Nanotechnology in Oklahoma

Martin Bionics Founder Jay Martin demonstrates how the super hydrophobic nanotechnology powder developed at Oak Ridge National Labs enables the company to alleviate moisture in prosthetic devices. Martin Bionics was one of five 2007 Oklahoma Nanotechnology Application Project award recipients.

Contents: Letter from Jim Mason, ONI Executive Director

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Oklahoma Nano Survey

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Oklahoma Creates Nation’s First Nanotechnology Commercialization Incentive

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2007 Accomplishments

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Five Oklahoma Companies Receive Nano Funding

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ONI Takes Four Companies to Wall Street

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NanoFocus 2007

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About the ONI

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ONI Advisory Board Members

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The Oklahoma Advantages

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The Oklahoma Resources

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Letter from Jim Mason, ONI Executive Director Greetings!

Jim D. Mason, CEcD, EDFP Executive Director, ONI

Oklahoma Nano Survey The ONI surveyed Oklahoma businesses about nanotechnology in March 2006. Highlights: • 85% said they had read or heard something about nanotechnology. • 92% said they were not well informed about nanotechnology. • 78% agreed that nanotechnology will have a significant impact on their lives. • 43% felt nanotechnology will have a positive economic impact on their business (48% more were neutral - perhaps unsure). • 50% believed nanotechnology will impact the Oklahoma economy in the next six to 10 years. 40% think it will make an impact in less than six years. • 70% said more funding is needed for both research and education in nanotechnology. • 20% are making adjustments to their business plans for the coming nanotechnology impact. However, 50% said they were normally proactive in evaluating emerging impacts.

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Wow! What a wonderful year! The National Science and Technology Council once stated, “Nanotechnology will impact everything human-made in this century.” This statement is coming true faster than any of us imagined. The implementation of the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Sharing Incentive Act with the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), I2E (Turning Innovation Into Enterprise) and the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence has resulted in growth from six to more than 40 Oklahoma companies involved in nanotechnology applications.   Nanotechnology is an enabling technology that involves the manipulation of materials on the molecular level. This manipulation on the nano-level allows products to take on more desirable qualities, such as making materials lighter, smaller, stronger, faster and/or more durable. Hundreds of nano-enhanced products are already on the market in Oklahoma.   The Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative (ONI) supports on-going nanotechnology research efforts while focusing on commercial applications of nanotechnology. By utilizing nanotechnology to make new and better products, Oklahoma companies will have a competitive advantage and create wealth by bringing in money from outside the state in exchange for these new or improved products. Nationally, the Lux Report predicts that nanotechnology will introduce more than $2.6 trillion into the economy. Oklahoma companies should contribute to that total.   The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has documented more than $1 billion annually in federal nanotechnology research, and the private sector is making at least that investment. The NNI estimates that in the next six years between 800,000 and 1,000,000 new jobs will be created in the United States because of nanotechnology. Oklahoma has nano technician training programs already in operation at OSU-Okmulgee and Tulsa Community College, and programs will soon be offered by Oklahoma City Community College and State Career and Technology Centers.   As more Oklahoma companies adopt nano processes, the private sector will need skilled workers who have backgrounds in nano applications. Companies that adopt nano processes can improve their current products or create new products. While leading the way in nanotechnology applications, these companies will add more high-paying jobs and greatly improve the state’s overall economy.   If nanotechnology will change everything man-made during this century, Oklahoma companies should lead the way! Sincerely,

Jim D. Mason, CEcD, EDFP Executive Director Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative

Oklahoma Creates Nation’s First Nanotechnology Commercialization Incentive The Oklahoma Nanotechnology Sharing Incentive Act of 2006 was created by the Oklahoma legislature and signed into law by Governor Brad Henry to provide a financial incentive for Oklahoma companies to utilize nanotechnology to commercialize a new or emerging product.   Representative Chris Benge, Appropriations Chairman of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, championed this program. Benge understands that the true winners in nanotechnology will be the companies who find a way to use nanotechnology to create better products and gain a competitive advantage in their respective areas of business or manufacturing. His vision was to provide a means for Oklahoma companies to benefit from research in nanotechnology, regardless of which state the research was conducted.   The incentive program Benge designed helps match Oklahoma companies who want to use nanotechnology with researchers who have developed intellectual properties that can potentially lead to a product that is lighter, smaller, stronger, faster, or more durable.   The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) is the state government’s agency responsible for implementing the Nanotechnology Sharing Incentive Act, with $2 million dollars appropriated to support the Act. OCAST created the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Applications Project and worked closely with the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence, I2E (Turning Innovation Into Enterprise) and the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative (ONI) to produce a competitive program to implement the incentive.   Twenty six Oklahoma companies submitted white papers indicating their plans to utilize nanotechnology to improve or create new products. Each plan was carefully considered as all OCAST-funded research projects are reviewed by out-of-state science and business experts. They were ranked according to scientific merit and commercial potential prior to awarding funding.   Five Oklahoma companies have been funded to-date, utilizing technologies that come from Oak Ridge in Tennessee, Houston and Oklahoma. (See related story on page 5.) ONI Executive Director Jim Mason recognizes Representative Chris Benge as Oklahoma’s Nanotechnology Legislative Champion at NanoFocus 2007. Benge created the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Sharing Incentive Act.

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2007 Accomplishments • Produced and maintained Oklahoma nanotechnology clearinghouse of information via www.oknano.com with 267,981 hits this year • Developed a database of 145 Oklahoma nano public and private researchers • Developed a database of 1,719 Oklahoma advanced technology companies • Developed a database a 41 Oklahoma companies involved in nanotechnology • Compiled a “Benchmarking Survey” of nanotechnology initiatives throughout the nation XetaComp Plant Manager Earl Herring and Lawton City Councilwoman Janice Drewry gather at an open house. XetaComp opened a manufacturing facility in Lawton in June 2007.

• Presented 48 nanotechnology awareness programs throughout Oklahoma • Produced NanoFocus 2007 (ONI’s Annual Nanotechnology Conference) • Produced a Regional Nanotechnology Roundtable • Produced a Regional Undergraduate Nanotechnology Symposium • Produced an annual survey of business attitudes about nanotechnology • Developed a new exhibit booth for the ONI • Designed “Nano!” t-shirts and used them to promote the website • Developed a traveling exhibit of nano-enhanced products for “Show and Tell” • Produced PowerPoint presentations for various meetings • Hosted exhibit booths with Oklahoma nano companies at: • NanoTx 2006 – Dallas • OU Super Computing Symposium – Norman • Information Technology Summit – Tulsa • INNOTECH Conference – Oklahoma City

University of Tulsa student Laura Grigsby presents her project to Dr. Wei Chen of the University of Central Oklahoma. Grigsby participated in the ONI/EPSCoR Undergraduate Nano Symposium.

• BIO 2007 – Boston • NanoTech 2007 – Santa Clara, CA • Represented the ONI at: • Tulsa Molecular Future Conference – Tulsa • Nanotechnology and Manufacturing Conference – Oakridge, TN • U.S. Chamber Committee on Nanotechnology – Washington, D.C. • NanoBusiness 2007 – New York City • SSTI Conference – Oklahoma City • Nano Policy Tour – Washington, D.C. • International Economic Development Council – San Diego • American Bar Association’s “Nanotechnology and the Clean Air

Act” webinar (acted as industry spokesperson) • Oklahoma Professional Economic Developers Council (presentation) • Oklahoma Aerospace Summit and Expo – Oklahoma City

Students receive “Nano!” t-shirts, courtesy of ONI. Sold online at www. oknano.com, the t-shirts have been used to promote both ONI and the Web site.

• Research Day at the Capitol – Oklahoma City • Hosted four out-of-state nano companies considering locations in Oklahoma • Produced monthly press releases and e-newsletters • Appeared in numerous print, radio, and television interviews

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Five Oklahoma Companies Receive Nano Funding Five Oklahoma companies working to develop nanotechnology within their businesses were awarded $1.25 million through the first Oklahoma Nanotechnology Application Project award. The awards were presented by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) in early March. More than 25 companies applied for this funding, created by the Oklahoma Legislature to provide funding for the nanotechnology applications. SouthWest Nanotechnologies SouthWest Nanotechnologies of Norman is a manufacturer of high quality carbon nanotubes for use in a variety of industries. With the new funding, the company hopes to expand and diversify its manufacturing process and mass produce commercial grade nanotubes at a lower price than what is currently possible. SouthWest is working to place a new reactor to produce a greater volume of nanotubes per day than what is currently feasible. XetaComp Nanotechnologies XetaComp, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Edmond-based NanoBioMagnetics, Inc., has developed a proprietary process for producing discreetly coated, nanoscale titanium dioxide for the cosmetic and coatings industries. XetaComp will initially occupy 15,000 square feet of space on the six-acre Lawton tract, though they plan to construct a 30,000-square-foot facility. The company is projecting a staff of 50 within five years and a gross annual income of $40 to $50 million. Rupture Pin Technologies Rupture Pin Technologies plans to use nanotechnology in the building of relief valves used in high pressure situations in the oil and gas industry. The company will add carbon nanotubes to the elastometers used in the manufacturing of O-rings. This will provide for improved strength of the relief valve and allow them to hold pressures and size that no other valve can handle. Access Optics Access Optics of Broken Arrow manufactures the components and sub-components for endoscopic medical equipment. The award will help Access Optics improve the glass to metal seal for the lens of the equipment. Normal use and cleaning causes significant wear on the current seal. Nanoparticles of ceramic or metal will be used to improve the seal. Martin Bionics Martin Bionics is a world innovator in research in the field of prosthetics. The Oklahoma City company’s research will use a nanotechnology platform that uses a super hydrophobic nanoparticle powder developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The super hydrophobic powder will help patients maintain a dry prosthetic. The concept focuses on a technology capable of producing many products for amputees.

Judy Hulsey, Vice President of Nano Ridge Materials and Rus Huffstutler, Executive Vice President of ARC Outdoors, both made many contacts with other companies and with Wall Street Investors.

ONI Takes Four Companies to Wall Street The Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative helped make arrangements for Martin Bionics, Southwest Nanotechnologies, ARC Outdoors, and Nano Ridge Materials to participate in the NanoBusiness 2007 Conference with Wall Street in New York City. Approximately 200 CEOs of nano companies and nano initiative leaders participated in this national two-day meeting with top venture capitalists and financiers from Wall Street and the Northeast.   David Arthur, CEO of Southwest Nanotechnologies (SWENT), and Randy Alvarado, CEO of Martin Bionics, were invited to make formal presentations to investors at the conference. Both SWENT and Martin Bionics are seeking investors in their companies.   The event was organized by the National NanoBusiness Alliance and co-sponsored by NASDAQ. During the conference, nano leaders were able to participate in ringing the bell to open the NASDAQ stock exchange. Page 

NanoFocus 2007 Oklahoma Conference Fosters Regional Nano Collaboration

John Simpson shows off a door prize he won at NanoFocus 2007. The conference featured roundtable discussions, presentations and a nano products exhibit in addition to prize drawings.

NanoFocus 2007, Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative’s annual nanotechnology conference, was an outstanding success with several notable programs and speakers.   Since Oklahoma is one of the first states to really do something exciting regarding nanotechnology applications, nano researchers, business professionals and scientists came to Oklahoma City from all over the nation to attend the conference presentations, panel discussions and even a hands-on Nano Products Showcase.   The first five winners of the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Applications Project demonstrated why they were selected to receive funding to create new commercial products utilizing nanotechnology. (See related article on page 5.)   Barbara Goode, Editor-In Chief of Small Times Magazine, was a wonderful master of ceremonies, providing insights into what is happening in the world of the very, very small.   Staff members from the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, the National Nano Business Alliance, Oakridge National Laboratory, Nantero in Boston, and Nano Ridge Materials in Houston presented. Also, representatives from Nano Initiatives in New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas joined Oklahoma for a Regional Nanotechnology Roundtable, where ideas and success stories were shared.   Representative Chris Benge, architect of the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Sharing Incentive Act, attended and received recognition as Oklahoma’s Nanotechnology Legislative Champion.

Nano Product Showcase The nano products exhibit included Arbonne products using nanotechnology to deliver antioxidant vitamins deep into the skin. The room also showcased sports equipment and gear (below right).

The NanoFocus 2007 conference attracted researchers, business professionals and scientists throughout the state, region and nation. The two-day event was a great networking opportunity.

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The Nano Products Showcase had a wide assortment of nano enhanced products that are on the market, including several from Oklahoma! Some of the products came from as far away as Japan, Denmark, and Canada. Nano-enhanced roducts included a “silver-care” washer and dryer, several types of outdoor clothing that eliminate odor and bacteria, a tennis racket that is light as a feather yet 22 percent stronger and more stable than a normal racket, hockey sticks that are lighter yet strong with four times more energy transfer, moisture-repellant workout wear, sunscreen that lasts all day, durable paints, age-defying cosmetics, and much more. Nanotechnology enables products to be smaller, stronger, lighter, faster or more durable, and the nano products exhibit helped demonstrate this fact.   NanoFocus 2008 has been set for next March 4-5. Mark your calendars and join us!

ONI Advisory Board Members Jim Mason ONI Executive Director & Vice President, Technology Initiatives The State Chamber [email protected]

Dan Davis CFO Southwest Nanotechnologies

Lawrence Grable Patent Attorney Tomlinson & O’Connell, P.C.

Dr. Tom Kupiec CEO Analytical Research Lab & DNA Solutions

Dan Luton Associate Director of Programs Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)

Greg Main Representatives of the Nigh Leadership Academy met with ONI Executive Director Jim Mason at an assembly in February 2007. The group discussed how nanotechnology will affect their lives.

CEO, I2E & The Technology Commercialization Center

Dr. Steve McKeever

About the ONI

Vice President of Research Oklahoma State University

The Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative (ONI) is a legislative initiative to promote nanotechnology in Oklahoma. The ONI is coordinated by The State Chamber through a contract with the Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).

John Parsons

The primary ONI objectives are: • Create statewide awareness of the emerging nanotechnology industry and its potential impact on the state

CEO & Perimeter Technology Center

Dr. Daniel Resasco Founder & Chief Scientist Southwest NanoTechnologies, Inc. Dept. of Chemical Engineering University of Oklahoma

Joel Roark • Promote Oklahoma and its resources as a valuable site for nanotechnology related industry location • Serve as a clearinghouse of information on nanotechnology to the academic, financial, industrial, and business communities in Oklahoma

Vice President & Engineering Manager icx Nomadics

Dr. Dale Teeters Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry Tulsa University

• Work to create a Center of Excellence for Nanotechnology in Oklahoma For more information, go to www.oknano.com Page 

The Oklahoma Advantages • The Oklahoma Nanotechnology Sharing Incentive Act provides financial assistance for the application of nanotechnology. • Qualified companies earn quarterly cash-back payments for providing jobs with above-average salaries and healthcare benefits through the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Incentive Program. • Nanotechnology technician training courses are available at Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee, Tulsa Community College, Oklahoma City Community College, the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa. • State-of-the-art research lab space is available at Presbyterian Research Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Technology and Research Park in Stillwater, Partners Place and Stephenson Research Center in Norman and soon at the Helmerich Advanced Materials Center in Tulsa. • State income tax exemption is available for up to 10 years for Oklahoma companies located in one of the 44 certified incubators in the state. Incubators also may offer shared equipment, business plan assistance, technical support, shared clerical staff, networking opportunities and reduced rent. • The Oklahoma NanoNet is one of the first established statewide networks of scientists and researchers who work in various aspects of nanotechnology. NanoNet can be accessed at www.oknano.com. • Oklahoma’s major metro areas have the third lowest cost of living in the nation with an abundance of high quality, low cost housing and average commute times of 20 minutes or less.

The Oklahoma Resources The Oklahoma Center for the

• I2E (Turning Innovation Into

Foundation. C-SPIN focuses on

Advancement of Science and

Enterprise) – a model program for

education and human resources

Technology (OCAST) has been

technology commercialization,

as well as collective properties

recognized by the U.S. Department

providing guidance and financial

of nanostructure arrays and

of Commerce as an outstanding

support to technology start ups

mesoscopic narrow gap systems.

model for technology transfer

• The Oklahoma Alliance for

• The Experimental Program to

and commercialization. OCAST

Manufacturing Excellence

Stimulate Competitive Research

programs include:

– facilitates grants for emerging

(EPSCoR) helps build the research

nanotechnology applications,

competitiveness of universities

(ONI) – creates public awareness

helping Oklahoma manufacturers

statewide through strategic support

of nanotechnology and serves as a

become world-class companies

of research instruments and

• Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative

clearinghouse for nanotechnology

• Inventors Assistance Program – offers

facilities, research collaborations,

information to the academic,

a guide to assist inventors in

integrated education and research

business, industrial and financial

getting ideas and products into the

programs, and high-performance

communities

marketplace

computer networks.

• Oklahoma Health Research Program

• The Center for Semiconductor

• Patent Assistance is available

– provides research grants and

Physics Nanostructures (C-SPIN)

through a regional U.S. Patent

generated $210 million in funding

is an ongoing partnership

Library maintained at Oklahoma

for Oklahoma health research

between 22 researchers at the

State University.

projects

University of Oklahoma and the

• Oklahoma Applied Research Program

• The Oklahoma Department of

University of Arkansas operating

Commerce lists statewide programs

– provides research grants and

as a Materials Research Science

incentives and assistance on www.

leveraged $698.9 million in funding

and Engineering Center (MRSC)

locateok.com.

for applied research projects Page 

funded by the National Science