Bioinformatics: Computable Genomix
Computable Genomix is the provider of the GeneIndexer Engine for genetic research. GeneIndexer is the only bioinformatics tool that can mine empirical research and make predictions about target genes for new research. Other applications of GenePortal include the supplement of existing search tools with genetic information and research. In 2003, Drs. Ramin Homayouni and Michael Berry pioneered a unique and patented approach for mining PubMed abstracts and other biologic texts in such a way that latent features can be utilized to improve the predictive power of determining genetic research targets. There is demand for the technology in both public and private R & D labs. A very limited release of a tool based upon the GeneIndexer technology has already generated close to 300 unique users and the tool is being cited as a "gold" standard for bioinformatics search.
LED Lighting Systems: James Clar & Associates
James Clar & Associates, an independent international design firm, creates lighting systems that have ground level control. James Clar has received significant press exposure of the past 24 months for his work including Wired NextFest, Icon Magazine, and Axis Magazine among many other regional, national, and international publications. The consulting business is growing with previous projects for Adidas and Cloud 9 Architecture in Spain. There is retail demand for the design pieces created, and we started setting up manufacturing, sales, and marketing support.
Nanotechnology: NanoTect LLC
NanoTect is a new technology venture that specializes in protecting exposed metal that are susceptible to corrosion by furnishing the first of its kind nanothin film coating technology. Initial applications of this nanothin film are the gold and copper markets. Dr. Eugene Pinkhassik created the technology on the campus of the University of Memphis. Dr. Pinkhassik has received over $3.5M in grant funding over the past 2 years and is the recipient of an NSF Career Award. NanoTect won the Mid-South Business Plan Competition's Hi-Tech Executive Summary Award and was the overall Grand Prize Winner for the full business plan.
Mobile Marketing: TextBound
Textbound provides a simple to use mobile platform to fulfill consumer impulses for more information on food, products, and services. Text messaging reaches over 3 billion phones; That's twice as many people that can be reached via TV, and three times as many that can be reached via the Internet. By taking advantage of the two things that stay with a person almost every waking hour - cell phone and wallet - we take advantage by providing a mobile marketing and commerce channel. Today, people want what they want, when they want it - instant gratification. The new sales and marketing channel is the mobile phone - get plugged in with TextBound today.
