About 200 employees will be answering phones when Vangent Inc. opens its Brandon call center, and if Vangent's hiring spree is successful, they'll be joined by up to 800 co-workers within a few months. Vangent staffs Medicare and Medicaid calls, and plans to employ up to 1,000 during its peak season. (Read more)

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 Innovation Monthly is your source for the latest news and insights on Florida's Innovation Economy.       

June 2009 Highlights:

• Florida Utility Partners with NASA
• Specialized Genetics Lab Doubles Staff
• Major Expansion of Pharmaceutical Development Company
• Up to 200 new Aerospace/Aviation Jobs

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.  (Read more)

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. (Read More)

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. (Read more)

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)