Startech elects new Chairman of the Board

Startech Foundation is proud to announce Bradley K. Hunt as the new Chairman of Startech Foundation. Mr. Hunt is a principal partner with the WHY Group, a national management consulting practice headquartered in San Antonio. "Startech's track record of helping innovation entrepreneurs in South Texas get the training, consulting, and funding they need to become viable companies contributes to the economic development of San Antonio," said Mr. Hunt. "Startech works with clients coaching them on how to access a wide variety of funding sources including Angel Investors, the Emerging Technology Fund, Federal SBIR/ STTR programs, venture capital and many more. I am particularly impressed with the collaboration between Startech and other organizations focused on the innovation-based economy."

Mr. Hunt has been a member of the Startech Board of Directors since 2009. "Brad brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and operations management to the Startech Board," said Jim Poage, President and CEO of Startech. "He has been a valuable contributor to our mission and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber to lead the board."

Mr. Hunt's background includes 11 years with Motorola with direct involvement with the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, Motorola's Six Sigma program and various roles in R&D, Manufacturing and Strategic Planning.

Brad joined Columbia Industries, a key holding of a locally owned S-Corp conglomerate, based in San Antonio as Vice President of Business Development and Technology. One of his responsibilities was to lead the company efforts to assess and acquire new technology based companies for the group. This provides him with a deep understanding of the perspectives of both investors and entrepreneurs.

While at Columbia, he lead a team that launched a spin-out corporation that later merged into the WHY Group. The WHY Group provides services such as operational strategies, process re-engineering, corporate visioning, strategic planning, team building and executive coaching.

Mr. Hunt holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Masters degree in Business Administration/Business Management from Purdue University. Brad and his wife of 25 years have two children.

Mr. Hunt succeeds Mike Dwyer the President and CEO of Azaya Therapeutics. "Brad is an experienced and strong leader. He has had great success in translating his knowledge and experiences into action which is the name of the game in the startup innovation community," said Dwyer. "Brad is universally liked and respected by all those with whom he interacts."

To read more about this exciting development for Startech, you may view the media release here.

Don't miss the opportunity for the experts to give you the keys to receiving vital funding for your company or research!

Because the 14th Annual NIH SBIR/STTR Conference is fast approaching on May 30 through June 1, 2012 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, KY, register now to secure the regular registration rate of $350, which will only be available through April 30th, 2012. After that, the registration goes up to $450.

In FY2012, there is now $717M available thanks to the increased SBIR/STTR set-asides afforded to us in the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization. The amount available will increase each and every year through FY2017!

Topics covered will interest those who are new to the SBIR/STTR programs as well as those with more experience. Learn the "ins and outs" of the NIH SBIR/STTR programs, including new opportunities, updates, and changes (e.g., electronic submission and policy changes, gap funding programs, commercialization assistance programs).

Stay on for a unique Day 3 where you can participate in an optional workshop (additional fee) or for a special half-day session with SBIR program managers from other Federal agencies to hear about their programs and a special guest to talk about SBIR Reauthorization.

Abstract submissions are now being accepted for the poster sessions. Eighty abstracts will be selected representing both SBIR and STTR Phase II awards. The poster sessions will:

• Highlight successful outcomes derived from SBIR/STTR projects
• Build strategic alliances
• Promote collaborative activities for future opportunities

If you would like to share information about your project, don't delay the poster deadline is April 20, 2012. See NIH Posters for specific instructions.