The NDSU Incubator welcomes four new and unique start-up businesses to its facility: Bolder Thinking uses state-of-the-art cloud computing to create hosted call centers; My S Dot Touch is working on an integrated laptop, e-reader, cell phone and MP3/iPod; Larada Sciences is developing a medical device that eliminates head lice; and Genosys LLC is leveraging the growing global seed industry.
"A major role for this university is to provide the fertile ground for the nurturing of new business. We are delighted to be able to provide some of the tools entrepreneurs need to grow their business. These four start-up ventures represent our commitment to supporting new start-up businesses," said NDSU President Dr. Richard Hanson.
Bolder Thinking's cloud computing system eliminates the need for a call center telephony hardware by buying time off site through cloud computing. John Jasper, founder and president of Bolder Thinking says "Bolder Thinking's business is at the leading edge in terms of cloud computing services and we expect our ability to succeed will be enhanced by our connections with the NDSU Research & Technology Park," Jasper has more than 25 years experience in technology involved in startups including NAVTEQ, Digital Globe (DGI - NYSE), and Cellular Business Systems (now part of Convergys).
"Joining the NDSU Research & Technology Park is an important move as we work to build our cloud computing call center platform and business," said Jasper. "It is important for us to have close ties with NDSU to facilitate recruitment of software developers and to hire interns to help us establish our platform. We are excited about the prospect of leveraging the Park to facilitate acquiring customers, raising capital and building a great business."
Moving here from Los Angeles, California, Shelton McCoy, founder and president of a new start-up company called My S Dot Touch. The company plans to change the way the world looks at technology by introducing the company's "My S Dot Touch" netbook. This hybrid, book-like laptop has dual multi-touch screens designed to serve as an all-in-one technology device - an e-Reader, Laptop computer, cell phone, iPod or MP3 Player, Photo album and much more.
"It is an honor to partner with the NDSU Research & Technology Park," stated Shelton McCoy. "The Park has great people to work with that have a proven track record in launching startup companies to major players in the technology world. I am very excited about the partnership and ability to build and grow my company here at the Technology Incubator. Touch the World!"
Larada Sciences is a science-based medical technology company dedicated to the safe elimination of human head lice infestations. The company was founded by the lead scientist and technology inventor from the University of Utah, Dale Clayton, Ph.D., and by a group of seasoned entrepreneurs with numerous successful technology and medical device start-up companies to their credit including ZARS Pharma, Aplion Medical, VisualShare, and Exeven Therapeutics.
"We've been very pleased to find in North Dakota such a comprehensive and supportive environment for business growth" said Larry Rigby, CEO, Larada Sciences. "Great talent and access to NDSU facilities and students, the availability of a top-notch manufacturing partner in Wahpeton (ComDel Innovations), and a solid base of early stage investment capital and development programs all helped us decide to establish ourselves here. NDSU's Technology Incubator is a very good fit for our ND operations, not just in terms of office space and shared services, but also for the programs and services they offer and being surrounded by other technology innovators in the Red River Valley. Larada Sciences is proud to be part of this innovation and is excited to be working out of the Technology Incubator."
Incorporated in May, 2009, Genosys LLC is the brainchild of a group of investors with a vested interest in the global seed industry, particularly in the areas of hybrid sunflower seed breeding, production, and distribution. With the first round of capitalization, Genosys was able to acquire a well-established sunflower breeding program, with more than 15 years of rich history, and continue to build on the solid foundation.
Genosys' primary and business objective is to capture the explosive growth momentum and market potential of developing countries such as China, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, to name a few, by addressing the lack of well-developed products catering to country-specific farming practices and consumption behaviors. The secondary and social objective of the enterprise is to elevate the living standards of the agrarian communities of these developing countries through increased crop yield and profitability as well as knowledge sharing and education.
Located on 55 acres, the NDSU Research & Technology Park is a place where university researchers and private industry combine their talents to develop new technologies, methods and systems. The Technology Incubator is a catalyst for innovation in science and technology and provides the tools entrepreneurs need to successfully start and grow new technology ventures. For additional information regarding the NDSU Research & Technology Park and Technology Incubator, please logon to www.ndsuresearchpark.com.