FourthWall Testing Partners Up with NOVA

Michigan Patent of the Month - July 2021

FourthWall Testing, LLC has announced a partnership with Nova Mentis Life Science Corp (NOVA). Together, they have established a Serotonin Research Center at FourthWall’s Florida headquarters. 

This collaboration will enable the companies to develop assays to measure serotonin levels in blood, feces, and urine in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Serotonin is a key hormone which allows brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with each other. ASD categorizes a diverse group of conditions characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication as well as atypical patterns of activities and behaviors. Their collaborative neuroinflammatory research program is based on identifying biomarkers that can be used to confirm the therapeutic efficacy of NOVA’s proprietary psilocybin-based drug portfolio. They have plans to develop and launch a longitudinal data bank to support the large-scale studies of the microbiome, developmental disorder genetics serotonin activity levels, and behavioral metrics as they relate to ASD, with an additional focus on individuals diagnosed with ASD and fragile x syndrome (FXS)

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

BeyondSpring to Host R&D Day for Plinabulin

Virginia Patent of the Month - May 2021

BeyondSpring Inc. is a global leader in biopharmaceuticals with focus on cancer therapies. They have recently announced their plans to host an R&D Day to discuss the development program for their novel immune agent – Plinabulin. 

The R&D day will take place in late June with presentations from experts in the field who will highlight the unmet medical needs in treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 

They will also discuss their pipeline as it applies to their lead asset plinabulin – a selective immunomodulating microtubule-binding agent (SIMBA). Their focus will specificall be on:

  • Plinabulin and G-CSF combination, which received priority review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its NDA for prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN), which also received breakthrough designation. The Company has a PDUFA date of November 30, 2021.
  • Plinabulin and docetaxel combination, which is in a fully enrolled pivotal Phase 3 global study (DUBLIN-3) as a potential direct anticancer agent in patients with NSCLC. DUBLIN-3 is expected to report data in mid-2021.
  • Plinabulin in combination immune-oncology regimens, leveraging its MOA as a potent APC (antigen presenting cell) inducer. Plinabulin has demonstrated promising Phase 1 data in 2nd/3rd line SCLC (ASCO 2021); company has recently initiated a Phase 1 study in 7 cancers which failed checkpoint inhibitors to investigate plinabulin’s potential to reverse resistance to immunotherapy.

Are you developing new pharmaceuticals for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

SkyWater Announces John Spicer as New VP of Operations

Rhode Island Patent of the Month - January 2021

SkyWater Technology has announced their new VP of operations – John Spicer. Following a recent filing for an IPO, SkyWater Technology is hoping Spicer will help advance the company’s performance.

SkyWater is a pure play semiconductor foundry, specializing in technology development. They develop superconducting and 3D integrated circuits (IC). SkyWater uses a unique approach to allow tech development to occur in a high-quality production environment. Chip designers and process engineers work hand in hand to develop new technology which is highly manufacturable from the onset. SkyWater has wafer fabrication sites in both Florida and Minnesota, but wants to expand their manufacturing capabilities to become a top tier contract chipmaker.

Spicer has plenty of experience in semiconductor manufacturing. He has worked as the VP of global fab operations managing six factories for ON Semiconductor. SkyWater is hoping to raise $75 million if their IPO is approved, which will go towards expanding production and development of new IC technology.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Hine Automation Adds New Component for Performance

Hine Automation Adds New Component for Performance

Hine Automation has been working in automation systems and robotic components for over 30 years and is considered a leader in manufacturing for the semiconductor industry. Now they’ve advanced their technology further by using a pulley-bushing assembly that’s to be added to their SL-200C Vacuum Cassette-to-Cassette-Wafer Handling System. This system will help the robot move silicon wafers by working on an axis that moves the robot’s arm horizontally. 

Hine Automation noticed an improvement in the performance of their machines after installing the pulley-bushing system as it decreased backlash and loss of motion being a Concentric Maxi Torque System. It’s machines now have higher reliability and accuracy. Because of their commitment to continual improvement of their mechanisms, they are in high demand and have joined forces with local suppliers to not only deliver faster, but also support local businesses. 

Are you developing a new product? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Little Caesars Testing Out a Plant-Based Pizza with Impossible Foods

Testing Plant-Based R&D

After investing a lot of time and money in Research and Development (R&D), Impossible Foods has created the long-awaited meat-free sausage, and Little Caesars, the pizza chain, will be the first company to jump on the bandwagon and try its hand at plant-based proteins with its “Impossible Supreme” pizza.

Impossible Foods is the same company responsible for the plant-based Impossible Burger.

The new vegan sausage made its exclusive debut on May 20, 2019, as a topping on Little Caesars’ $12 pizza alongside green peppers, caramelized onions and mushrooms. It is currently available in 58 restaurants in four different locations including Naples, FL, Yakima, WA, Myers, FL, and Albuquerque, NM.

Little Caesars said it will test the product for four weeks, and if it’s successful, they’ll decide if they’ll roll it out to more markets around the nation. The pizza company started paying more attention to the plant-based protein trend in 2018 after realizing more meat-eaters were switching from animal-based products to vegetarian alternatives.

So, in an effort to wrap itself in its mission of attracting carnivores and vegetarians alike, Little Caesars partnered with Impossible Foods in October 2018 to create a meal boasting a plant-based protein.

“These kind of flexitarians have been growing in nature,” Ed Gleich, Little Caesars’ Chief Innovation Officer, told CNN Business. “They’re not hardcore ‘vegans or vegetarians,’ but they’re more adventurous in their choices. The Impossible Supreme pizza is designed to appeal to meat eaters, and isn’t vegan (it’s topped with cheese, along with the fake sausage and other items).

”At first, Impossible Foods proposed the plant-based beef they were using on their Burgers. However, Little Caesar told them that most clients order sausage-topped pizzas than beef-topped pizzas, so Impossible Foods went back to the drawing board and come up with a sausage alternative.

“Normally companies want to sell you the product they have,” said Gleich. “Not a product they’ve got to get out and put some R&D time in, and put resources against and develop.”

Harris Corp To Invest $125 million in R&D

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Global defense and aerospace firm, Harris Corp, has in the past fixated its services on communication services for the United States military, but this year, it has decided to broaden its services horizon through a multi-million dollar investment.

Harris Corporation announced on Dec 10, 2018, that it plans on bringing around $125 million in internal research and development (R&D) to Florida this financial year. The firm’s R&D activities will chiefly take place at its central Florida branches, where Farris Corp is based, and pay attention to areas like avionics, electronic warfare, small satellites and robotics. The state will receive more than a third of the firm’s total $300 million+ internal R&D budget.

Harris Corp’s Florida presence will also be supplemented by its lately publicized plan to merge with L3 Technologies. L3 Harris Technologies (the newly combined firm) will have its headquarters in Melbourne, Florida. This will result in investment growth and create additional employment opportunities in the state.

The Internal R&D will support the firm’s 7,000+ staff based in Florida, including more than 3,300 scientists and engineers. The $125 million investment will also generate higher paying jobs that will pay an annual average salary of $95,000.

Harris Corp did not disclose the number of jobs the R&D investment will generate, but the firm currently has around 375 job openings in Florida; most of them being in engineering. This big monetary commitment will also nurture partnerships with universities and companies that Harris works with to fulfill the hundreds of contracts it secures each year.

Some of the institutions Harris has partnered with include Florida Institute of Technology, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida and the University of Florida.

In the meantime, Harris Corp has already ventured into the small satellite industry. On Dec 6, 2018, the firm launched its 1st backpack-sized satellite into space utilizing India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

Opinions Heading ‘Up the Ladder’ in Miami: Florida-based CityGrader allows citizens to review public service workers

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Everyone has an opinion, especially when it comes to political leaders and representatives in the public sector. Have you ever had an outstanding experience with a police officer and wanted to let others know? Maybe you’ve had a not so great encounter with the local librarian and needed to express how you feel? A South Florida startup, appropriately named CityGrader, has recently developed kiosks that can help you with that itching desire to express opinions about public service employees.

CityGrader is a simple and effective platform dedicated to increasing the quality and accountability of local governments through reviews and feedback that comes directly from the public. According to the company website, through the CityGrader platform, taxpayers play a meaningful role in making positive change in local government by increasing the quality and accountability of public employees. To give you a taste of CityGrader, take a peek at the video below.

Via the app’s Public Partner Dashboard, local governments can work to improve public services and make adjustments to policies. All Public Partners of CityGrader pledge an oath to monitor feedback in an effort to improve accountability, transparency and public services. If you are a member of the public, all that is required is to enter your email address and basic contact information, then provide a grade and review. Once completed, you will submit the information, which will be reviewed by your local government representatives.

The CityGrader experience was conceived by a husband and wife duo after working with various building department employees. “We’ve had some rather remarkable experiences, both positive and negative. I find it’s hard to do anything about those experience, to give credit where credit is due and to give criticism where criticism is due,” said CityGrader founder Tony Newell. The most recent kiosks can be found at Miami’s City Hall and Miami Riverside Center. “Miami’s decision to join CityGrader as its first Public Partner demonstrates forward thinking and a continued commitment to improving the level of services it brings to residents,” Newell said.

“Miami residents are our bosses and we need their input to better serve them,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said. “Time and time again, we are witnessing how technology, like what CityGrader offers, continues to help us create a stronger connection between our government and residents.”

The app can also be used as a data-mining tool. This will allow governments and public-sector employees to track issues across the city via keyword searches. Action can then be taken in relation to the keyword complaints. The startup also released CityGraderGO, an app where citizens can rate employees from a smartphone or tablet. For more information on CityGrader, please click here.

Are you developing technology to aid democracy? Creating an application that connects people with services? Did you know that you can receive up to 14% back on your research expenses with the R&D Tax Credit? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is a Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services to the state of Florida. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Florida, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

The Best and Worst CyberStates for 2017

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The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading not-for-profit technology association. Their 18th edition of the Cyberstates report aims to provide a representation of the size and scope of the US tech sector. The report analyses the industry and workforce by state and uses metrics such as tech patents, venture capital funding, business establishments and job postings.

Here is a summary of the results by state:

Tech Industry Employment

There were around 6.9 million US tech workers in 2016, up from 6.7 million in 2015.

Top 5

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. New York
  4. Florida
  5. Massachusetts

Bottom 5

  1. Wyoming
  2. South Dakota
  3. Alaska
  4. North Dakota
  5. Montana

Tech Patents Granted

Top 5

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. Washington
  4. New York
  5. Massachusetts

Bottom 5

  1. Alaska
  2. South Dakota
  3. Mississippi
  4. Montana
  5. West Virginia

Innovation Score Per Capita

The number of tech startups and new tech establishments grew to 36,508 in 2015. Many were IT services covering data processing, hosting and web search portals.

Top 5

  1. California
  2. Massachusetts
  3. Washington
  4. Colorado
  5. New Jersey

Bottom 5

  1. West Virginia
  2. Mississippi
  3. Arkansas
  4. South Dakota
  5. Ohklahoma

Tech Gross State Produce (GSP) As A Percent of Total State Product (in billions)

Top 5

  1. Oregon
  2. Washington
  3. Massachusetts
  4. California
  5. Colorado

Bottom 5

  1. Wyoming
  2. Louisiana
  3. Oklahoma
  4. Mississippi
  5. West Virginia

Average Tech Industry Wages Rank

The average tech sector wage was 105 percent higher than the average national wage of $53,130 in 2016.

Top 5

  1. California
  2. Washington
  3. Massachusetts
  4. New Jersey
  5. New York

Bottom 5

  1. South Dakota
  2. Mississippi
  3. Wyoming
  4. West Virginia
  5. Montana

The full report is available at Cyberstates.

US tech companies undertaking qualified activities can apply for the state and/or federal R&D tax credit. To check whether your projects meet the necessary criteria, contact a Swanson Reed representative today.

2017 R&D Awards Finalists Announced

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The 2017 R&D finalists have been announced today by the R&D Awards Committee and R&D magazine. This year will mark the 55th annual R&D 100 Awards program which honors the 100 most innovative technologies of the past year. The finalists were selected by an independent panel of more than 50 judges representing R&D leaders in a variety of fields.

The R&D 100 Awards are considered the most globally prestigious recognition of invention and innovation. The awards represent 100 of the top innovations across the categories: Analytical/Test, IT/Electrical, Mechanical Devices/Materials, Process/Prototyping, and software/Services.

The committee will also honor excellence with four special recognition awards to be presented, which will be from the categories; Market Distributor services, Market Distributor Products, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Green Tech.

This year the awards will be held in Orlando and they will be expanded to include the R&D 100 Conference, where industry professionals will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about critical advances in technology and science.

The R&D 100 Awards program was first established in 1963 and has since been an integral part of the R&D Magazine brand. Past winners have consisted of sophisticated testing equipment, innovative new materials, distributive chemistry breakthrough, new biomedical products, breakthrough consumer products, and new industry technologies, academia, and government.

Companies creating new knowledge on a global scale can apply for a federal or state R&D Tax Credit. To find out more about R&D and to assess your company’s eligibility, contact a Swanson Reed R&D Tax Advisor today. We look forward to speaking with you and guiding you through the R&D process.

Top States for Doing Business 2016

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How does your state rank for doing business? CNBC ranked all 50 states for business using a range of publicly available data.  They used a points-based system for each of the 10 categories of competitiveness.

Here are the results:

Workforce

Rating based on education level of the workforce, the numbers of available employees, and the states’ demonstrated abilities to retain college-educated workers.

Top 5

  1. Colorado
  2. Massachusetts
  3. Virginia
  4. North Dakota
  5. Arizona

Bottom 5

  1. Maine
  2. Missouri
  3. Hawaii
  4. Vermont
  5. Kentucky

Cost of Doing Business

Rating based on the competitiveness of each state’s tax climate, as well as state-sponsored incentives that can lower the cost of doing business. Utility costs can add up to a huge expense for business, and they vary widely by state. Also considered was the cost of wages, as well as rental costs for office and industrial space.

Top 5

  1. Indiana
  2. Iowa
  3. Mississippi
  4. South Dakota
  5. Kentucky

Bottom 5

  1. Hawaii
  2. California
  3. Maryland
  4. Connecticut
  5. Massachusetts

Infrastructure

Rating based on the vitality of each state’s transportation system by the value of goods shipped by air, waterways, roads and rail. The availability of air travel in each state, the quality of the roads and bridges, and the time it takes to commute to work was taken into account, as was the condition of each state’s drinking water and wastewater systems.

Top 5

  1. Indiana
  2. Tennessee/Texas
  3. Tennessee/Texas
  4. Georgia
  5. Minnesota

Bottom 5

  1. Rhode Island
  2. New Hampshire
  3. Maine
  4. Connecticut
  5. Hawaii

Economy

Rating based on economic growth, job creation, consumer spending, and the health of the residential real estate market. Each state’s fiscal health was measured by looking at its credit ratings and outlook, as well as its overall budget picture. Also considered was the number of major corporations headquartered in each state.

Top 5

  1. Texas
  2. Colorado
  3. Utah
  4. Florida
  5. Oregon

Bottom 5

  1. Mississippi
  2. Maine
  3. Alabama
  4. West Virginia
  5. Louisiana

Quality of Life

Rating based on livability, including several factors, such as the crime rate; inclusiveness, such as antidiscrimination protections; the quality of health care; the level of health insurance coverage and the overall health of the population. Also evaluated were local attractions, parks and recreation, as well as environmental quality.

Top 5

  1. Hawaii
  2. Minnesota
  3. Vermont
  4. New Hampshire
  5. Maine

Bottom 5

  1. Arkansas
  2. Missouri
  3. Oklahoma
  4. Louisiana
  5. Tennessee

Technology and Innovation

Rating based on support for innovation, the number of patents issued to their residents and the record of high-tech business formation. Also considered were federal health, science and agricultural research grants to the states.

Top 5

  1. Washington
  2. California
  3. Massachusetts
  4. New York
  5. Maryland

Bottom 5

  1. Mississippi
  2. West Virginia
  3. Wyoming
  4. Arkansas
  5. Louisiana

Education

Rating based on the number of higher-education institutions in each state, as well as long-term funding trends for higher education. Also evaluated were several measures of K–12 education, including test scores, class size and spending, as well as digital and lifelong learning opportunities in each state.

Top 5

  1. Massachusetts
  2. Minnesota
  3. Wyoming
  4. Illinois
  5. Virginia

Bottom 5

  1. Nevada
  2. Idaho
  3. Mississippi
  4. Arizona
  5. Alabama

Business Friendliness

Rating based on the freedom each state’s legal and regulatory frameworks provide for business.

Top 5

  1. New Hampshire
  2. South Dakota
  3. Virginia
  4. North Dakota
  5. Idaho

Bottom 5

  1. California
  2. West Virginia
  3. Illinois
  4. Mississippi
  5. Hawaii

Cost of Living

Rating based on cost of housing, food and energy.

Top 5

  1. Mississippi
  2. Kentucky
  3. Arkansas
  4. Alabama
  5. Tennessee

Bottom 5

  1. Hawaii
  2. New York
  3. Delaware
  4. California
  5. Connecticut

Access to Capital

Rating based on venture capital investments by state, as well as small-business lending on a relative basis.

Top 5

  1. Illinois
  2. North Carolina
  3. California
  4. Michigan
  5. New Jersey

Bottom 5

  1. Wyoming
  2. Vermont
  3. West Virginia
  4. Delaware
  5. New Mexico

Many US businesses can take advantage of the state and/or federal R&D tax credit. Please contact a Swanson Reed representative to find out what is available in your state and whether your business qualifies.