GAIN wishes to recognize four individuals who have shown exceptional leadership in growing our local high tech sector. (click on images to enlarge in new window)

Jane Muir hailed for funding and marketing successes

MRI researcher Dr. Jeff Fitzsimmons, honored for mentoring tech sector entrepreneurs

Bill Rossi, UF’s “passionate entrepreneur,” is toasted for high-energy support for Central Florida tech sector

Medical device Inventor Dr. Nick Gravenstein recognized
 

Jane is the Associate Director of the Office of Technology Licensing. She has developed marketing programs both internally to UF and outside UF to encourage commercialization of UF technologies that are the foundation of most of our local tech companies. She is recognized as a leader in technology transfer and commercialization by her national professional organization, AUTM. She redesigned UF’s federally funded EDA University Center program and successfully fought to keep it at UF in the tech licensing office. Now called UF TechConnect, it has been an invaluable source of funds for activities related to commercialization. She secured additional EDA funds for FL Biologix, UF’s new biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Alachua. Jane goes beyond the requirements of her job in her enthusiasm and commitment to growing a vital local technology sector and (being a marketing person) always remembers to tell the world what we’ve done, thereby raising our profile as a young but growing technology center.

Dr. Jeff Fitzsimmons Co-founder of MRI Devices, Jeff is an internationally recognized researcher in MRI radiology and is a Professor at the University of Florida in the Department of Radiology in the College of Medicine. He is the author of over 65 peer reviewed scientific MRI manuscripts, and two key patents that formed the initial IP for MRI Devices Corporation. MRI Devices grew to a world leader in advanced array coil technology and integrated functional imaging systems, and has since been acquired by Phillips. Jeff has been an active supporter of the technology industry in Gainesville, including membership in Emergent Growth Fund. He has served on the board and as advisor to numerous local technology companies, including ViewRay and Prioria. His generosity in giving back to this community by helping to mentor other entrepreneurs, and lend his hard won expertise to our growing technology sector is the basis of our recognition tonight.

Bill Rossi is Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship, Associate Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Director of GatorNest at the University of Florida. Prior to joining CEI, Rossi served in executive positions with several companies, both public and private and has been involved as a principal in several start-up and turn-around ventures. Bill has gone above and beyond his responsibilities at UF to assist various individuals and organizations in the community in an effort to grow our technology-based economy in north central Florida. He has served on numerous boards including that of the Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center (GTEC), been a presenter at numerous entrepreneur forums and served as a mentor for a number of our start-up CEOs. He routinely demonstrates his passion for entrepreneurship.

Nick Gravenstein has not only served as the Chair for the Department of Anesthesiology, a Professor of Neurosurgery and Medical Director of the Presurgical Center at Shands but is also a prolific inventor. Among his many discoveries that have benefited his patients and others in society, the one most well-known among Gator fans is the patented Temperature Management System which he developed in conjunction with Samsun Lampotang. Williams Sports Group in Jacksonville, FL licensed the technology which provides football players a new weapon against heat-related illness. Both college and professional teams are now using the technology to stay cool on the field. Nick epitomizes the spirit of invention, innovation and inspiration.