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The Shenandoah Valley Connection top 
October 6, 2017
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CIT Announces FY2018 Solicitation for Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF).
MACH37 Blog | MACH37 2.0 by Tom Weithman
Solar Open House at BrydgeWorks Glass (10/6)
Second Annual Virginia Solar Congress (10/14)
SVTC Luncheon Oct 19 | Tour of JMU X-Labs | CRCF Info Session (registration ends 10/17)
3D Printing with TinkerCad: Make It & Take It (10/19)
Capital One Coders Experience (10/14 @ JMU)
Shenandoah Valley Innovation Coalition Fall Meeting (10/23)
JMU Teaching and Learning with Technology Conference (10/23)
CyberSecurity Awareness for Businesses 3.0 (10/26)
Congressional App Challenge (sign up ends 10/31)
Welcome New Board Member, Milton Matter
CIT Announces FY2018 Solicitation for Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF)
$2.5 million in funding opportunities available for Virginia's research community

October 5, 2017 (HERNDON, VA.) 
 
The CRCF grows Virginia's economy by supporting high-potential technology commercialization projects at Virginia's public and private institutions of higher education, the private sector and nonprofit research institutions. A single solicitation for $2.5 million will be offered in FY2018, with five programs available for funding: Commercialization, SBIR Matching Funds, STTR Matching Funds, Matching Funds and Eminent Researcher Recruitment.
 
Awards from the CRCF further the goals and industry opportunities set forth the in the Commonwealth Research and Technology (R&T) Strategic Roadmap, advancing Virginia's position in strategically important areas including, but limited to human health, cyber security, and smart communities. The six eligible technology sectors this round are: biosciences, cyber security, energy (clean energy), environment (water quality), information technology (data analytics) and unmanned systems.
 
Complete information about the FY2018 solicitation is available on CIT's website at http://www.cit.org/initiatives/crcf/fy2018/ . Here applicants will find critical resources including program guidelines, webinars, and community briefing schedules and registration links. Events are currently planned in Charlottesville, Fairfax, Harrisonburg  , Williamsburg, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, and Roanoke; additional events will be announced on the above-mentioned website. Please direct questions to
[email protected]  .
 
In FY2017, CIT issued one solicitation resulting in $2.7 million recommended for award in 40projects. This leveraged the Commonwealth's investment with approximately $7 million in matching funds. To date, the CRCF has announced nearly $22.6 million in support of 272 projects with leveraged dollars of
more than $60 million. In FY2017, CRCF recipients reported a total of more than $100 million in additional follow-on investments.
 
About the CRCF and R&T Roadmap
The Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) advances science- and technology-based research, development and commercialization to drive economic growth in Virginia and to encourage
collaboration among its institutions of higher education and partnerships between these colleges and universities and business and industry.
 
The Commonwealth Research and Technology (R&T) Strategic Roadmap is a comprehensive planning tool the Commonwealth uses to identify research areas worthy of economic development and institutional focus. It provides elected and other officials with priorities in key industry sectors that have commercial promise and that are eligible for CRCF awards. The Research and Technology Investment Advisory Committee (RTIAC), comprised of university, industry and economic development experts, reviews applications and makes award recommendations to the CIT Board.
 
About the Center for Innovative Technology, www.cit.org
Since 1985, CIT, a nonprofit corporation, has been Virginia's primary driver of innovation and entrepreneurship. CIT accelerates the next generation of technology and technology companies through commercialization, capital formation, market development and revenue generation services. To facilitate national innovation leadership and accelerate the rate of technology adoption, CIT creates partnerships between innovative technology start-up companies and advanced technology consumers. CIT's CAGE Code is 1UP71. To learn more, please visit www.cit.org.  Follow CIT on Twitter @CITorg and add the Center for Innovative Technology on LinkedIn and Facebook .
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MACH37

As MACH37's President and Chief Investment Officer, I was delighted last week to welcome our  Fall 2017 cohort class. The 6 new companies of this, our "F17 cohort," make up the 9 th such class of MACH37, our nation's first and preeminent accelerator dedicated solely to the launch and development of new cybersecurity start-ups.

We are proud to build on a strong past record of success. With start-up representation in its deal-flow to-date from 29 countries, MACH37 has truly emerged as a global brand. We are proud of having hit upon a formula that has allowed us to launch 46 new cyber companies since the program started in 2013. Our model has helped over 60% of MACH37 graduates succeed in raising funding post-demo day. We are proud that MACH37's financial sponsors and supporters - among them General Dynamics, MITRE, and SAP NS2 have testified to the value of our program. We are proud of our acknowledgement by the broader cybersecurity community as the "go-to" resource for security entrepreneurs. We build on this successful track record as we move forward with the Fall MACH37 class - ninth in chronology but the first of what we have come to consider "MACH37 2.0."

So what's changed? 

<< read more >>

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Solar Open House at BrydgeWorks Glass (10/6)



Are you ready to take control of your electric bill?  BrydgeWorks Glass in Harrisonburg, VA will explain it at their educational Solar Open House on Oct 6th.

What you'll learn:
  • How solar energy works
  • How you could start saving with solar
Drop in anytime between 10am -1pm.
RSVP to let them know you are coming! Free food will be available.
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Second Annual Virginia Solar Congress (10/14)



Join VA SUN and solar supporters from across the state for their 2nd Annual Virginia Solar Congress!

The Virginia Solar Congress is a free public conference that brings together solar supporters from across the state to learn and discuss the current state and future for solar energy in Virginia. The day will include presentations about solar technology and policy topics as well as ways to get involved with growing solar in Virginia. We will also hold a participatory open forum discussion for all attendees to discuss the priorities that solar supporters in Virginia should focus on in the coming year.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend!

The second annual Virginia Solar Congress will be hosted by VA SUN in partnership with JMU Center for Wind Energy.

Stay tuned for a full agenda for the day, coming soon! Visit: www.vasun.org for more information.

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SVTC Luncheon & CRCF Info Session | October 19 
(registration ends 10/17)

JMU X-Labs Tour and Talk

Having recently won a Governor's Award for Innovative Use of Technology in Education-and located at JMU's Lakeview Hall-students, faculty and community members converge at JMU X-Labs to develop uncommon ideas through uncommon partnerships. Bringing unique ideas from disparate disciplines, they collaborate to solve real problems in innovative ways.
  • Educate: the X-Labs host pilot classes that shift the way people think, challenge the status quo and solve complex problems.
  • Collaborate: the X-Labs help students, faculty, and community members establish unprecedented partnerships across traditional barriers.
  • Innovate: People generate new ideas and solve problems when divergent thinking comes together.
More info:  https://jmuxlabs.org



Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund Information Session

Join us to learn about funding available through the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF), a Commonwealth of Virginia program managed by the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT).

CIT staff will introduce the CRCF, a multi-million dollar technology commercialization grant program that helps drive economic growth in Virginia. The team will discuss the FY2018 round, which includes programs available to higher ed, federal labs and other nonprofit research organizations, and the private sector.

Topics will include eligibility criteria and the solicitation timeline, technical content and budgets, and tips for creating strong proposals. 





This luncheon is brought to you by:
transparent
 

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Staunton Maker Space | 3D Printing with TinkerCad:
Make It & Take It (10/19)



In this 3D printing course, participants will learn to design, edit, and print in free Tinkercad software. The first half of the course will focus on a general overview of 3D printing and a classroom introduction to Tinkercad, and the second half will invite participants to design their own 3D object with expert assistance provided as students develop their Tinkercad skills. We encourage (though don't require) participants to bring a laptop. 3D printed designs are limited to two square inches and are available to pick up after class.

All levels of experience are welcome. Open to ages 7 and up, although children should be accompanied by an adult.

Instructor: Andy Wiseman. Andy learned many of his makerspace skills while building a fully operational (rolling, spinning, and speaking) Star Wars R2D2 replica.


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Capital One Coders Experience | No Charge | Statewide
(10/14 & 10/21 | 10/14 at JMU)  

Capital One Coders Experience 2017

On October 14th and 21st come join the Capital One Coders Experience!  The Capital One Coders Experience will bring girls in grades 6, 7 and 8 a free, fun, interactive day that gives them a glimpse of what a career in technology looks like. They'll be introduced to problem solving, teamwork and the basic principles of a hands-on environment in learning labs in each of the GO Virginia Regions.

Let's give our girls the skills they need to pursue a life in a #STEM field. Did we mention it'll be fun?


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Shenandoah Valley Innovation Coalition
Fall Meeting (10/23)



On October 23rd join all those interested in our regional entrepreneurship and innovation | JMU Ice House, rm# 117, 127 W Bruce Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. 10 am - 11:30 am. RSVP to [email protected]

On the agenda: 
  • GO Virginia update - Chris Kyle (region 8 plan and project proposals process)
  • Shenandoah Valley Angel Investors investment activity - George Pace
    A network of private investors that help fund entrepreneurial enterprises located in our communities. SVAI's primary interest is Start-Up/ Early Stage business ventures with funding needs in the range of $50,000 to $300,000 that leverage technology to create a new product or service.
  • Virginia is for entrepreneurs, http://va4e.org and app - Mary Lou Bourne
  • SVIC next steps; publicity; options to participate; upcoming events 

About SVIC
SVIC's mission is to accelerate innovation, creativity, and economic development across the Shenandoah Valley through the active collaboration of business, government, community, and academic organizations. They envision the Shenandoah Valley as a thriving, globally-connected ecosystem that attracts, seeds, and grows talent and business. The organization's goals are to: 
  • Create a shared understanding of and commitment to innovation for the purpose of healthy social and economic growth.
  • Improve access to capital for entrepreneurs.
  • Create a variety of collaborative spaces, resources & events, both physical and virtual.
  • Build a vibrant, diverse mentoring network.
  • Develop the capacity to attract, seed and grow new and existing talent and business.

RSVP by Tuesday, Oct. 17 to Kyle Weston via email ([email protected])

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JMU Teaching and Learning with
Technology Conference (10/23)



On October 23rd, come to the Teaching and Learning with Technology Conference at James Madison University. It is an opportunity to bring together educators using technology to share best practices and to make using technology a positive educational experience.



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 CyberSecurity Awareness for Businesses 3.0 (10/26)

cybersecurity workshop

Hold this date for our 3rd annual CyberSecurity Conference for Small Businesses, with Keynote speaker Carlos Solari, joined by local experts and resources to help your business. 

The agenda and the speakers are being confirmed. Final details will be posted the week of Oct 2. More details will be posted via the SVTC calendar / Oct 26

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Congressional App Challenge  (sign up ends 10/31)


Intended for students, the third annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC) will run through November 1, 2017. The CAC is a congressional initiative to encourage student engagement in coding and computer science through local app challenges hosted by the Members of Congress. This year, there are over 165 Members of Congress signed up to participate!

The CAC aims to bridge the gender, geographic, and racial gaps in tech. In its first two years, the program yielded 239 challenges across 33 states. Over 1,150 apps were created by nearly 4,000 students, and participant demographics surpassed all industry diversity metrics, with young women representing 30% of all competitors. This year, the Congressional App Challenge will strive to build upon those numbers.
During the next 14 weeks, thousands of students in participating Congressional districts will create and submit their own original applications, that will be evaluated by panels of local judges.The Members of Congress will announce the winners during Computer Science Education Week in early December. Winners will be honored by their Member of Congress. More prizes will be announced throughout the Challenge.

The CAC was created because Congress recognizes how essential computer science and STEM skills are for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. is currently experiencing a dearth of adequately trained technical talent. By some estimates there are nearly a quarter of a million unfilled programming jobs in the US, right now. The CAC is a congressional effort to maintain American competitiveness, by proactively inspiring our youth and encouraging them to pursue these crucial skills.

The Challenge owes gratitude to Representatives Bob Goodlatte and Anna G. Eshoo, co-chairs of the Congressional Internet Caucus, who requested and supported the creation of the CAC. Challenge execution is supported by the efforts of our Advisory Board, which includes the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Computer Science Teachers Association, Girls Who Code, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Capital One, and Cisco, as well as a broad coalition of CS-focused partners.

For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit CongressionalAppChallenge.us. If you are interested getting involved or in supporting the Congressional App Challenge, please contact our Director, Rachel Decoste, at  [email protected].

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Welcome New Board Member, Milton Matter

On September 29th, the SVTC Board of Directors took action to appoint Milton Matter as their 19th board member.  Milton Matter is the Senior Researcher for Pearl Certification, a national firm dedicated to increasing the value of high performing homes. Through third party certification and investment grade data, Pearl Certification gives visibility to the invisible elements we all value in a home: comfort, health, efficiency and quality. 
 
Before joining Pearl Milt led Ivy Tools, working with researchers, engineers, and contractors from across the United States to solve complex problems in quantification and testing. From pinpointing airflow in wind tunnels for General Motors, to tracking flows of glacial ice in Antarctica, he has helped hundreds of organizations identify project roadblocks and implement solutions. He holds a degree in Philosophy.

Welcome, and thank you for your service to the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council!

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Highlighting Renewing Level I Member:
grep Innovation

grep Innovation LLC provides a variety of technology services including web application and software development, information security and forensics, UNIX wrangling, data telecommunications consulting and photography. A valley native, James Madison University alumnus and confessed serial entrepreneur, principal Ron Perry has a broad background in the research, development and implementation of technology, in the realms of engineering, media production, robotics, education, telecommunications, and entrepreneurship. He serves as a volunteer and adviser for a variety of organizations including Blue Ridge Community College, the Wildlife Center of Virginia and Wilson Workforce & Rehabilitation Center and is a founding board member of SVTC.

 
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Highlighting Renewing Level I Member:
Friendship Industries, Inc. 

Friendship Industries Logo
Friendship Industries is a contract packaging and secure document destruction business with a social mission. We are the only locally-owned NAID certified document destruction company serving our community for over 10 years. With over 50 years contract packaging experience and a flexible workforce, Friendship Industries assembles and re-packs products for local, national, and international companies. Friendship Industries and our affiliate, Able Solutions, works with large volume demands to small start-up projects in ambient and refrigerated environments while serving a mission to provide jobs to those with employment challenges.

 
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Highlighting Renewing Level I Member:
JMU Information Technology Department
 
Information Technology at James Madison University is an essential element of academic life, enabling study, research and personal communication. As a means to excellence in achieving its education, research and service missions, the University provides and supports computing and electronic communication services for all its students, faculty and staff. The department is headed by AVP Dale Hulvey.

 
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Job Opening: IT Help Desk Administrator
Jenzabar | Harrisonburg

Do people always tell you how helpful you are? Do you enjoy wrestling with problems and resolving them with ease and a smile? Jenzabar is seeking an IT Help Desk Administrator in the Harrisonburg area with a service minded attitude, and maybe a t-shirt that says "I <3 our end users." The successful candidate will take up a position on the front lines of the never-ending struggle to keep our associates' technology running smoothly so they can maximize our client's success. Your reward? The satisfaction of fighting the good fight. Oh, and decent pay and benefits on a pretty excellent team of dudes, if we do say so ourselves. And we do.

Job Opening: Software Engineer

Jenzabar is looking for a talented and experienced Software Engineer to join our team of passionate people in designing and developing a high quality, end user focused administrative web application for higher education. This individual should be highly proficient with HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript/jQuery and have a passion for web development as well as a keen eye for well-designed UX and UI. The Software Engineer should have solid experience with Responsive Web Design techniques to build interfaces which will adapt to the many devices in which our end users will use to access our application. Solid experience with developing .Net MVC web applications and the .Net framework is highly preferred. If you enjoy working in a team environment to develop an application that will not just let users do their work but help them do their work, then please consider joining the Jenzabar team.

 
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Job Opening: Web Developer
James Madison University IT| Harrisonburg

James Madison University ( JMU ) is currently recruiting for a creative, self-motivated Web Developer to help support JMU's current web infrastructure. This position will support end user publishing to university web servers using the  JMU  Content Management System (Cascade Server) and also some development of miscellaneous web applications that support the main university website.

 
More information at JMU Joblink
 
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Data Analyst
Remote - Anywhere in the US (or Portland, OR or Orlando, FL)

Treehouse is a fast-moving business with a mission to teach. But in order to teach well, we have to be ready and willing to learn. Without a clear learning agenda oriented around understanding our students and their success, we can't hope to achieve our mission.

To help facilitate our learning, we're looking to expand our Data and Analytics team by hiring a Data Analyst. The person filling this role will be responsible for generating insights across all areas of our business, from UX experimentation to learning efficacy to finance and accounting. In all cases there will be a strong mandate to provide the company with the data it needs most to succeed.

This position can be remote (working anywhere in the US) or based at either of our offices in Portland, OR or Orlando, FL.

 
 More information at teamtreehouse.com
 
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Participate in the local tech conversation: Rocktown Tech (Slack)

Currently there are 18 channels and over 250 members. Please join in! 
Sign-up link:  https://rocktowntech.herokuapp.com/

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Shenandoah Valley Technology Council
800 S. Main Street MSC 4901
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
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