Venture Incite

Venture Incite, the tech-transfer arm of Solidus and its emerging network of incubators, confirms it has several tech maturation grants in prospect. NashvillePost.com has it. Our earlier note on Venture Incite chief Scott Ewing (at left).

Oak Ridge NL gets Secretary's challenge

Fast Track: During a recent visit to Oak Ridge National Lab, Energy Secretary Steven Chu (left) signalled he wants to see 'Manhattan Project'-type approaches to tackling new-energy challenges, with less waiting around for funding reviews. UT-Battelle also got its contract extension for managing ORNL. And, ORNL Director Thom Mason reviewed the lab's accomplishments, in the KNS.

NellOne Therapeutics (more)

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported on NellOne Therapeutics yesterday. Our original story yesterday is here.

NellOne Therapeutics licenses from UT-Battelle

Knoxville-based NellOne Therapeutics has licensed patents covering inventions based on the Nell-1 gene. The IP is driving protein therapy treatment now under development and takes advantage of the gene's cell-signaling pathway, which controls tissue growth and maturation in mammalian organs. It could mean restorative therapies for hearts and other muscles. Our story's here.

UT-Battelle tests well

UT-Battelle reportedly got all A's in its annual report card from key customer, the U.S. Department of Energy. Frank Munger has it in the KNS.

Oak Ridge luminaries discuss the Stimulus Era

[Updated March 26] ORNL Director and UT-Battelle CEO Thom Mason discusses the challenges and expectations facing ORNL in this KNS report. Recently elevated to deputy lab director, Thomas Zacharia (left) emphasizes ORNL's need to address "national imperatives." Jim Roberto gains echelon responsibility at critical time. And, complicating matters, ORNL is to get another $71 million in stimulation. Added: DOE Secretary Chu discusses his agency's spending of $1 billion plus.

Newsbits, Feb. 5

UT-Battelle's performance earns $10MM from DOE (KNS)... Komatsu America shifts product manufacturing to its Chattanooga plant (TFP)... One city in an 11-state region will emerge from bid competition with $500K to help reduce consumer and business usage of water and energy (related: Census Bureau report on South's growth)... Former ORNL tech-transfer exec's desire to save diabetic Dad's foot led to invention of rehabilitation equipment (KNS)...