Sharklet Technologies, the Alachua-based developer of sharkskin-inspired surface material that can help prevent bacteria infections in hospitals, has closed on $1.5 million in series A financing round. The company will begin a hospital pilot test shortly and plans to use the funds for further product development. (Sharklet Technologies)

The use of advanced materials in the aviation & aerospace industry is increasing, partly because of heightened requirements for safety, fuel efficiency and noise reduction. Composites and nanotechnology-based materials such as buckypaper are being commercialized for airframes, engines and other aerospace needs.

A new angel fund may offer some welcome funding options to entrepreneurs and innovators in Florida. The Naples-based Tamiami Angel Fund I plans to invest in early stage, high growth companies primarily in the Southwest Florida region and throughout the state.
(Tamiami Angel Fund I)

Florida has "a large and growing" place in the national clean energy economy, ranking among the Top 10 states for green jobs, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts study. The organization noted Florida's strong academic R&D initiatives and favorable government policies as factors in the clean energy's continued growth potential in the state. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Florida’s St. Augustine ranks among the U.S. News and World Report's Best Places to Live. Described as “great places to find work, retire, or just change your scene,” these cities were identified as affordable communities that have strong economies and plenty of fun things to do. (U.S. News & World Report)

Tarpon Towers LLC, a Sarasota-based wireless communications tower company, received a $25 million equity commitment for acquisitions and expansion. The firm absorbed Florida Tower Partners, LLC, a predecessor company, which will continue as a subsidiary. (ABS Capital Partners)

The U.S. aerospace industry is engaged in a major effort to use the latest satellite and communications technologies to transform the nation’s air traffic control system so it can accommodate an expected doubling of air traffic over the next couple of decades. The FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) will bring greater precision and accuracy to flight, while enhancing safety and improving aviation’s environmental performance.

Florida ranks among the nation’s Top 10 recipients of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I awards. Of the state’s 102 awards in FY 2008, 71 were from the U.S. Department of Defense. (State Science & Technology Institute)

Florida’s Palm Bay-Melbourne area is crowned one of the Top 10 High-Tech Centers in the United States.(Bizjournals, May 2009 )

Palm Beach County's growing life sciences cluster has attracted Leinco Technologies, an established developer and manufacturer of life sciences research products including diagnostic and genetically engineered substances. Leinco plans to build an efficient state of the art life sciences R&D and manufacturing facility, a project with an estimated economic impact of more than $64.8 million. (Business Development Board of Palm Beach County)

Florida is at the top of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News’ list of U.S. Emerging Biotechnology Cluster hotspots. Biotech industry thought leaders selected Florida as one of only two U.S. states featured among the world’s most promising emerging biotech clusters. (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News)

Ocean energy technologies—designed to tap the power of the ocean’s waves, temperature differences, currents and tides— have emerged as an area of significant R&D. This webinar will feature the CEO of Greentech Media, who will provide an update on the latest ocean power developments and three leading organizations with operations in Florida who will discuss their novel approaches to ocean power R&D. Register now!