Higuchi Biosciences Center
HBC, a KTEC Center of Excellence, is a family of research centers at the University of Kansas that focuses on the preclinical aspects of the pharmaceutical industry (discovery, analysis, formulation, delivery, toxicology and pharmacology of drugs). The family of centers includes the Center for Bioanalytical Research, the Center for Drug Delivery Research, and the Center for Neurobiology and Immunology Research, all closely tied to generation of products of economic value to the state of Kansas in the near term. HBC partners with LRTC to help identify leading edge life sciences technologies developed by KU that have strong commercialization potential. www.hbc.ku.edu

Information and Telecommunication Technology Center
ITTC, also a KTEC Center of Excellence, is a world-class center excelling in strategic research, development, and transfer of viable communication and information technologies. ITTC technologies have diverse applications in the business, biomedical, educational, agricultural, and financial areas. Existing companies collaborate with ITTC for research and development, realizing that targeted research reduces costs and improves service to consumers. Upstart companies, seeking to develop new technologies, draw on the faculty and staff. ITTC partners with LRTC to help identify leading edge information and telecommunication technologies developed by KU that have strong commercialization potential. www.ittc.ku.edu

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce was founded on December 12, 1878 for the purpose of promoting and enhancing the economic vitality of Lawrence and Douglas County and to be the leading advocate on issues that affect the economic well being of our members and customers. www.lawrencechamber.com

Lawrence Technology Association
LTA was formed by technology companies in Lawrence and the surrounding areas to provide a forum for sharing business and technology expertise among industry professionals; help the local technology industry gain positive recognition; promote the Lawrence community as a place for companies in technology and infrastructure to start, locate and prosper; influence the direction of technology locally by helping shape public policy as it pertains to this industry through proactive advocacy; and act as a resource to develop, attract, and retain a skilled workforce. www.lawrencetech.org

University of Kansas School of Business
The University of Kansas School of Business provides students with a stepping stone for future success. With superior faculty and students, it produces quality graduates who excel in a constantly evolving business landscape. As more companies demand specialized and international experience, the School's broad curriculum provides advanced education in focused areas of study and paves the way for students to gain international exposure to businesses and cultures. Above all, KU School of Business graduates understand that learning is a life-long process and those who embrace change become tomorrow's leaders. www.business.ku.edu

LRTC, in partnership with the KU School of Business, has developed an MBA-accredited course: "High-Tech Start-Up Feasibility Analysis," which was offered for the first time in the Fall 2004 semester. A team of MBA students was tasked with evaluating the commercial potential of a medical device developed at KU that helps diagnose and treat oromotor dysfunction (an inability of the muscles in the mouth to function properly) in premature babies. Dee Steinle, Associate Director of the Masters Program at the KU School of Business said, "The initial MBA/LRTC course was a major success. The MBA students who participated in the feasibility study project gained the type of real world experience necessary to cap off very successful academic careers. We feel fortunate to have this opportunity available for our students."