Florida Matters: Innovation (January 30, 2009)

On Television

Innovation

This week, we take a journey through Florida’s relationship with innovation, from past well-known inventions all the way to cutting-edge research and developments going on today. Host Irene Maher introduces us to Peter Lefferson, an inventor who embodies the saying: “Necessity is the mother of invention”. We travel to Florida’s High-Tech Corridor to discover what makes Florida such a prime location to do research, and contributing reporter Larry Elliston heads to a well-known area hospital that soon may find a cure for cancer

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On the Radio

Funding Innovation

People and companies are always coming up with new ideas and new innovations. But when you have a great idea and no money to build your business or market that idea, where do you turn? This week, Florida Matters takes a look at venture capital - meet some of the people offering that money.

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Program Schedule

Radio - Tuesday at 6:30 PM | Sunday at 7:30 AM on WUSF 89.7 Friday at 7:00 PM on WSMR 89.1

Radio Guests

Drew GrahamManaging partner of Ballast Point Venture

Robin KovaleskiExecutive director of the Florida Venture Forum

Steven LuxManaging director of Stonehenge Capital Company

Joe LoughryPresident and CEO of Persystent Technologies

Audio extras

Listen to Drew Graham elaborate on the types of companies he looks to invest in — those with existing revenues but with potential for significant growth. (1:20)

Listen to Robin Kovaleski and Steve Lux explain how the federal government can play a role in supporting startup businesses. (1:34)

Listen to Graham and Kovaleski talk about former Gov. Jeb Bush's efforts to attract high-tech research firms like Scripps and Burnham. (1:34)

Listen to Joe Loughry explain how his company, Persystent Technologies, decided to pursue venture capital. (0:51)

Listen to Joe Loughry talk about the different ways a venture capitalist can get their money back out of a company they have invested in. (0:47)

TV: Related Links

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Enterprise Florida

Florida High-Tech Corridor

Tampa Bay Inventors Council

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

Radio: Related Links

Investor: Renewable Energy Needs Federal Funding

Ballast Point Ventures

Florida Venture Forum

Persystent Technologies

Stonehenge Capital Company

How Does Venture Capital Work?

Dr. Norma Alcantar’s research on using Mexican cactus to purify water

Venture Capital FAQ - FindLaw

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Florida Matters

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State.