North Texas area firms net $12 million from TETF

• NetWatch Solutions, Richardson - developing and marketing its "System Asset Management System," which will enable businesses to mitigate losses due to maintenance-induced software "crashes;"
• Atomically Precise Manufacturing Consortium (APMC), North Texas - matches funding from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and APMC member businesses and universities to accelerate the affordable commercialization of nanotechnology products; and
• Future Semiconductor Commercialization (FUSION), North Texas - developing, through collaboration amongst member businesses and universities, advancements in microelectronic technologies to produce "hacker-proof" personal ID tags for civilian and defense application as well as nanostructure materials to enhance medical imaging.

Earlier this week, Wilson announced that the TETF will invest $150,000 in TXL Group, Inc., of El Paso, making up to $1 million total investment available to the company if it meets meet certain performance benchmarks.

The pre-seed funding, the first ever awarded by the TETF, will assist TXL in its development of new technology to harvest roadway heat and convert it into energy. In collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso, TXL Group will conduct a feasibility study and develop a business plan focused on utilizing roadway heat to generate electricity over the next 12 months. "As a state known for triple-digit summer temperatures and home to the most state highway miles in the country, this is an exciting project for Texas," said Wilson.

Wilson said that by utilizing an untapped, renewable resource, TXL's technology not only has the potential to bring new jobs, sales tax revenues and revenues from electricity sales, but will also contribute an additional source of energy to Texas' diverse energy portfolio.

The TETF also will invest $750,000 in OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc. of Houston to help further develop and commercialization of its orthodontic device, Celerect 1000. The funds will be used to hire more management, complete device prototyping and conduct the first human trials in Houston, Gov. Rick Perry announced this week.

Celerect is a removable device, similar to a retainer, which attaches to an orthodontic arch wire and needs to be worn only 20 minutes a day, thus cutting treatment time in half by accelerating bone remodeling.

TETF, created by the Legislature in 2005, provides funding for the development and commercialization of new university-tied technologies and to recruit the best research talent available. A 17-member advisory committee reviews potential projects and recommends TETF funding for projects to the governor, lieutenant governor and House Speaker. To date, the TETF has allocated more than $100 million to Texas companies and universities.