The MH-60S helicopter.

Enterprise Ventures Corporation (EVC) has been awarded a $12.5 million contract from Naval Surface Warfare Center – Panama City Division (NSWC-PCD).  Under this contract, EVC will build the U.S. Navy Carriage, Stream, Tow, and Recovery System (CSTRS) for the MH-60S helicopter.

The CSTRS provides the multi-mission MH-60S helicopter with the widest, largest minesweeping capability by making Organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures Systems deployable from fleet assets in dangerous waters.

This contract includes an option, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $31,969,022.

EVC is a wholly owned affiliate of Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC).  According to Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., CTC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, “This project is important to U.S. warfighters.  CSTRS will enable the U.S. Navy’s new littoral combat ships to readily respond to mine threats, providing an extra measure of safety for crew and ships.  In addition, the CSTRS design is modular and is capable of supporting the deployment requirement of multiple mine sensors that provide a range of mine countermeasures objectives.”

Sheehan says, “This is the culmination of 12 years of design and development work by CTC.  As CTC’s for-profit affiliate, EVC is able to take the CSTRS project to production.  We anticipate adding about 10 jobs over the course of the contract.”

Twelve years ago, CTC conducted its first feasibility study for the CSTRS project.  “Starting with a clean sheet of paper, CTC developed and tested a flight-capable proof-of-concept system in just 18 months.  CTC successfully met all U.S. Navy performance criteria, which led to subsequent contract awards as we moved from design to rigorous testing,” says David A. Schario, President of EVC and CTC’s Vice President, Physical Sciences and Engineering.

“The CSTRS contract is clearly a milestone for EVC.  We are excited to have the opportunity to produce innovative technologies designed by CTC,” Schario says.

 Ed Peretin is CTC’s CSTRS program director.  After six years running the program, he will transition to EVC along with the CSTRS production efforts.

 “Work will begin within a week,” Peretin says.  “We will procure materials and then commence production in about four months.  EVC will employ both skilled labor and professional staff to support the manufacturing process.”

 Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization providing innovative management and technology-based solutions to government and industry.  As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, CTC’s primary purpose and programs are to undertake applied scientific research and development activities that serve the public interest. For more information, visit www.ctc.com.

 Enterprise Ventures Corporation (EVC) is a wholly owned affiliate of CTC.  The mission of EVC is to transfer advanced technologies designed and created by CTC and others to the industrial base and to deliver high-quality products and services to its clients.  For more information, visit www.evc.ctc.com.

New research from Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC) shows that the brain’s visual perception system automatically and unconsciously guides decision-making through valence perception. Published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, the review hypothesizes that valence, which can be defined as the positive or negative information automatically perceived in the majority of visual information, integrates visual features and associations from experience with similar objects or features. In other words, it is the process that allows our brains to rapidly make choices between similar objects.

The findings offer important insights into consumer behavior in ways that traditional consumer marketing focus groups cannot address. For example, asking individuals to react to package designs, ads or logos is simply ineffective. Instead, companies can use this type of brain science to more effectively assess how unconscious visual valence perception contributes to consumer behavior.

To transfer the research’s scientific application to the online video market, the CMU research team is in the process of founding the start-up company neonlabs through the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps).

“This basic research into how visual object recognition interacts with and is influenced by affect paints a much richer picture of how we see objects,” said Michael J. Tarr, the George A. and Helen Dunham Cowan Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and co-director of the CNBC. “What we now know is that common, household objects carry subtle positive or negative valences and that these valences have an impact on our day-to-day behavior.”

Tarr added that the NSF I-Corps program has been instrumental in helping the neonlabs’ team take this basic idea and teaching them how to turn it into a viable company. “The I-Corps program gave us unprecedented access to highly successful, experienced entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who provided incredibly valuable feedback throughout the development process,” he said.

NSF established I-Corps for the sole purpose of assessing new scientific opportunities readiness for transitioning into valuable products through a public-private partnership. The CMU team of Tarr, Sophie Lebrecht, CNBC and Tepper School of Business  postdoctoral fellow, Babs Carryer, embedded entrepreneur at CMU’s Project Olympus and Thomas Kubilius, president of Pittsburgh-based Bright Innovation and adjunct professor of design at CMU, were awarded a $50,000 six-month grant to investigate how understanding valence perception could be used to make better consumer marketing decisions. They are launching neonlabs to apply their model of visual preference to increase click rates on online videos, by identifying the most visually appealing thumbnail from a stream of video. The web –based software product selects a thumbnail based on neuroimaging data on object perception and valence, crowd sourced behavioral data and proprietary computational analyses of large amounts of video streams.

“Everything you see, you automatically dislike or like, prefer or don’t prefer, in part, because of valence perception,” said Lebrecht, lead author of the study and the entrepreneurial lead for the I-Corps grant. “Valence links what we see in the world to how we make decisions.”

Lebrecht continued, “Talking with companies such as YouTube and Hulu, we realized that they are looking for ways to keep users on their sites longer by clicking to watch more videos. Thumbnails are a huge problem for any online video publisher, and our research fits perfectly with this problem. Our approach streamlines the process and chooses the screenshot that is the most visually appealing based on science, which will in the end result in more user clicks.”

On May 23, Lebrecht joined the other 23 I-Corps project teams in Palo Alto, Ca for the final presentation of each team’s I-Corps journey from basic science idea to real-world business application. She presented neonlabs’ solution, outlining the customer landscape, competition and business model.

Carnegie Mellon is well known for its entrepreneurial culture. The university’s Greenlighting Startups initiative, a portfolio of five business incubators, is designed to speed company creation at CMU. In the past 15 years, Carnegie Mellon faculty and students have helped to create more than 300 companies and 9,000 jobs; the university averages 15 to 20 new startups each year.

“CMU has been an amazing place to build neonlabs,” Lebrecht said. “There’s a great intellectual community and facilities here as well as people unbelievably experienced in tech transfer and startups who have been so incredibly generous with their time.”

Ideal Integrations recently added five full-time employees to its client support team.

Ideal Integrations, Inc. has announced the hiring of five new employees to join their client support team.

Richard Humes is working as a Technical Support Representative with the Service Desk. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Sciences and Technology from Penn State University. Having previously worked at Ideal Integrations, Inc. as an intern, Richard is now full-time providing desktop and remote support to clients.

Jason Moore has joined the team as a Technical Support Representative. Jason is a graduate of ITT Technical Institute with a degree in Computer Network Systems and was previously employed as a Customer Tech Support Agent for Comcast. Jason’s responsibilities include trouble-shooting and providing technical support to clients.

Ross Liberatore is a full-time Technical Support Representative. Ross is a graduate of ITT Technical Institute with a degree in Computer Network Systems.  He was a prior intern at Ideal Integrations and also worked for Teleperformance USA as an Applecare Support Technician.  Ross helps clients by servicing any technical issues with desktop and remote support.

Dustin Hartle has joined Ideal Integrations as a Systems Engineer. Dustin has a degree in Information Technology from the Pittsburgh Technical Institute.  He has previously worked for HP® at both Alcoa and Vocollect.  Dustin’s primary responsibilities include implementing, upgrading, and troubleshooting VMware, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, and SAN technologies.

Ashley Larson has joined Ideal Integrations as a Service Desk Dispatcher. She is a graduate of Penn State University and was previously employed at PA 1 Call. Ashley is the initial point of contact for clients and works to ensure requests are routed to the appropriate resources.

Ideal Integrations, Inc. is an IT systems integration company specializing in design, implementation, maintenance and management of infrastructure – ranging in scope from single projects to complete services and solutions.  From start-ups to companies generating over $2 billion in annual revenue, our customers span numerous industries and locations across the U.S.  For more information on Ideal Integrations, Inc., please visit www.idealintegrations.net.

We’ve got an awesome show lined up for you, including AllPoint Systems and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance’s Pittsburgh !mpact report. AllPoint is bringing 3D software to the masses and is on a major growth clip right now. The !mapct report details the region’s fastest-growing sectors and companies.

Hosted by the PTC’s CEO Audrey Russo and Director Visibility Initiatives Jonathan Kersting, TechVibe is on the air every Saturday at noon bringing you interviews and conversations from the Pittsburgh region’s fast-moving technology and entrepreneurial communities.

Stream TechVibe Radio on www.wpgb.com or iHeart Radio.
Missed a previous broadcast? We have a massive library of podcasts right here.

TechVibe Radio is sponsored by Concert-oh!, EyeFlow, The Hartford, Sierra w/o Wires, PTC Employee Benefits Group, Pittsburgh International Airport and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

BodyMedia is expanding into mobile health markets.

BodyMedia, Inc., pioneers of wearable body monitors, today announced the completion of a $12 million funding round. The new influx of capital will help the company expand into new mobile health markets, develop new products and applications, and extend its 70-patent IP portfolio. Majority investor in the round is first-time participant Comcast Ventures, joined by previous investors Draper Fisher Jurvetson ePlanet, Draper Triangle Ventures, Ascension Health Ventures and InCube Ventures.

Get more details here.

Phipps Executive Director, Richard Piacentini, giving a media tour of the Center for Sustainable Landscapes.

When it is fully operational next month, the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will be one of the greenest buildings in the entire world. Designed to meet the highest environmental building standards, including the prestigious Living Building Challenge, the CSL is a net-zero energy structure that produces all of the power it uses on site. The CSL will also capture, treat and reuse all water that is used on-site.

This morning, Phipps Executive Director Richard Piacentini led a tour of the facility for several members of the local media and will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony tonight at the CSL for civic and social benefactors. Piacentini said that the building will be completed by June and will be used as office space for Phipps’ staff, as well as a community research and exhibition center to engage students of all ages, from pre-K to Ph.D. level, around the benefits of sustainable building practices.

TEQ magazine featured the CSL on the cover of its Spring issue providing in-depth coverage of the

TEQ magazine featured the Center for Sustainable Landscapes on the cover of its Spring 2012 issue.

sustainable technologies integrated into the facility. It is notable that all of the materials, contractors and technologies used in the construction of the CSL were locally sourced, with several local tech companies getting involved including, Epiphany Solar Water Solutions, PPG Industries and Berner International. To read more about the green technologies used in the CSL, check out the interactive edition of Spring TEQ.

“Designed and built by Pittsburghers and Pennsylvanias as an innovation for the world, the CSL will serve as a model for how we can all work together with nature to make our communities healthier, safer and more supportive of life,” Piacentini said in a statement. “It will also give visitors the opportunity to see just how beautiful and practical green can be.”

Click here for more information on the Center for Sustainable Landscapes.

“We are delighted to be recognized by PEPPM as an approved vendor for video conferencing products and solutions. This contract is a crucial step for us as we continue to focus our sights on the education, non-profit, state and local government markets. We feel that this is a great opportunity for us to develop our business and gain greater brand awareness in these key verticals,” commented Devita Saraf, Co-Founder of Vu TelePresence.

“We have already had success in these markets and are optimistic about the number of added partnerships to gain,” added Saraf. Since its inception in 1982, PEPPM has been responsible for over $2 billion worth of technology products purchased by schools, libraries, government and non-profit agencies.

PEPPM saves its buyers time and money by: Placing orders quickly Secure, bid-protected purchasing environment One-stop shopping e-Commerce system Powerful search engines PEPPM’s cost advantages include: Most-favored customer pricing Volume discount consideration Catalog bid awards Specials and promotions Shipping costs included in price For PEPPM buyers that already have video conferencing, Vu provides an economical means to expand this service to offices around the globe.

Vu TelePresence will kick off its new vendor status by introducing and educating PEPPM buyers on the features and benefits of the Vu system in the coming weeks. About VU TelePresence® Vu TelePresence® is an innovator and leader in video conferencing technology. By incorporating seamless HD video, high-quality sound with low bandwidth, VirtualFacets technology and interoperability with third-party systems; Vu enables businesses of all sizes to communicate more affordably, globally and naturally.

The company’s flagship product, Vu TelePresence Pro™ (720p and 1080p), offers affordable solutions and services for both office and remote use. Vu TelePresence’s U.S. headquarters is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with locations in San Jose, California; Mumbai, India; and Bangalore, India.

Ideal Integrations hired 2 new employees to support new Information Security & Compliance Practice.

Ideal Integrations, Inc. has announced the hiring of two employees to work in conjunction with the new Information Security and Compliance Practice.  This new business division will support the continued focus to provide the most current and essential IT solutions supporting the growing needs of our clients.

Michael Castillo has joined Ideal Integrations, Inc. as the Information Security Practice Director.  Michael has extensive experience in the management, design, implementation and operation of security systems, applications, policies and procedures.  He has a Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance from Robert Morris University and most recently, was the Director of Information Security for the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group.  He has been recognized as a Microsoft Certified Professional, a CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and a Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP).  Michael will be working to develop Ideal’s information security initiatives and seeking out new vendors in order to provide clients a comprehensive approach toward their information security objectives.

Kim Himes is Ideal’s new Security Consultant.  Kim has strong experience in developing IT strategies and streamlining processes that are in alignment with business goals.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently completing her Information Technology & Management degree from Point Park University.  Kim has a large client base and has consulted with companies such as Walmart and UPMC.  She has a wide variety of certifications including being a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), a Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), and a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).  Kim’s responsibilities include providing consulting services to our clients in a range of functionalities including security assessments, audit and compliance readiness, and secure infrastructure design.

Ideal Integrations, Inc. is an IT systems integration company specializing in design, implementation, maintenance and management of infrastructure – ranging in scope from single projects to complete services and solutions.  From start-ups to companies generating over $2 billion in annual revenue, our customers span numerous industries and locations across the U.S.  For more information on Ideal Integrations, Inc., please visit www.idealintegrations.net.

The Ventis MX4 multi-gas detector from Industrial Scientific.

Industrial Scientific Corporation, the global leader in Gas Detection as a Service, announced today that the Ventis MX4 multi-gas detector has received MSHA approval for underground mining.

The Ventis without pump has been certified by MSHA under Title 30 CFR, Part 22 when used with the standard or extended runtime lithium-ion battery packs. Industrial Scientific anticipates that the Ventis with pump will receive MSHA approval later this year.

The lightweight and highly configurable Ventis is capable of detecting from one to four gases including oxygen (O2), methane (CH4) and any two of the following toxic gases: carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The Ventis can be configured with CH4, CO, and O2 sensors for many everyday mining applications or it can be configured with CH4, CO, O2, and NO2 sensors making it ideal for mines using diesel equipment.

It is fully compatible with iNet^® – Industrial Scientific’s Gas Detection as a Service solution. Today, iNet helps keep workers safe at more than 3,000 worksites across 19 countries by providing visibility into gas detector alarms, exposure and usage.

To learn more about the Ventis, visit www.indsci.com/ventis.

The event will be hosted by Building Bridges for Business, the County of Allegheny, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center. Small Business Works will provide education on the necessary steps to obtain capital. Learn from our nationally known expert speaker on HOW to apply successfully for a business loan.

Information will be provided on:

• What are the basic steps and information needed in applying for a loan?

• The hidden obstacles in the loan application process and how to overcome them.

• Sources and types of capital.

• We walk you through filling out a sample loan package.

The event will also feature resources that will offer growth opportunities for attendees.

“Small businesses are really the lifeblood of our economy and their impact and importance has really been seen in this tight economy,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Offering programs like this helps to eliminate the barriers that small Building Bridges for Business Small Business Works Seminars 2012 — 2 companies face and empowers and educates them so that they may take advantage of the opportunities that exist.”

“Small businesses are essential to our neighborhood business districts and their success and growth is key to maintaining a livable and vibrant City,” said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. “Through opportunities like this, we hope to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success by educating them on the many tools and existing programs that are currently available.”

The Kingsley event will be the first in a series of other Small Business Works seminars in various Allegheny County neighborhoods set to occur in 2012. Each event will provide access to education and regional business resources. Major sponsors for the Kingsley Small Business

Works seminars include: Brunnhuber and Associates, Comcast Business Class, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh Venture Capital, Staples, the Frankstown Road Giant Eagle, and Positively Pittsburgh Live. Find more information and to register for the event on Building Bridges for Business’ web site, www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

“The event with Building Bridges is about giving financial options to the small businesses of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,” said Sue Malone keynote speaker for the May 21, 2012 event. Malone added, “The first thing we have to understand financing is still available for small businesses, both start up and existing businesses. We have all been through the economic down turn and have heard there is “no” money available. I will let you know, there is money available, it just takes a bit more effort to obtain the financing.”