High-Tech WNY Businesses Connect with Potential Investors at UB Center of Excellence Forum

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The focus is on the growth of jobs, high-tech business and a knowledge-based economy when the University at Buffalo's New York State Center of Excellence in the Bioinformatics and Life Sciences holds the 2010 Explore Buffalo Niagara Investor High-Tech Forum from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (June 24) in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo.

The purpose of the forum, titled "Connecting Regional Investment to the High-Tech Economy," is to introduce investors to the funding opportunities available for Western New York's high-tech companies, and to help them obtain financing for their critical early-growth stages, whether their aim is to increase their existing business or to launch their first product or service.

This popular event, which "sold out" in 2009 with more than 300 attendees, provides information and guidance to local, national and international angel and venture capital investors, as well as high-tech businesses seeking investment.

Marnie LaVigne, director of business development in the Center of Excellence's UB Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering Technology, will act as general facilitator. The UB Center of Excellence is conducting this year's forum along with Superior Group and National Grid.

Fueling the region's biotech industry through research, commercialization and job and business development is a major objective of the UB 2020 plan to expand its Academic Health Center in downtown Buffalo on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

"Given the mission of the Center of Excellence, it's a natural fit for UB to take the lead," said LaVigne. "UB brings so much innovation to the table."

According to LaVigne, without the right environment to help commercialize the technologies from UB and others in the community, the human and economic impact of the Buffalo Niagara region's high-tech discoveries and inventions will never be realized.

"For Buffalo's economic depression, this is the answer," added LaVigne. "The forum puts together and presents the technology and business tools needed to grow Western New York's new economy."

The forum is streaming live on the web at http://www.buffaloniagara.org/stream.

A significant part of the day's agenda will be devoted to showcasing high-tech companies, which will make 10-minute investor presentations in an effort to raise funds.

The day will conclude with two panels: "Warrior Entrepreneur" a discussion on how to survive in the competitive world of business, and -- back by popular demand -- "One-Minute Investor Pitches," delivered by a select group of high-tech companies seeking to raise funds.

A luncheon keynote address beginning at 12:15 p.m. will be given by Catherine Mott, chair of the U.S. Angel Capital Education Foundation and managing director of Blue Tree Allied Angels. She will discuss "U.S. Investing and Entrepreneurship in the New High-Tech Economy."

The High-Tech Forum is the inaugural event for Buffalo Citybration, a diverse offering of activities that showcase Buffalo Niagara's many assets and celebrate the region's successes, taking place June 24-27.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.