Advancing Technology through Entrepreneurship

For Immediate Release:

Nation's First Homeland Security Technology Incubator 80% Leased

Early Stage Technology Companies Introduce Solutions for Homeland Security

ANNAPOLIS (October 9, 2003)

At a special ceremony, Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens announced the official grand opening of the Chesapeake Innovation Center (CIC). Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland which is centrally located near government agencies and defense and security corporations, the CIC introduced its first seven client companies. The CIC is 80% leased with early stage business ventures offering homeland security technology solutions.

A program of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, the CIC is the first incubator in the nation specialized in the development of homeland security technology companies. Seven client companies were competitively selected from more than 100 applicants from across the country. Their industry expertise includes, but is not limited to, biodefense, communication and information technology solutions.

Chesapeake Innovation Center grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony

Pictured L to R: 1. Valerie Miller, Legislative Aide to AA County Councilperson Barbara Samorajczyk 2. Denise Nooe, Legislative Aide to Senator Barbara Mikulski 3. Stephanie Keller-Bottom, Director,É Innovent Nokia 4. Kay Hill, Director of Community Partnerships, National Security Agency (NSA) 5. William Black, Deputy Director, National Security Agency (NSA) 6. Roger Carter, Acting Senior Acquisition Executive, National Security Agency (NSA) 7. Janet S. Owens, Anne Arundel County Executive 8. Bill Badger, President and CEO, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) 9. Aris Melissaratos, Secretary, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development 10. Daniel Wolf, Information Assurance Director, National Security Agency (NSA) 11. John Elstner, Executive Director, Chesapeake Innovation Center (CIC) 12. Brigid Smith, Legislative Aide, Senator Sarbanes 13. Bailey Fine, Legislative Aide, Congressman Ben Cardin

"Anne Arundel County is a place where entrepreneurs can achieve success – the Chesapeake Innovation Center is proof of our commitment to them," said Ms. Owens. "I am proud of the partnerships the CIC has established with federal agencies, universities and key corporations. These partnerships connect our emerging companies to the homeland security and information technology industries."

The client companies of the CIC include the following:

Global Wireless Network, Inc. designs and manufactures wireless hardware devices. Its products create interoperability among disparate communications systems on multiple frequencies allowing fire, police and emergency management teams to communicate safely and reliably.

ICUC is a communications services company that integrates telephone numbers with Internet services such as web, email, instant messaging and voice transport. ICUC is the world's largest private holder of Internet telephone numbers.

Lighthouse Communications, LLC is a location-based services and wireless communication company that delivers safety, security and information to the mobile environment by enabling mobile devices to become personal safety and security devices for federal and state agencies, first responders, vehicle fleets, and individuals.

PharmAthene, Inc. specializes in the development of human therapeutics and vaccines to treat and prevent diseases associated with biological warfare threats.

Realinterface Expert Systems provides first responders at emergency sites with wireless diagnostic and surveillance tools to diagnose, report and communicate threats and countermeasures in real time. Data collected is then used for surveillance of public health threats.

Real User Corporation's patented Passface authentication technology provides government agencies and businesses with a unique and scalable means to reinforce or replace passwords, the weakest link in IT security.

Secured Processing, Inc. is a security and information assurance company with patented security technology for insider threats on personal computers and workstations. Their Sentinel Security System offers multiple security levels and remote access capabilities for federal agencies and industrial contractors with information assurance requirements.

Each CIC applicant follows a 4-step application process that scrutinizes business potential, technical merit, commercial viability, quality of the management team and potential economic impact to the region. Application materials are screened and qualified by the CIC management team for nomination. The CIC Advisory Committee, a 21-member body comprised of business and government experts, reviews and advises nominated applicants for admission.

CIC client companies each receive value-added services based on a proven model of incubation that increases their likelihood of success. They have access to a network of investor resources and industry and business expertise, in addition to the CIC Partners.

National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) members report that 84 percent of incubator graduates stay in their communities and continue to provide a return to their investors. In addition, NBIA reports that every 50 jobs created by an incubator client generates another 25 jobs in the community.

For application information, visit www.cic-tech.org or call the CIC at 410-224-2030.