May 28, 2004

'Idaho Tech Launch 1.0' Training For New Tech Companies June 30

“On the flight deck, at the launch pad or from the beta platform … ready to launch!” Whether it’s a warship, a spacecraft or a software project, you must be ready. Preparing a new technology for commercial launch is challenging, but feasible. Several Idaho organizations have come together to develop a special conference to assist individuals and emerging businesses in reaching their potential. Idaho Tech Launch 1.0 on Wednesday, June 30, at the Sun Valley Resort is an opportunity for aspiring Idaho technology companies and aspiring entrepreneurs to experience the planning process, witness its impact and learn the “best practices” of introducing new technologies. Idaho’s emerging technology business sector is growing rapidly. With the encouragement of key organizations it is bound to grow even faster. The many details required before launching a business, especially in high tech, can be daunting, but ITL will give attendees new insights into how to nurture a viable high-growth business. This forum will address how to advance and refine business planning for rapid growth, while at the same time helping entrepreneurs to validate the viability of their concepts. Conceived to invigorate emerging technologies and the companies that can launch them, Idaho Tech Launch 1.0 offers a special opportunity for Idaho businesses, and potential technologies, to learn what it takes to get off the ground. During this one-day technology conference, selected companies will present initial business plans for launching their business ideas. The three Idaho TechConnect offices will screen applicants and those selected will receive support from faculty and students at Idaho universities. Each business plan will be reviewed, along with initial marketing approaches and schedules for major activities in launching new technologies, to refine and advance their concepts. This will help Idaho business people learn what it takes to get new and innovative businesses up and moving in the right direction. Idaho Tech Launch 1.0 is directed by William Sellers, director of TechConnect East. Other sponsors include TechConnect North and West (TechConnect West is affiliated with Boise State University); Idaho’s Office of Science & Technology; the Regional Development Alliance; the Idaho Engineering and Environmental Laboratory; and the BSU-based TEAMS program. Conference cost is $50. For more information or to register, call Char DeWall at 208 233-3500 or e-mail char@bannockdevelopment.org or Norris Krueger (TEAMS) at 208 426-3573, or by e-mail at nkrueger@boisestate.edu -30- Contact Norris Krueger TEAMS program manager and professor of entrepreneurship 208 426-3573 nkrueger@boisestate.edu   Media Contact Sherry Squires Boise State communications and marketing 208-426-1563 ssquires@boisestate.edu