WRAL Tech Wire

What new 'BioEconomy Blueprint' says to N.C.: Opportunities

Analysis: This new federal BioEconomy Blueprint could lead to new opportunities for the nation. And it might open some new doors for us to keep growing North Carolina's life-science base, currently the third-largest in the nation with more than 500 companies employing more than 58,000 people. Those jobs pay an average of $78,000 a year - nearly twice the state's typical private-sector wage.

Biotech

Global vaccine industry honors several NC firms

Four Triangle-area companies that contribute to North Carolina's reputation as "Vaccine Central" were 2012 winners of the only dedicated awards honoring the accomplishments of the vaccine industry.

$100,000 grant may deliver one tough, patented dogwood tree

The North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association wants a disease-resistant, patented North Carolina flowering dogwood. An NCSU professor is seeking to develop it with funding from the N.C. Biotechnology Center and the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science.

dogwood

N.C. Biotech Center aims to boost industry by backing Mid-Atlantic event

The RTP-based organization will work with three other organizations to support the 2012 conference which is set for Sept. 27-28.

Winning grant proposals: The four commandments

What's the difference between a grant and a groaner? Sifting through mounds of comments from reviewers, we've come up with four "Must-Have" nuggets for converting your "funding request" to a "funding event."

Looking for cash?

Medicon - northern Europe's medical valley - meets RTP

Over the course of the two days, researchers shared their nanomedicine work on targeted drug delivery. Vaccine delivery. Drug toxicity. Scandinavians and North Carolinians shared the same language with the same terminology.

Medicon medtech companies

NC Biotech Center loans Chapel Hill vaccine firm $250,000

Chapel Hil-based Heat Biologics is in the midst of a fundraising round expected to raise $4.1 million to finance clinical trials.

A graphic describes Heat's technology

Biotech Center awards $1 million in grants for university research

Scientists at NCSU, East Carolina and UNC-Wilmington receive $250,000 to fund work toward federal grant applications.

Drug startup NovaTarg targets hepatitis C

NovaTarg's research focuses on activating AMPK, an enzyme that regulates how cells use energy. The company says that its research with AMPK has applications in addressing liver diseases, diabetes and cancer.

Durham company gets $30K Biotech Center loan

NovaTarg, founded in Durham in 2009, is developing novel pharmaceutical products targeting liver diseases and diabetes.

Opinion: New life sciences cluster report presents skewed view of RTP's activities

The Triangle is outstanding for life sciences whether reports on U.S. markets score it first, last or in the middle.

Beyond the numbers: The real strength of NC's life science cluster

Opinion: A new report shows we have plenty of work to do to keep North Carolina competitive in this volatile life-science environment. We need to open new doors to bring in more venture and other funding, for example. But during these difficult global economic times we are thankful that we keep adding life-science jobs statewide and companies keep calling us to help them relocate their businesses to North Carolina.

Biotech cluster study on Triangle

More companies look to span farm, pharma worlds in NC

Biotechnology advances that boost crop yields and improve drought tolerance are well under way. But agbiotech research is also finding pharmaceutical applications, particularly for targeted drug delivery.

Just call Charles Hamner the 'biofather' of biotech in NC

A recipient of a North Carolina Award for public service, the longtime head of the N.C. Biotechnology Center says he was "shocked" by the honor. "I was lucky enough to come along at the right time when the biotechnology industry was being developed here," he adds. The Award says otherwise.

Dr. Charles Hamner

NC's 'biofather' sees more growth for biotech - and risks

Charles Hamner, who received a "North Carolina Award" for his efforts to establish and grow the biotechnology industry across North Carolina, sees "fantastic" potential for more growth. However, he's also concerned about capital, the training of future workers, and finding new leaders.

Charles Hamner sees lots to smile about in NC's future.