PARC Innovations Update (2008 #5)

This is the archive entry for our e-mail newsletter, PARC Innovations Update. [subscribe]

• Spotlight: Photonics Innovation Summit to explore rapidly expanding markets
• Case Study: Transforming a novel laboratory concept into a field-ready prototype
• In the Community: PARC certified as Green Business
• On the Road: Wired NextFest; integrating external ideas with internal development; investing in energy-efficient technologies; cooperative work
• PARC in the News: still making a difference; SolFocus completes Spanish project; online gamers; more

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Spotlight: Photonics Innovation Summit to explore rapidly expanding markets

To learn strategies and tactics that improve the odds of successful commercialization in the solar, biophotonics, and solid-state lighting markets, attend the SPIE Photonics Innovation Summit next month. Meet keynote speakers and innovation thought-leaders Henry Chesbrough and John Kao, along with top names in solar, biophotonics, and next-generation lighting. Co-sponsored by PARC and the UC Berkeley Lester Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Center for Executive Education, the Summit takes place November 6 in San Francisco. All registered participants will receive free copies of Henry Chesbrough’s bestseller, Open Innovation, and John Kao’s acclaimed Innovation Nation. Save $100 if you register by October 24…

Case Study: Transforming a novel laboratory concept into a field-ready prototype

The ability to detect bioagents in fluids was achieved by the U.S. Army in the lab, but the ability to do so using dispersed water samples in the field involved greater challenges. To address the gap between existing detection technology and required water safety standards, PARC developed a portable, low-power bioagent concentrator device. PARC designed, fabricated, assembled, tested, and delivered fully functional prototype units: hardware, software, electronics, and operator interfaces — all contained within waterproof portable cases and delivered within an accelerated timeframe…

In the Community: PARC certified as Green Business

PARC is now certified as a Bay Area Green Business by the Santa Clara County Green Business Program. The two-year path to certification involved our site operations and volunteer “green team” task force working through measures including energy and water conservation, facility and equipment operating procedures, employee practices, recycling and waste reduction, and pollution prevention. PARC is also a Sustainable Silicon Valley member, and recently initiated an annual Sustainability Fellowship for students dedicated to inventing a sustainable future…

On the Road: Wired NextFest; integrating external ideas with internal development; investing in energy-efficient technologies; cooperative work

A premier showcase for global innovations, this year’s Wired NextFest runs September 27-October 12 in Chicago’s Millennium Park. Presenting sponsor Xerox will feature PARC’s water filtration technology, and also demonstrate self-erasable paper, solid ink technology, and printing techniques that hamper counterfeiting…

Industry leaders will explore how they discover new business opportunities; leverage internal, external, and joint intellectual property; change corporate culture; and assess risks/rewards of open innovation at Technology Sourcing for Faster Innovation and Business Growth: Integrating External Ideas with Internal Development (October 28-30, Boston). PARC invites attendees to meet with us there; e-mail pr@parc.com to schedule a meeting with director of business development Jennifer Ernst…

At the Emerging Technologies Summit (October 27, San Diego), leading experts will discuss energy-efficient technologies and practices. Panel topics range from new venture investment, client-side technology development, and early-stage incubation to complementary activities at industrial research centers, national labs, and universities. To schedule a meeting with PARC VP Scott Elrod, director of PARC’s Cleantech Innovation Program, please e-mail pr@parc.com…

Computer Supported Cooperative Work (November 6, San Diego) is the premier venue for innovation in the role of coordination and communication technologies. Presenters will discuss original research in collaborative systems, social networking systems, gaming, health informatics, distributed teams, media spaces, and work practices. PARC’s sessions, tutorials, and award-winning papers will explore perceived trustworthiness in Wikipedia; collaboration in virtual worlds; social displays; enabling people to share sub-parts of documents (“keyhole snippet sharing”); and a model for understanding social search. PARC principal scientist and ubiquitous computing area manager Bo Begole co-chairs CSCW…

PARC in the News

PARC, still making a difference — Conde Nast Portfolio
SolFocus Completes Spanish Project, Eyes California — Greentech Media
Online gamers are fit: physically if not mentally — New Scientist
Human Hardware: Foraging for Information — Search Engine Land
Wikimedia pegs future on education, not profit — SF Chronicle
Bringing Sports Psychology to the Realm of Video Games — Kotaku
Get Design Help from Internet Dwellers — Kiplinger