Posts Tagged ‘Innovation’

Green Award for innovation given to southern California federal agency (CA)

Posted by admin on April 22nd, 2013

 

Release Date: 04/22/2013
Contact Information: Nahal Mogharabi, 213-244-1815, [email protected]

LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has selected the Chet Holifield Building in Laguna Niguel to receive a Federal Green Challenge award for its work in environmental education and outreach.

“EPA is pleased to recognize the Chet Holifield Building for its outstanding leadership to reduce their environmental footprint,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “By taking the initiative to reduce waste and conserve water and energy, this agency will not only help motivate other federal agencies and organizations to follow suit, but save the government money as well.”

The Chet Holifield Building is a federal facility and was selected for its work to reduce recycling and energy costs through education and outreach. The building created a Green Team representing five agencies. They reached the 1,900 employees through various outreach activities including e-mail broadcasts, website information, posters and Earth Week activities. The Green Team hosted electronicwaste collection events, developed a sustainability tip sheet and hosted a water conservation speaker from the Moulton Water District. Over the past year, as a result of these efforts, the Chet Holifield Building increased recycled materials by 21%, decreased water use by 7.4% and decrease gas use by 2.5%.

In total, Federal Green Award participants regionally:

  • reduced over 57.5 million kWh of electricity and 342 million cubic feet of natural gas (equivalent to the energy used in a year by almost 2200 households);
  • prevented over 40,000 tons of waste from reaching landfills, through composting and recycling, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 107,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (the equivalent of taking over 22,000 cars off the road for a year);
  • reduced water usage by over 357 billion gallons; and
  • saved over $ 16.6 million by reducing waste, water and energy use.


The Federal Green Challenge is a national effort to challenge EPA and other federal agencies to reduce the federal government’s environmental impact. Offices or facilities start their participation by selecting a minimum two of the six target areas—waste, electronics, purchasing, energy, water, or transportation—and commit to improve by at least 5% per year in their selected target areas.

For more information on the Federal Green Challenge winners, visit: www.epa.gov/region9/federalgreenchallenge/awards/pacificswawards/


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U.S. EPA News

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Jersey Shore Steel Wins Governor’s Award, International Recognition for Environmental Excellence, Technology Innovation, and Industry Leadership

Posted by admin on April 11th, 2013

JERSEY SHORE, Pa.–()–Pennsylvania steel manufacturer Jersey Shore Steel Company’s
sustainability initiatives have earned the 2013 Governor’s Award for
Environmental Excellence (GAEE). In addition, the company has been
recognized as a finalist for technology innovation and industry
leadership in the 2013 Platts Global Metals Awards.

“highlight the best in
environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth.”

The Governor’s Award is the “highest statewide honor bestowed upon
businesses and organizations for environmental performance and
innovation,” according to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, which
presents the awards on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection. The awards “highlight the best in
environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth.”

In addition to Jersey Shore Steel Company, the select group of GAEE
winners represents conservation organizations, agricultural firms,
energy consulting firms, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center,
and iconic American manufacturers Boeing and Harley-Davidson.

Jersey Shore Steel’s award cites the company’s long-term process of
“greening” its operations and recent efforts to educate consumer and
industrial markets about the merits of JSS green steel for present and
future uses. The first steel mill in the world to have a documented
“negative carbon footprint,” the company’s steel is considered by Penn
State University to be “the world’s greenest steel.” (www.jssteel.com/green-steel)

At almost the same time, Jersey Shore Steel was named a finalist in two
categories of the 2013 Platts Global Metals Awards (GMA): “Innovative
Technology of the Year” and “Industry Leadership – Steel.” Platts, a
leading global provider of energy, petrochemical and metals information,
is owned by McGraw-Hill.

As a Global Metals Award finalist, Jersey Shore Steel is on a short list
including ArcelorMittal, Severstal, Alcoa, Nucor, and other world
leaders in metals production.

Jersey Shore Steel Company, celebrating 75 years in business this year,
is in its third generation of family ownership. The company produces
high carbon, rail steel angles and other shapes. Its steel is used by
leading manufacturers in the bedding support, furniture, agricultural
products, highway signs and barricades, and other industries.

Business Wire Environment News

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Energy efficiency: a platform for innovation

Posted by admin on April 10th, 2013

Feature article by Jayne Law, MBE, Dow Building Solutions UK and Ireland

“When I first entered what was then a rather limited thermal insulation industry, over twenty five years ago – selling STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation to architects and end users of all types – I was amused by the fact that as a nation we were insulating many agricultural buildings far better than any new properties built for human occupation.

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t begrudge the chickens and pigs a warm bed for the night, but they, or their chicks and piglets, didn’t have to worry about the cost of turning up the thermostat to cope with cold snaps: after all, at Dow we were busy helping to wrap their sheds with cosy SYTROFOAM!

Subsidies no doubt helped, but along with animal welfare, energy costs were of primary importance and the main driver for the farmer. Let’s just say, common economic sense prevailed!

Over the years, the construction industry began to make progress and the use of thermal insulation began to take shape. However, until more recently, its use was pretty limited. Back in the 80s, pioneering property developers installed 50mm of fibre in the loft and 25mm of board foam into cavity walls. It was good news, and a step in the right direction (considering there was no legislation driving it – only a document asking them to make ‘reasonable provision’ for the conservation of fuel!). However, it’s worth pointing out that at the same time the piglets were snuggled up with 80mm thickness of insulation!

As with the farmer back then, the burden of energy costs are catching up with us all, and fast – at home, in the office we work in or at our manufacturing facilities. Here in the UK, we really shouldn’t be facing the fact that more people are being pushed into fuel poverty, which of course has its own impact on health and well-being. In short, unless things change, energy costs threaten to become the enemy of financial freedom for a significant section of the population and a competitive burden on the UK as it competes in a global economy.

But it’s far from all doom and gloom. Government departments such as the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) are thankfully taking the issue very seriously. I am pleased to say that over the recent decade or so energy efficiency has become an integral part of any new building for human occupation.

There are of course more steps to take before we can consider our work done, but we can thank pioneers such as the Association for the Conservation of Energy, whose bold efforts have brought about changes in legislation and helped to establish what is required for continued future improvement.

Farmers saw the benefit of improved energy efficiency because they were paying the energy bill and wanted their animals to thrive. But, think about this – building designers, developers or contractors rarely pay the energy bills. It’s a shame, but it’s fact that it takes progressive legislation to increase energy efficiency and make a change that will, at some time in the not too distant future, mean that the owner or occupier of a newly built property will not be burdened with escalating energy costs.

Buildings last a long time and many of our families, friends and neighbours are still living or working in old, poorly insulated or even completely un-insulated buildings. However, the framework to make real change is here and now. The noise is louder than ever before, and not just within government and industry: people around the UK are finally talking about energy efficiency of the buildings they occupy.

This means that an opportunity for British industry is unfolding, not just in the construction market, but the manufacturing industry, the chemical industry, the services industry, the energy sector, and beyond. The prospects for growth in my specific industry – thermal insulation – are better than ever.

So what role can innovation play? As a manufacturer of thermal insulation products we’ve been developing ever thicker products that deliver more insulation ‘power’. We are seeing the tide turn. In the past, thermal insulation had to fit with building methods, but now for the first time, building methods themselves are changing because of the demand for greater insulation thicknesses.

We’ve also made strides in the processes we use to manufacture insulation materials. We at Dow take carbon dioxide from industry and use it a blowing agent to produce our foams, bringing major environmental improvements.

But let’s face it, apart from overcoming some mechanically challenging production limitations and technical hurdles, that’s really as far as we’ve got: the biggest opportunity is yet to come if we are willing to embrace it.

If we want thermal insulation within the construction industry to up its game and create the next generation of insulation products and solutions, then we in industry must play our part and rise to the challenge. Those who dare will win – those who invest in new thinking, in research and development and ultimately in new production methods are the future.

My dream is for the next generation of insulation to emerge as being painted on, wrapped around, unfolded, or stretched into place. And to me that is the day the thermal insulation industry will have truly entered the 21st century and come of age.

So the opportunity to really innovate is finally with us. If we in industry embrace it, we become creators, leaders, exporters, winners in a whole new world of energy efficient solutions.

The new home, office, school or hospital of this decade – with true commitment to building regulations and progressive legislation – will need walls consisting of at least 200mm thick thermal insulation. And all around us, old buildings need to be re-furbished to that standard too.

However, in order to be practical, that 200mm thick of thermal insulation will actually need to be 50mm or far less, yet offer the same thermal performance. It’s now time for a step change in science, in attitudes, in investment and joint government-industry commitment to make the difference.

Thanks to DECC and initiatives such as the Green Deal and ECO, we in industry have the platform: so let’s not waste the opportunity.”

To find out more about Dow Building Solutions and extruded polystyrene insulation products available, visit www.styrofoam.co.uk or email [email protected].

End

Notes to editors:

Dow Building Solutions is a division of The Dow Chemical Company. The UK business supplies systems and products which help construction professionals to design and build energy efficient, high performance buildings from residential to commercial, supporting the Green Deal, The Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM and Passivhaus design criteria.

The product range includes STYROFOAM™ blue extruded foamed polystyrene insulation, new XENERGY™ extruded polystyrene insulation in steel grey, GREAT STUFF™ polyurethane foam sealant, FROTH-PAK™ polyurethane foam spray systems, INSTA-STIK™ polyurethane adhesives and a range of accessories.

For media information contact:
[email protected]
01295 780152

Customer contact:
Dow Building Solutions
Diamond House, Lotus Park,
Kingsbury Crescent, Staines,
Middlesex, TW18 3AG
Tel.: 020 3139 4190
Fax: 020 3139 4013

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow.
Custom Release Wire

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Seair Announces New Collaboration With H2O Innovation at Oilsands Camp in Northern Alberta

Posted by admin on March 25th, 2013

CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwire – March 25, 2013) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Seair Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SDS) (“Seair”) is pleased to announce new contracts with H2O Innovation Inc. (“H2O”) and an oil sands customer to provide drinking water treatment plants to an operator northwest of Fort McMurray. Seair and H2O have collaborated on providing Potable Water Treatment Systems which will provide drinking water for the worker camp facility. The systems were built at H2O’s facility in Quebec. With the assistance of H2O, Seair will operate the H2O systems. The combined Seair and H2O systems’ discharged effluent can be dispersed into an at -grade discharge field without the need for trucking and/or disposal charges.

“Seair is very excited to be working on this project with H2O as it will provide a basis for H2O and Seair to collaborate on other projects in the future”, says Ric Charron, CEO of Seair. “H2O and Seair have complementary technologies and we’re very excited about the opportunity to grow our relationship with them and expand our presence in the oil sands. H2O is a leader in advanced membrane technology and can design, produce, and integrate state-of-the-art custom built water treatment systems for multiple markets in Canada, the United States and abroad.”

ABOUT SEAIR

Seair Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SDS) develops proprietary equipment that diffuses gases, such as oxygen, ozone and carbon dioxide, into liquids. Seair’s patented technologies can produce micron size bubbles which are more efficient than other diffusion technologies. The result is a stable condition, where gases remain in solution for extended periods of time, leading to increased productivity and lower operating costs. This, in turn, facilitates gas-based treatment of complex and challenging wastewater and allows Seair to provide full water reuse and closed loop systems.

Seair applications include frac and produced water treatment, efficient treatment of industrial ponds, mine dewatering, end-to-end sewage treatment for permanent residential communities and remote work camps, golf course irrigation and pond treatment, and oil sands/SAGD water solutions. Parties interested in obtaining further information or receiving news releases and corporate documents from Seair may email such requests to [email protected] or visit the Seair website at www.seair.ca.

Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release of Seair contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Seair’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur. Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding Seair’s expectations regarding the regulatory approval of the Offering, closing of the Offering and the use of proceeds from the Offering. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any factor could cause actual results to differ materially from Seair’s expectations. Seair undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Marketwire – Environment

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The science of science and innovation policy

Posted by admin on March 1st, 2013

Nearly £5 billion of public funding is spent on science and innovation in the UK each year. Despite cuts in other sectors, this level of funding was frozen in the 2010 Spending Review, guaranteeing “flat cash” until 2014. Another one-year Spending Review is due next year, but in the current economic climate, significant changes in spending are unlikely. For science to receive the funding it requires and deserves, its value and impact needs to be evidenced and clearly presented to decision-makers. As highlighted by James Wilsdon, Professor of Science and Democracy at Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU), at the Policy Lunchbox network, however, more work is needed to strengthen the evidence base for UK science and innovation policy.

James began his talk by comparing the situation in the UK to that of the United States. Across the Atlantic, there have been sustained investments in evaluating science and innovation policies over recent years. This was partly in response to an influential 2005 speech made by John Marburger, then science adviser to George W. Bush, where he said that the “science of science policy needs to grow up.” A ‘Science of Science and Innovation Policy’ programme was initiated in 2006, and has since funded upwards of ninety projects to develop and improve science policy decision-making in the US.

There is no equivalently well-developed programme in the UK. Many organisations, such as the Royal Society, Nesta, the Research Councils, and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, as well as university centres work on aspects of science and innovation policy, but much of this work is domain-specific (on genomics, energy etc.) and there is relatively little independent, system-wide analysis. Also there isn’t enough effort to compare the strengths and weaknesses of the UK system to other national systems, in both developed and emerging economies.

James highlighted that the relatively small amount of academic research carried out in the UK’s science and innovation system can result in policymakers relying very heavily on the few resources that are available. For example, in the lead up to the 2010 Spending Review, Professor Jonathan Haskel’s work on the contribution of science to economic growth was used extensively to defend the core science budget. This was a valuable addition to the arsenal of those fighting for science, but as we look ahead to the next General Election and beyond, we ideally need to broaden and deepen our evidence base.

Funding of science and innovation is relatively secure for the short-term, but more work is required to ensure this continues into the future. Currently, science funding is generally a non-partisan issue, with all political parties taking a similar line. Discussion at the Lunchbox led to the conclusion that in order to both reach a wider audience and for funding budgets to be increased, this consensus might need to change, such that science becomes an issue of more visible public and political debate.

Further research into the science and innovation systems of both the UK and other countries is needed to provide robust evidence for policy and decision-makers with regards to funding allocation and science policy. At a time when government budgets are under huge pressure, greater emphasis on the ’science of science policy’ within the UK would be timely and valuable.

Policy Lunchbox is a joint initiative between the British Ecological Society and the Biochemical Society. The next Lunchbox will be in April. For more information and past speakers, see the website.

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Nominations Open for the BIO George Washington Carver Award for Innovation in Industrial Biotech

Posted by admin on February 6th, 2013

WASHINGTON–()–The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced that it is
accepting nominations for the annual George Washington Carver Award to
recognize significant contributions by an individual in the field of
industrial biotechnology, including applications in biological
engineering, environmental science, biorefining and biobased products.
The award will be presented at the 10th Annual World Congress
on Industrial Biotechnology, to be held June 16-19, 2013 in Montreal,
Canada.

“We are honoring George Washington Carver because he was a leading
figure in the early ‘chemurgy’ movement, and really one of one of the
founding fathers of modern industrial biotechnology”

“We are honoring George Washington Carver because he was a leading
figure in the early ‘chemurgy’ movement, and really one of one of the
founding fathers of modern industrial biotechnology,” said Brent
Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental
Section. “Today, his legacy lives on in industrial biotechnology
companies that are developing new methods to use renewable agricultural
resources to manufacture fuels, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and
food ingredients, just as Carver did during the first half of the 20th
century. Today’s work remains true to his goal – a sustainable biobased
economy that includes production of useful everyday products.”

BIO is now accepting
nominations for the George Washington Carver Award. Download
the nomination form and email completed forms to [email protected].
Nominees must be living individuals who have demonstrated significant
and innovative accomplishments employing industrial biotechnology to
advance a biobased economy and industrial sustainability. Written
nominations should highlight the contributions the nominee has made in
using biotechnology for sustainable production of biobased products,
materials and energy. In addition, nominations should include examples
of the pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit of the nominee. The
deadline for nominations is February 28, 2013.

The award honors the original vision of George Washington Carver who,
over a century ago, achieved world renown by using agriculture and
science to produce everyday products, changing the nature of farm
economics and sustainability. Carver devoted his career to teaching
sustainable farming, which for him included developing new uses of
agricultural products that could boost farm profits. To help farmers
adopt sustainable practices, Carver and his students developed more than
300 industrial uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other crops that
could be grown in rotation with cotton and corn. Carver’s inventions
included plastics, glue, soaps, paints, dyes for cloth and leather,
medicines and cosmetic ingredients made from peanuts, sweet potatoes, or
other crops and agricultural residues.

Today, companies are using industrial biotechnology in ways Carver could
never have imagined to manufacture plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals
and even food ingredients from renewable agricultural resources. The
George Washington Carver Award will honor individuals in the private
sector, government or academia who have worked toward the important goal
of using biotechnology innovation to develop sustainable bio-based
value-chains.

BIO presented the first annual George Washington Carver Award to Dr.
Patrick Gruber, CEO, Gevo, Inc., recognizing his accomplishments in
creating and commercializing a new plastic made from annually renewable
resources. Most recently, BIO honored Novozymes President and CEO Steen
Riisgaard as the 2012 winner. Under his leadership, Novozymes is
creating tomorrow’s industrial biotechnology solutions and improving the
use of our planet’s resources, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The world’s largest industrial biotechnology conference for business
leaders, investors, academics and policymakers in biofuels, biobased
products, renewable chemicals, synthetic biology, food ingredients and
biomass comes to Montreal, Canada, June 16-19 at the Palais
des congrès de Montréal. Please visit http://www.bio.org/worldcongress/ for
additional information, or email [email protected].

Online
pre-registration for reporters and editors is now open. All breakout
and plenary sessions at the BIO World Congress on Industrial
Biotechnology are open to attendance by members of the media.
Complimentary media registration is available to editors and reporters
with valid press credentials working full time for print, broadcast or
web publications.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic
institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations
across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members
are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare,
agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO
also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest
gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading
investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW,
an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations
transforming our world.” Subscribe
to BIOtechNOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO
CEO & Investor Conference
February 11 – 12, 2013
New
York City, NY

BIO
International Convention
April 22 – 25, 2013
Chicago, IL

World
Congress on Industrial Biotechnology
June 16 – 19, 2013
Montreal,
Canada

Business Wire Environment News

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Designing carbon-pricing policy to drive innovation and limit emissions Carbon management research in Canada receives a $3.75 M boost

Posted by admin on January 16th, 2013

WATERLOO, ON — Researchers are developing economic models that aim to reduce the economic costs associated with implementing policies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and encourage low-carbon innovation.


“The idea is to try to develop some models regarding carbon policy that can tell a story from a sound academic basis rather than the extreme views on both sides,” says one of the lead investigators, Dr. Randall Wigle, associate director of the PhD Program in Global Governance in the Department of Economics at the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) at Wilfrid Laurier. A key goal of the project is to encourage low-carbon innovation by showing both the positive and negative impacts of policies.


Dr. Wigle and his team from BSIA, the University of Calgary and the University of Ottawa will receive $ 400,000 over two years from Carbon Management Canada (CMC-NCE), a national Network of Centres of Excellence supporting game-changing research to reduce CO2 emissions in the fossil energy industry as well as from other large stationary emitters. The award is part of CMC-NCE’s third round of funding which saw a total of $ 3.75 awarded to eight projects.


Wigle and his team are using general equilibrium models to examine the multitude of factors that will be affected by a policies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.


“You start from the simple things,” he says. “Chemicals and refining and steel production are going to be affected a lot and the service sector won’t be affected very much. We try to keep track of all these interrelations so we can give an answer at the end of the day.”


The team, which includes University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Tom Rutherford, an international leader in computational equilibrium modelling, will build on existing models supplied by Environment Canada.


“There are a number of features that are already in the model that we want to refine,” says Wigle. “We are hoping to look at the impacts of alternative policy measures and the interaction of demographic change and Canada’s fiscal change, as it relates to climate policy.”


He says there are improvements in modeling techniques as well as better data available to help answer questions about the effects of carbon policy on the economy.


“With a modest carbon tax or, selling allowances at a very modest price—even if you sell a subset of the allowances at a pretty modest price—still you could be talking a fair amount of revenue, like billions.”



About Carbon Management Canada


Carbon Management Canada (CMC) is a national network that funds research and promotes the transfer to practice of knowledge and technologies to reduce CO2 emissions in the fossil energy industry and other large stationary emitters. CMC has over 160 investigators, network agreements with 27 Canadian universities, and has invested $ 22 million in 44 research projects.


Contact Info: Ruth Klinkhammer, CMC Communications Director

T: 403.210.7879

E: [email protected]

Website : Carbon Management Canada

ENN Network News – ENN

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DECC: UK leads EU scheme to drive bioenergy innovation

Posted by admin on January 8th, 2013

info4local Subject Documents

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Internet, Immigration, Spectrum, Patents, Privacy and eCycling are Hot Issues at World’s Largest Innovation Event

Posted by admin on December 17th, 2012

ARLINGTON, Va.–()–Innovation meets policy at the Consumer Electronics Association’s (CEA)®
Innovation Policy Summit at the 2013 International CES®. The
summit will host discussions from top government officials and
representatives from startups and established consumer electronics
companies to highlight the relationship between groundbreaking products
and technology policies at the 2013 CES, the world’s largest innovation
event, January 8-11, 2013, in Las Vegas. Speakers include
representatives from the U.S. Congress, Federal Trade Commission (FTC),
Google and Verizon as well as the Chairman and all four Commissioners
from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“Facing the Policy Issues of Facial Recognition Technology”

“Year after year, CES has highlighted the real impact policy issues have
on technology. We saw this last year with the Stop Online Piracy Act
(SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) which created a storm of industry
opposition during the show and into early 2012,” said Gary Shapiro,
president and CEO, CEA. “We are thrilled to host top government leaders
to the 2013 CES to discuss issues such as strategic immigration reform,
patent reform, allocation of wireless spectrum and energy efficiency. By
bringing leading government officials together with individuals from
some of America’s greatest and most innovative companies, we hope to
encourage a more collaborative future between policy efforts and the
technology industry.”

Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) will introduce the panel
“Strategic Immigration: Bringing the Best and Brightest to America”
during the Innovation
Policy Summit at the 2013 CES, at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 8, in
Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center (LVCC), North Hall, N254.
The session will include panelist Jeremy Robbins, policy advisor and
special counsel, Office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Innovators and Washington policymakers will come together in the
“Fighting the Patent Trolls” panel session at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday,
January 8, in the LVCC, North Hall, N254 to discuss how they are working
together to help the tech industry innovate. Representative Peter
DeFazio (D-OR) will deliver opening remarks and introduce a robust
panel including representatives from VOXX International, Google and
Newegg Inc.

As a crusader for American ingenuity throughout his political career, Senator
Ron Wyden (D-OR) will present “Agenda to Promote Innovation Through
a Global Free and Open Internet,” at 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, January 9, in
the LVCC, N254.

“Facing the Policy Issues of Facial Recognition Technology,” at 9:30
a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, in the LVCC, North Hall, N254, will
include an introduction from The Honorable Maureen K.
Ohlhausen, commissioner, FTC. Harley Geiger, legislative counsel,
Office of Representative Zoe Lofgren will participate as a panelist.

On Wednesday, January 9, at 11:45 a.m., in the LVCC, North Hall, N254,
“Voluntary Incentive Auctions: The Wireless Future is Here!” will delve
into how the FCC auctions will help the U.S. maintain its leadership
role in technology and innovation. Representative Lee Terry (R-NE) will
provide opening remarks. Panel participants include Bill Lake, chief,
media bureau, FCC; Neil Fried, chief counsel, Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology, Energy and Commerce Committee, U.S. House
of Representatives; and John Branscome, Professional Staff Member,
Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet, Committee
on Commerce, Science and Transportation, U.S. Senate.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) will introduce a passionate panel
session at noon on Wednesday, January 9, in the LVCC, North Hall, N254.
“Washington and the Startup Economy: First, Do No Harm” will pull
insights from entrepreneurs and policymakers to discuss what Congress
needs to do to ensure the next generation of high-tech, high-skilled
jobs are created in America.

At 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, January 9, in the LVCC, North Hall, N254,
Gary Shapiro will join FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski for a
one-on-one conversation to discuss his tenure at the FCC and his vision
for the agency’s future.

“The FCC’s Regulatory Agenda for 2013” will bring together four FCC
Commissioners in a panel session including The Honorable Robert
McDowell, The Honorable Mignon Clyburn, The Honorable Jessica
Rosenworcel and The Honorable Ajit Pai. The session will take
place at 2:45 p.m., on Wednesday, January 9, in the LVCC, North Hall,
N254.

The Honorable Robert McDowell and David Redl, counsel, Committee on
Energy and Commerce, U.S. House of Representatives will also be a
panelist for the session “Some Countries Want the UN to Regulate the
Internet. So, What’s the Problem?” The panel will be moderated by Ambassador
David Gross, partner, Wiley Rein, at 4:00 p.m., on Wednesday,
January 9, in the LVCC, North Hall, N254.

The final day of the Innovation Policy Summit will include a panel on
“E-waste Policy in the U.S.,” at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 10, in
the LVCC, North Hall, N254. State Senator Stephen Urquhart (R-UT) and
Garth Hickle, product stewardship team leader, Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency will join the panel dialogue on creating a
sustainable, industry-driven CE recycling system.

State Senator Michael J. Rubio (D-CA), chair of the Environmental
Safety Committee, California State Senate will participate in a
panel conversation entitled “Energy Efficiency: Is the Industry Leading
the Way to Energy Savings?” at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 10, in
the LVCC, North Hall, N254.

David Strickland, administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) will provide opening remarks for “Driving the
Debate on Safe Driving,” at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 10, in the
LVCC, North Hall N254. He will be joined by representatives from
Mobileye Inc., Verizon and AT&T.

For the full line-up of Innovation Policy Summit sessions and other CES
conference programs, visit CESweb.org.

Note to Editors: The official name of the global technology event is
“International CES.” Subsequent references to the show can be shortened
to “CES.” Please do not use “Consumer Electronics Show” to refer to the
International CES.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® is the preeminent
trade association promoting growth in the $ 206 billion U.S. consumer
electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of
CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research,
technical training and education, industry promotion, standards
development and the fostering of business and strategic
relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The
Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into
CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online: www.CE.org
and www.DeclareInnovation.com.
Follow CES at www.CESweb.org
and through social media: http://facebook.com/InternationalCES,
http://twitter.com/IntlCES,
http://blog.ce.org/.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • 2013 International CES
    January 8-11, 2013, Las Vegas, NV
  • Economic Retreat
    March 8-10, 2013, Snowmass, CO

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BIS: Minister unveils £1.1 million Innovation boost for SMEs

Posted by admin on December 14th, 2012

A second wave of Innovation Vouchers are being made available through the Technology Strategy Board. The extra funding is for Innovation Vouchers for businesses who want to use public open data to commercialise their ideas and develop products and prototypes.

The Innovation Vouchers scheme was launched in September providing £5,000 to businesses who wanted to develop ideas applicable to Agri-food, Built Environment and Space. As well as the additional funding for open data use, they are also being extended for businesses with innovation ideas in the areas of Energy, Water and Waste.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said:

“This new wave of Innovation Vouchers will give SMEs a great opportunity to bid for funding that can make a real difference to the growth of their business ideas. They will be able to develop exciting proposals that can make use of open data, which have the potential to unlock great value and boost economic growth.

“There is also real strength across the UK knowledge base in the areas of Energy, Water and Waste. The expansion of Innovation Vouchers in these areas will provide an added boost for businesses looking for suppliers of knowledge who can help explore and develop their innovations.”

The Technology Strategy Board’s Chief Executive Iain Gray said:

“We’re delighted that as well as offering our own Technology Strategy Board Innovation Vouchers we’ve been able to use our portal as a conduit to 43 other schemes run by universities and other organisations right across the country from Aberdeen to Cornwall, in Wales and Northern Ireland. This provides vital support to businesses starting their innovation journey and making contact with a knowledge supplier for the first time.

“Innovation Vouchers offer a low risk way for small businesses to explore new ideas with a wider network of specialists – ideas that can make a real difference and help them grow.”

In September, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) committed £1 million a year for the next three years for Innovation Vouchers. That will be matched by the Technology Strategy Board, meaning there will be £2 million each year for areas including Agri-food, Built Environment, Energy, Water and Waste. The Innovation Vouchers will be allocated every three months, with 100 Vouchers across the themes each quarter. An additional £1.1 million is now available for open data over the next two years.

People will be able to apply for the Innovation Vouchers directly through the Technology Strategy Board and the Open Data Institute (ODI).

Business can use their Innovation Vouchers to work with knowledge suppliers such as:

  • Universities and further education colleges
  • Research and technology organisations
  • Intellectual property advisers.

Examples of how Innovation Vouchers for open data business innovators and inventors could be used include:

  • A small business looking to grow services and solutions using open data
  • A new business looking to develop an idea into a working prototype
  • Specialist consultancy on the integration of open data with other data sources to develop products and prototypes
  • Intellectual Property advice in respect of ideas incorporating open data.

The additional funding for open data vouchers comes after BIS announced this week new measures to open up access to public data; including a new £7.5 million Data Strategy Board Breakthrough Fund and a new £850,000 open data Immersion Programme which will assist public organisations and companies to opening up new opportunities for data.


Notes to editors:

  1. Innovation Vouchers form part of the government’s Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth.
  1. The Technology Strategy Board have worked with the Data Strategy Board to introduce open data as a target area to use Innovation Vouchers to help companies access and use open data to aid the growth of the business. The Innovation Vouchers would be targeted at data analytics and enable businesses to gain the knowledge they need to maximise the use of freely available data.
  1. The additional funding for open data will see £100,000 for year one and £500,000 for years two and three.
  1. The latest figures from round one show that over 200 projects were successful in the draw for Innovation Vouchers for Agri-Food, Built Environment and Space.
  1. You can find out more information on the new open data investments announced earlier this week at http://news.bis.gov.uk/Press-Releases/New-funding-to-accelerate-benefits-of-open-data-684c1.aspx.

6. The Technology Strategy Board is the UK’s innovation agency. Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy. For more information please visit www.innovateuk.org.

7. The ODI is a non-profit (Limited by Guarantee), non-government, non-partisan organisation. It is receiving partial funding from the government’s Technology Strategy Board (£2m a year over 5 years). The ODI will match this with industry funding to develop approaches that release the value in open data and use it to create knowledge for everyone.

  1. The government’s economic policy objective is to achieve ‘strong, sustainable and balanced growth that is more evenly shared across the country and between industries’. It set four ambitions in the ‘Plan for Growth’ (PDF 1.7MB), published at Budget 2011:
    • To create the most competitive tax system in the G20
    • To make the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business
    • To encourage investment and exports as a route to a more balanced economy
    • To create a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe.

Work is underway across government to achieve these ambitions, including progress on more than 250 measures as part of the Growth Review. Developing an Industrial Strategy gives new impetus to this work by providing businesses, investors and the public with more clarity about the long-term direction in which the government wants the economy to travel.

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