector member investors; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; and Medical Lake.
For more information, visit www.greaterspokaneincorporated.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE.
