February 2, 2010
Purdue Research Foundation sponsors two more firms in Microsoft BizSpark program
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Two Indiana firms will be able to research and develop their software-based products and services at a much lower cost because the Purdue Research Foundation is sponsoring them in an international program from Microsoft Corp.
The program, called BizSpark, provides Microsoft software to new companies for up to three years. Through the sponsorship of the Purdue Research Foundation, Indianapolis-based AP Innovation and Sensory Ventures LLC of the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette will receive Microsoft software such as Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server, Visual Studio, SQL Server and more.
The Purdue Research Foundation joined the BizSpark program in early 2009. AP Innovation and Sensory Ventures are the second and third firms it has sponsored, following The Scarborough Group Inc. of Naperville, Ill. While there are no initial fees to join, participating firms must pay $100 when they exit the program.
AP Innovation is an IT consulting firm that shapes software to fit its clients' business needs. The firm recommends, builds and customizes software to drive business.
"Our focus on business-critical and user-centric design issues results in highly integrated, user-friendly software solutions for our clients," said Matt Goebel, founder and president of AP Innovation.
Goebel explained how being part of the BizSpark program benefits the company.
"The BizSpark program allows AP Innovation access to tools in the Microsoft Suite that would otherwise be quite costly for an up-and-coming startup company," he said. "These tools enable our consulting firm to deliver high-quality solutions using the latest, best technologies available. The program absolutely helps us to be more competitive in regard to the pricing and depth of service we are able to offer."
Sensory Ventures develops communication technology that instantly sends full-screen alerts, Web pages and multimedia to desktop computers and handheld devices.
Travis Brant, Sensory Ventures president and CEO, said being in the BizSpark program has been valuable for research and development.
"BizSpark allows us to test applications on multiple operating systems before roll-out to the general public," he said. "It has allowed us to explore concepts, with next to no cost, before large development efforts. It also saves us time and money while giving us confidence in our software applications."
To be eligible for the BizSpark program, startup companies must have a software-based product or service at the core of their current or future business, be privately held, be in business for fewer than three years and earn less than $1 million in annual revenue. They also must have a sponsor. A company may take part in the program for three years unless it goes public or is acquired by another company.
Startup company officials can solicit the Purdue Research Foundation to be their BizSpark sponsor by visiting the program's Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/bizspark/ and entering the section labeled "Startups." The foundation also has a link at http://www.prf.org/bus_dev/BizSpark.asp
After selecting their U.S. region, company representatives can search for the Purdue Research Foundation among the list of the sponsors. Information about the foundation includes an e-mail address where officials can send a message to express their interest.
About AP Innovation
AP Innovation is an IT consulting company that utilizes a client-centric approach that seeks to first understand, and then solve. We help our clients fully understand their unique needs and then utilize existing investments/efficiencies when possible to help them implement the most cost-effective and efficient solution. Our deep capabilities enable us to add value to all phases of a project, be it filling a specific need or leading the entire project team.
About Sensory Ventures
Sensory Ventures is the exclusive rights holder for the DocuChannel platform. DocuChannel saves lives through mass distribution of critical information to millions of people and electronic devices worldwide within one minute.
About Purdue Research Foundation
The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. The foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds research, scholarships and grants; acquires property; and negotiates research contracts on behalf of Purdue. The Purdue Research Foundation oversees the Purdue Research Park, which is the largest university-affiliated business incubator in the country. In addition to the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, the foundation has established technology parks in other locations around Indiana including Merrillville, New Albany and Indianapolis.
Note: All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
Purdue Research Foundation contact:
Steve Martin, 765-588-3342, sgmartin@prf.org
Sources:
Travis Brant, 317-506-6471, info@sensoryventures.com
Matt Goebel, 859-802-7591, matt.goebel@apinnovation.com
August 24, 2009
Company provides emergency communication tool free to schools, not-for-profit organizations around globe
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Officials at schools and not-for-profit organizations can use an electronic communication system to alert employees, students and others of an emergency or crisis at no cost through a program offered by a Purdue Research Park-based company.
The system, which instantly sends full-screen alerts, Web pages and multimedia to selected desktop computers and handheld devices, is part of the Safe Schools Program offered by Sensory Ventures LLC
Travis Brant, Sensory Ventures president and CEO, said registrants can use the technology to communicate every day, not just in times of crisis.
"Officials can send health forms, sports schedules, Web links, school closings and more directly to home and workplace computers," he said. "The information simply shows up on people's computer screens without requiring them to open e-mail or visit a Web site."
Officials from schools and not-for-profit organizations can visit the secure site at http://www.safeschoolschannel.com to register by providing their name, their school's or organization's name, a contact e-mail address, and a self-selected password. The account is created automatically, and officials can begin communicating immediately.
Sensory Ventures provides registrants with tools to promote the program, including automated letters and e-mail invitations. Company representatives also are available for consultation via e-mail and telephone.
Brant said the free registration and use of the program will benefit users.
"We have found that most schools and not-for-profit organizations need a more effective public communication tool but do not have the funds to implement it," he said. "We responded by creating a program that's affordable and free of advertising."
Aug. 10, 2009
School Corporation Using Indiana Alert Technology
FOWLER and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A newly installed crisis notification technology from Sensory Ventures will alert Benton Community School Corp. students, teachers and administrators, and first responders to emergencies.
"Officials of the Benton Community School Corp. respect the traditions of our community, but we also want to move forward and become proactive in every aspect of education and school safety," said Destin Haas, principal of Benton Central Jr.-Sr. High School in Oxford, Ind. "We want this school corporation to be on the cutting edge of innovative programs that are educationally sound and will assist with school safety."
Sensory Ventures LLC, located at the Purdue Research Park, has implemented its DocuChannel™ technology throughout the corporation's buildings. The technology will be in place for the 2009-2010 academic year. The technology sends notifications to classroom computers, television systems and other electronic devices. The company has provided software and service to enable mass notification throughout the corporation's buildings as well as devices to interrupt projectors and video signals to display emergency messages.
Travis Brant, owner and president of Sensory Ventures, said the technology can be used every day.
"The DocuChannel™ technology brings added value by including features like digital signage and document distribution, which can be used on an everyday basis," Brant said. "We all hope the technology won't be needed as an emergency notification system, but the benefit of DocuChannel is that it can be used as a communication method for other types of announcements like extracurricular activities or special programs."
The added value was one of the reasons that corporation officials partnered with Sensory Ventures.
"We do not have cable or satellite TV in our classrooms," Haas said. "During the presidential election, we could not view it throughout the school. With this system, we will have the chance to view newsworthy events. We also will be able to program scrolling announcements like messages for students about being drug free and safe school information during and after the school day."
The technology will be used in Benton Central Jr.-Sr. High School and Prairie Crossing Elementary in Oxford, Boswell Elementary School in Boswell, Otterbein Elementary School in Otterbein, and the school's administration office in Fowler.
About Sensory Ventures:
Sensory Ventures is the exclusive rights holder for the DocuChannel platform. DocuChannel saves lives through mass distribution of critical information to millions of people and electronic devices worldwide within one minute.
About Purdue Research Park:
The 725-acre Purdue Research Park has the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the country. The park is home to more than 160 companies. About 100 of these firms are technology-related and another 39 are incubator businesses. The Purdue Research Park is part of the Purdue Research Foundation, a private, nonprofit foundation created to assist Purdue University in the area of economic development. In addition to the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, the foundation has established technology parks in other locations around Indiana including Merrillville, New Albany and Indianapolis.
To the Purdue Research Park, http://www.purdueresearchpark.com
Source: Purdue Research Park
April 15, 2009
INDIANAPOLIS — Now in its 10th year, the 2009 TechPoint Mira Awards presented by BKD represent the top technology businesses, business professionals and educators in the state of Indiana. Four independent panels of judges chose 63 finalists from a record number of nominations in 11 categories this year.
“To receive a record number of entries into the Mira Awards competition and to see so many technology-related companies thriving—particularly during the current national economic downturn—is a real testament to the strength of Indiana’s tech sector,” said Jim Jay, president and CEO of TechPoint. “The Mira Awards recognize the achievements of some outstanding performers and contributors, and it’s also a great way to focus attention on the broader issue of the important role technology plays in our state’s economy.”
According to the 2009 TechAmerica CyberStates report, Indiana's high-tech economy employs more than 71,000 technology professionals representing an annual payroll of $4.2 billion. CyberStates reports that these in-demand positions pay an average of $83,000 annually, more than double Indiana's latest reported per-capita income of $32,000.
The 2009 winners will be announced at an “Oscars-style” award ceremony being held Sat., May 16 at The Westin Indianapolis. TechPoint will also honor the past Mira Awards winners and finalists attending the ceremony.
Visit http://www.techpoint.org/Mira/Pastwinners.htm for a complete list of previous Mira Awards winners and finalists.
The finalists for the 2009 TechPoint Mira Awards presented by BKD are as follows. The “gazelle” designation indicates that a company has been in business less than three years:
Innovation of the Year
-AIGalCo, LLC
-ComfortMotion Technologies
-ExactTarget
-Intelliphage Inc.
-LacPro Industries, Inc.
-Precise Path Robotics
-Solstice Medical, LLC
-Swift Enterprises Ltd
Information Technology
-ANGEL Learning, Inc.
-Apparatus
-eImagine Technology Group, Inc.
-ENTAP, Inc.
-ExactTarget
-Information in Place, Inc.
-Passageways, LLC
-Perpetual Technologies, Inc.
-WebLink International
Information Technology Gazelle
-BlueLock, LLC
-Cantaloupe.tv, LLC
-Compendium Blogware
-FormSpring
-Right On Interactive
-Scale Computing
-Sensory Ventures, LLC
-The Basement Design + Motion, LLC
-Vontoo
Health & Life Sciences
-BioStorage Technologies, Inc.
-EHOB, Inc.
-Safis-Solutions, LLC
Health & Life Sciences Gazelle
-Indiana Health Information Exchange
-Jinsitec, LLC
-OrthoPediatrics Corporation
-Predictive Physiology and Medicine (PPM)
Education Contribution- Dept/Prog/Team
-Ball State's Institute for Digital Fabrication, Ball State University
-Ball State's Digital Corps, Ball State University
-Global Research Network Operations Center, part of University Information Technology Services at Indiana University, Indiana University
-IHETS
Pervasive Technology Institute at Indiana University: Polar Grid Project Team, Indiana University
-Purdue University Department of Computer Science K - 12 Outreach Program, Purdue University - Department of Computer Science
-Rose-Hulman's Homework Hotline, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
-Surprising Possibilities Imagined and Realized through Information Technology (SPIRIT) at Purdue University, Purdue University
Education Contribution- Individual
-Beth Kiggins, University of Indianapolis
-Brian Tanner, Space Port Indiana
-Daniel G. Aliaga, Department of Computer Science, Purdue University
-Fred Kitchens, Ball State University
-Jennifer George-Palilonis, Ball State University
-Jessica Seaton, The Insititute for Digital Entertianment and Education at Ball State University
-Rodger Smith, The Insititute for Digital Entertianment and Education at Ball State University
-Yung C. Shin, Purdue University
Education Contribution- K-12
-Barb Underwood, Carmel Clay Schools
-Robbie Grimes, Brownsburg Community School Corporation
-Dr. Sheila Boehning, Doe Creek Middle School
Advanced Manufacturing/Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
-CloudBlue Technologies, Inc.
-Hurco Companies, Inc.
Excellence in Corporate IT
-FORUM Solutions
Healthcare IT Innovation Award
-Angie's List
-HealthCall, LLC
-Indiana Health Information Exchange, Inc. (IHIE)
-Intelliphage Inc.
-OBS Medical
-Orbis Education
-Pervasive Technology Institute at Indiana University with Purdue University – The CTSI Hub Team
-Solstice Medical, LLC
Visit http://www.techpoint.org/Mira for more information about the 2009 TechPoint Mira Awards presented by BKD.
About BKD
BKD, LLP (www.bkd.com) is the CPA and advisory firm of choice for growing companies and high net-worth individuals. As one of the 10 largest such firms in the country, we help clients go beyond their numbers by applying our technical expertise, unmatched client service and disciplined delivery of solutions to their management and financial needs. BKD's approximately 2,100 personnel, including approximately 250 partners, are based in 31 offices within 12 states in the central United States. Praxity, AISBL, a global alliance of independent firms, enhances BKD's ability to serve the dynamic needs of multinational clients. PraxityTM is your gateway to tax, assurance and consulting services delivered by alliance firms committed to the highest standards required in international business.
About TechPoint
TechPoint is Indiana’s only statewide technology initiative, representing industry stakeholders including publicly-traded companies, private businesses, colleges and research universities, and local economic development organizations. The mission of TechPoint is to accelerate Indiana’s emerging and vibrant information technology sector by: promoting the successes of IT companies and professionals; supporting the formation, expansion, and attraction of IT companies; and advocating appropriate public policy. Visit www.techpoint.org.
Oct. 23, 2008
Emergency notification program unveiled at Indianapolis area high school
BEECH GROVE, Ind., and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Sensory Ventures LLC, will
unveil a new emergency notification plan that alerts administrators,
teachers and students of a physical or armed attack, such as the 1999
Columbine High School tragedy.
The notification system will be demonstrated at 9 a.m. today (Oct. 23)
at Beech Grove High School, 5330 Hornet Avenue, Beech Grove, Ind.
The communication program takes control of classroom computers,
projectors, television systems and other electronic devices to alert
users and viewers of a potentially dangerous situation.
The idea for the product was developed during discussions with
information technology leaders at Purdue University exploring options
for communicating to groups in large, decentralized settings.
"The program fills in the gaps of traditional notification systems by
reaching individuals in locations where wireless devices like cell
phones do not work or are not allowed," said Travis Brant, owner and
president of Sensory Ventures. "The plan is part of the Safe Schools
program by Sensory Ventures."
The demonstration will be conducted in association with the
Hewlett-Packard Company and Sensory Ventures, a Purdue Research
Park-based company that created the technology. The system uses the
DocuChannel(tm) network to power this new method of mass notification.
"This communication networking tool is important for us. We are pleased
to be part of a new technology created in Indiana, especially when it
contributes to the safety of our students," said Steve Cox, principal of
Beech Grove High School. "We see this as an amazing opportunity to
communicate with our teachers, staff and students, as well as parents,
community members and first responders in the event of crises."
The DocuChannel network runs over standard Internet connections.
"It is easy for us to operate and maintain the DocuChannel network
because control is done through a Web site and there is no software to
install," Cox said.
About Sensory Ventures:
Sensory Ventures LLC specializes in the development of digital
distribution systems while maintaining exclusive rights for program
management throughout the DocuChannel(tm) network.
About Purdue Research Park:
The 725-acre Purdue Research Park (http://www.purdueresearchpark.com)
has the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the
country. The park is home to more than 140 companies. About 90 of these
firms are technology-related and another 39 are incubator businesses.
The park was ranked No. 1 in 2004 for university-affiliated research
parks and received the 2005 Outstanding Commercialization Award, both
from the Association of University Research Parks. The park's companies
also have received numerous recognitions, including a 2006 MIRA Award:
Innovation of the Year for Purdue Research Park/Quadraspec Inc. and a
2005 CoreNet Global Innovators Award finalist. The Purdue Research Park
is part of the Purdue Research Foundation, a private, nonprofit
foundation created to assist Purdue University in the area of economic
development. In addition to the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette,
the foundation has established or is currently constructing technology
parks in other locations around Indiana including Merrillville, New
Albany and Indianapolis.
Purdue Research Park contact: Cynthia Sequin (765) 494-4192, (765)
413-6031, casequin@prf.org.
Sources: Travis Brant, (317) 506-6471, info@sensoryventures.com
Steve Cox, (317) 786-1447
Related Web sites: Sensory Ventures: http://www.sensoryventures.com
Beech Grove High School: http://www.bgcs.k12.in.us.bghs/bghs.htm