News Summary

DAYTON — The University of Dayton-led IDCAST — the Institute for Development and Commercialization of Advanced Sensor Technology — opened its doors Tuesday, July 22, to E. Gordon Gee, president of the Ohio State University, and Jon Husted, R-Kettering, speaker of the Ohio House.

But IDCAST officials seemed to aim their message squarely at businesses.

Since February 2007, IDCAST, based on East Second Street, has worked on developing sensor technologies for security, military, chemical and biological applications. The possibilities include remote sensors that can detect bombs, airborne chemicals or even hospital patients, say those involved.

Partnering with eight Ohio universities, the Air Force Research Laboratory and several businesses, the goal has been to create 374 Ohio jobs in eight years. In 18 months, 183 full-time jobs have been created, said Larrell Walters, IDCAST director.

Part of IDCAST's foundation is $6.8 million available to interested businesses who want to move sensor technology from labs to production. Businesses must be willing to match funds dollar for dollar, and the work must benefit Ohio, Walters said.

In this way, he said, innovation makes its way to IDCAST. The organization does not push particular technologies.

Gee, who has been touring the state recently visiting OSU collaborators, appeared to come away impressed.

"I believe the future of this state will be built on the knowledge industry," Gee said, adding a moment later, "The truth of the matter is, we don't have a choice."

IDCAST

Based: 444 E. Second St., Dayton

University partners:

University of Dayton, Ohio State University, Wright State University, Central State

University, Air Force Institute of Technology, Miami

University, University

of Cincinnati and University

of Toledo

Local business partners: Woolpert, Qbase and Mound Technical Solution