Neocontrol U.S. Establishes Canadian Distributorship, soft landing company's first in the international marketplace

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Neocontrol US, LLC, the Orlando-based North American subsidiary of a leading Brazil-based company that provides a full range of innovative, custom wireless home automation products and systems, has signed on Toronto-based SFI-Tech, as its new distributor for international markets outside of Brazil. 

 

SFI-Tech contacted Neocontrol about distributing their product and provided market research verifying their dealers’ strong interest in their innovative home automation products.  “This interesting approach demonstrated SFI-Tech was already in touch with and distributing to resellers in our target market,” said Andre Comitre, chief operating officer. ‘That was a major factor in the agreement.”

 

SFI-Tech will be the exclusive distributor for Canada making sure dealers are always stocked with the products Neocontrol is offering to the international market – the Neocontrol Pro line comprised of several innovative and easy-to-integrate products from clever objects of art that change positions to a wireless ultimate touch key pad.  Comitre added that all products are environmentally sustainable.

 

Neocontrol is looking for other distributor relationships to target other regions of the world with their wireless automation products which focus on integrated security and energy efficient technologies for both homes and businesses

 

Neocontrol is a member of the UCF Business Incubator’s Soft Landing program, which provides a suite of resources designed to help expanding firms transition to new business environments by helping them quickly adapt and connect to the business community while reducing risks and costs involved with testing and operating in a new market.

 

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About the UCF Business Incubation Program:

The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth / impact enterprises.   Since 1999, this award-winning program has helped hundreds of local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources. 

With seven facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Apopka, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs.  Participating companies sustain more than 3,600 local jobs and have had a total impact of $1.51B on regional sales and $2.48B on regional economic output.  During the last fiscal year, the program has returned $7.95 for every $1.00 invested in the program.   For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu

 

Orlando-based UniKey Receives $5 Million in Venture Capital -- UCF Business Incubator Graduate to Expand Workforce

Orlando, Fla. --- UniKey Technologies, Inc., a graduate of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and a leader in smart access control, recently received $5 Million in venture capital from existing investors, including Samsung NEXT, as well as two additional strategic investors.

Phil Dumas, founder and CEO of UniKey, said his company has raised more than $20 million in equity and debt since it started as an Incubator client. In 2013 UniKey partnered with Kwikset and released the Kevo, the world’s first smart lock in the residential market. Today, UniKey has 15 customers, spanning 65 countries using their smart lock technology.

UniKey is now expanding into the commercial IoT¹ industries through recent partnerships with Nortek and Grosvenor. “Companies want to provide their employees and customers with convenience by using their phones to access businesses without special keys or cards. Our technology makes that possible.

”With customer experience being top-of-mind for every manufacturer, transformative change in the access control industry is now occurring through UniKey’s smart lock platform. “We partner with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) who want to integrate our technology into their own products,” said Dumas.

Dumas also said UniKey is looking to expand and add at least five new hires to the team by year end. Positions will focus on software engineering and development.

The strategic plan is to move the entire keychain to the phone, in a more convenient way than a key. Then the goal will be reached. Access to the home, business and vehicle with a phone, dramatically improving the economics, mobility, and robustness of wireless access and how we live. 

Upon graduation from the UCF Business Incubator, UniKey relocated a few times and is now settled in at its new headquarters in downtown Orlando at 111 W. Jefferson St. and opened a satellite office in Silicon Valley at 68 Willow Rd. Menlo Park, Calif.

Guard Dog Valves Launches Crowdfunding Campaign at Kickstarter.com - Taking Patented Money / Water Saving Product to Next Phase

KISSIMMEE / ORLANDO --- Guard Dog Valves, Inc., headquartered in Kissimmee at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator, providing a new motion-sensor toilet shut-off valve, has launched a bid to fund commercialization of its patented, energy efficient valves at Kickstarter.com, the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects.

Now through July 15, Kickstarter.com subscribers worldwide will decide whether to help finance the next phase of Guard Dog Valves, Inc.’s goal of getting its innovative technology installed in homes, apartments and businesses to eliminate waste of fresh water.   The innovative technology combines both water conservation and water damage prevention, according to Joe Guidish, Chief Financial Officer of the firm.

Guard Dog’s patented technology that was developed working closely with UCF’s Department of Engineering only allows water to flow into the toilet when it senses someone is in the bathroom.   The Guard Dog Valves shut water off at the source in the wall once someone leaves the bathroom and if a leak was to occur from the stem or tank, the valve would eliminate the continuous flow of water, Guidish explained.

The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) has projected that by 2035, Central Florida will grow from 2.7 to 4.1 million people, requiring over 250 million more gallons than the aquifer even has in it to be pumped.   Based on the EPA, nearly 30 percent of the water used in households gets flushed down the toilet. With over a trillion gallons of water being wasted annually in homes, it becomes apparent how much waste is occurring from malfunctioning toilet systems (leaking flappers, bad seals, hose line breaks).

“Funding for the next stage of our operations is critical but we feel confident that Kickstarter.com subscribers will seriously consider our request and help us reach our goal,” he said.

Guard Dog Valves recently installed 48 of the motion-sensored toilet shut-off valves at the Mercury 3100 apartment complex on Alafaya Club Drive in East Orlando and they should be seeing vast water savings very soon.   

Guard Dog Valves started operations less than two years ago at 111 E. Monument Ave.  Visit www.GuardDogValves.com

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About Guard Dog Valves

Guard Dog Valves assembles and sells patented water control valves for toilets, complete bathrooms and the whole house or building.  The patented technology of the device only allow water to flow when using these rooms.  Water is shut off at the source when these facilities are not occupied or in use.  The company’s products reduce water bills and prevent loss and damage from flooding.   

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:

The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth / impact enterprises.   Since 1999, this award-winning program has helped hundreds of local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources. 

With seven facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Apopka, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs.  Participating companies sustain more than 3,600 local jobs and have had a total impact of $1.51B on regional sales and $2.48B on regional economic output.  During the last fiscal year, the program has returned $7.95 for every $1.00 invested in the program.   For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu

Rhodes+Brito Architects Earn Contract to Design Volusia County Schools’ First New Elementary in Years

New Smyrna Beach / Orlando, Fla. --- Rhodes+Brito Architects in Orlando was selected to design a brand new Chisholm Elementary, replacing the original building erected in the 1940s on Ronnoc Lane off of Wayne Ave. and Hwy. A1A in New Smyrna Beach. 

Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito Architects, said his firm is currently underway with the planning and design of the new 85,000 square foot school to accommodate 750 students, implementing 21^st century design concepts that enhance the learning experience and student interaction.

The extra one-half cent sales tax in Volusia County finally raised enough funds to cover the much needed project that will revitalize the entire neighborhood of this historic Westside District of New Smyrna Beach, according to Rhodes.

The design phase will be completed by May of 2018 and construction, at an estimated cost of $17 million, will get underway in June of next year.    

Rhodes+Brito, an Orlando firm founded in 1996, currently employs a staff of 21, including eight registered architects. The firm has exceptional experience providing architectural services to a wide variety of agencies throughout the state of Florida, including municipal government agencies, federal, education, aviation and senior living facilities. Rhodes+Brito Architects is the current Orlando AIA 2016 Firm of the Year.

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Orlando-Based Semplastics Wins Grant from Space Florida to Expand Its Unique Ceramic for Various Aerospace Applications

Orlando, Fla. --- Semplastics, LLC, a graduate company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, received a $250,000 grant from Space Florida for a partnership project that will further develop the company’s innovative X-MAT® ceramic material for various applications in the Aerospace industry and lead to early commercialization.

Semplastics along with Nano Dimension, Ltd. of Israel, are one of five partnerships awarded fourth round “Innovation Partner Funding,” in the program created by Florida and Israel nearly four years ago to elevate the Florida economy through technological innovation. 

Nano Dimension, who received a similar budget as Semplastics, is a leader in 3D printing of advanced additive manufacturing, and will use its funds in the partnership to 3D print Semplastics’ durable polymer-derived ceramic created by its patent-pending X-MAT® process. 

The Semplastics and Nano Dimension collaboration will focus on rapid production of 3D high thickness and low density ceramic objects in small batches at a relatively low cost for designated aerospace applications. 

Bill Easter, CEO of Semplastics, said lightweight durability and thermal resistance of the X-MAT ceramic material are crucial for the needs of the aerospace industry, but creating the structures are expensive and time-consuming from design to final assembly. 

“We are excited to work with Nano Dimension and receive the benefits of their expertise to expose even more applications for our unique ceramic material,” Easter said.

Semplastics received a Phase II grant for $750,000 in 2016 from the NASA Small Business Research and Innovation (SBIR) program to develop the novel material into highly precise mirrors for use in satellites for space observation.

 

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About Semplastics, LLC

For more than 17 years, Semplastics has served the semiconductor industry by providing precision plastic parts for semiconductor manufacturing and development, focusing on polymeric materials and their applications. Semplastics’ Advanced Materials Division,

X-MAT, has developed new material systems based on polymer-derived ceramics (PDC).

X-MAT® material systems are the foundation for several R&D opportunities including NASA space mirrors.

 

About Space Florida

Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce.  As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, they are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses.   With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for the aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov

About the UCF Business Incubation Program

The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth / impact enterprises.   Since 1999, this award-winning program has helped hundreds of local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources. 

With seven facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Apopka, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs.  Participating companies sustain more than 3,600 local jobs and have had a total impact of $1.51B on regional sales and $2.48B on regional economic output.  During the last fiscal year, the program has returned $7.95 for every $1.00 invested in the program.   For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu

 

 

 

 

 

27 Graduated the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Programs’s Education Phase at UCF Business Incubator, Enter Next Phase of Statewide Initiative

15-week Education Phase Concludes with 3-Tiered Pitch Competition

ORLANDO, Fla. – Directors of The UCF Business Incubation Program, in partnership with the statewide Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program  recently presented graduation certificates to 27 military veterans, which concluded Phase 1 of the program providing free counseling, mentoring and training to veterans who want to launch and grow their own business.   

The entrepreneurs learned to apply innovative strategies to design, pivot and build their businesses quickly and efficiently using the Business Model Canvas and Lean Startup Methodology.

“The first graduates are on the way to the next level of their business,” said Ricardo Garcia, government resource manager of the UCF Business Incubation Program. And the training doesn’t stop there he said.  Phase 2 of the Veterans Florida program continues with ongoing monthly mentoring and access to workshops to steer the veteran entrepreneurs toward business success. 

Graduation day included a pitch competition among the veteran entrepreneurs who were categorized into three separate tiers – (1) Idea/Concept, (2) Startup, and (3) Growth stage.  The winner in each category received a one-year membership in the UCF Business Incubation Program valued at over $4,000.

Those who had an idea for a business got seriously focused, are now on track fine tuning their business plans, researching the competition and reaching out to potential customers; those in the startup phase are preparing to launch their enterprises, and the growth stage businesses who are already in revenue with some employees are ready to scale—become sustainable businesses while they expand.  They were extremely grateful for the tremendous opportunity to participate in the program.

Retired Air Force Veteran Derick Bugg, the runner up in the Concept/Idea category of the pitch competition, is now designing a business plan.  He’s worked with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 17 years and is developing a business called The Bugg Ranch of Personal Development and Consultation.  “I would never have gotten this focused so quickly had it not been for this class and particularly the classmates.  They basically validated the concept.”  

“Peer mentoring was an interesting phenomenon in the class. Veterans who were further along in their businesses shared insight about hurdles they encountered and how they overcame them, a big benefit for those in the concept and startup stages,” Garcia said. “At the same time veterans with a business in the growth stage like Neeld Wilson with Gator Engineering & Aquifer Restoration, benefitted by working on the business instead of in the business—an opportunity to think about strategy and think outside the box.”

It’s no wonder that owning and operating a business can be a good fit for those who are used to systems, structure, hard work, teamwork and day to day challenges.  Their learned leadership skills and work ethic are essential for stable businesses that fill a need in the community.

“All those who entered the pitch competition were great and  the panel of judges had a hard decision in selecting the best presentations.  The most important thing is we planted 27 seeds that we are confident will sprout and grow – maybe at different rates, but they will grow,” said Garcia.  

“Our team of mentors within the UCF Business Incubation Program plans to keep the Veterans Entrepreneurship initiative going and thriving, and we are always eager to hear from companies  interested in supporting veteran entrepreneurs as they launch and grow businesses while creating jobs and growth in Central Florida.”

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REDCON CEO Among Florida’s Top Emerging Leaders

ORLANDO, Fla. – The state’s top emerging leaders recently graduated from Connect Florida’s Statewide Leadership Institute. Among the newest alumni of up-and-comers is Kyle Evans, CEO of REDCON Solutions Group, a professional service company in the UCF Business Incubator near downtown Orlando.

The highly selective annual program helps educate, engage and inspire Florida’s emerging leaders. The Statewide Leadership Institute is designed to enhance leadership skills, provide practical experience in community service, and facilitate opportunities to interact with statewide leaders.

Over a period of 10 months, Evans and the 45 other participants from Class VII of the Connect Florida program traveled around the state to learn about and engage in key issues facing Florida.

“I am honored to have been part of such a dynamic group of young leaders,” said Evans. “This program has helped me develop personally and professionally and has given me the insights and connections to grow as a leader in Florida.”

Evans, 34, who retired as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant after being wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom, founded REDCON Solutions Group in 2014. The Purple Heart recipient’s company provides a range of solutions to public and private entities, including security, training and risk management services.

Since 2015, Evans has been recognized multiple times for his leadership in the community, receiving the Hands of Mercy Award from the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, the Service to the Armed Forces Award from the American Red Cross of Orlando, the Veterans of Influence Spirit of America Award, and the 40 Under 40 Award from the Orlando Business Journal. 

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About REDCON Solutions Group

REDCON Solutions Group headquartered in Orlando, Fla., provides superior services to both U.S. Government agencies and commercial entities in the areas of Security, Training and Risk Management Services. As a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, REDCON continues to grow and excel by following the philosophy inspired by its founders to always provide the highest quality services to our federal, state and commercial clients; and doing so with an effective management team to adapt to the dynamic federal marketplace. We strive to continuously improve our services and support to keep pace with our clients’ ever changing requirements. Service excellence is the heart and soul of our business and the critical element in our customer relationships. Visit REDCONSolutionsGroup.com.

 

About the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program:

The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth / impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has helped hundreds of local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources. 

With seven facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Apopka, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs.  Participating companies sustain more than 3,600 local jobs and have had a total impact of $1.51 Billion on regional sales and $2.48 Billion on regional economic output. During the last fiscal year, the program has returned $7.95 for every $1.00 invested in the program. Visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

 

Majestic Cove Waterfront Condominium in Sebring Receives Approval for VA Financing…. $0 Down

ORLANDO / SEBRING, Fla.   Majestic Cove, the luxurious 69-unit condominium overlooking Lake Jackson near downtown Sebring, has been approved to offer VA financing for the purchase of its well-appointed units. 

David Bryant, Agent of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty the firm marketing Majestic Cove, said Peoples Bank assisted in the approval process which helped determine that the condominium community met all the VA criteria.  

Eligible veterans can purchase a residence at Majestic Cove with $0 down, 100 percent VA financing of the purchase price with no monthly private mortgage insurance needed.  For additional financing information visit http://themajesticcove.com and click on Contact Us.

The highly-amenitized waterfront community is on the VA’s approved list of condominiums.  The Lender’s Handbook issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs has a chapter on requirements for condos, such as the community must not be under occupied, no age limitations and no resale limitations by the HOA, to name a few.

“This opens up a great opportunity for veterans to buy a condominium at Majestic Cove, with their hard-earned VA benefit and it can make life easier whether they’re still in active duty and on the go, or retired from service,” Bryant said.

Peoples Bank, a trusted lender for Majestic Cove, is offering several conventional loan options too, including 95 percent financing of a primary residence, 85 percent for a second home and 75 percent for an investment property.

Bryant said the new financing programs add compelling value for current and future owners of the residences at Majestic Cove.

The 16 remaining luxury condominiums feature five spacious floor plans that range from just over 1,300 square feet to just under 2,000 square feet.

All Majestic Cove condominiums have three bedrooms and two or three full baths. Special features include custom cabinetry, granite countertops and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, travertine stone flooring in the main living area, crown molding, 8-foot solid wood doors, and a luxurious master bath with dual vanities, garden spa tub and separate shower.

Each condominium residence at Majestic Cove features a spacious covered patio with magnificent views of Lake Jackson, a 36-boat slip marina and a resort-style pool and spa. The Marina has slips available for sale, priced from $15,000 for an open slip and $25,000 for a covered slip.

Majestic Cove residences are priced from the $130s to the low $300s, far below replacement costs, according to Bryant.

Majestic Cove is located on Lake Jackson, a 9,200-acre pristine lake and is a short walk from Sebring’s historic downtown city center with restaurants and shops.  It’s ideal for a primary residence, a vacation home or investment.

“Buyers of these condominiums are coming from the congested southeast coastal counties of Florida as well as the mid-Atlantic states and Canada,” Bryant said.  

Furnished models at Majestic Cove are available for viewing daily.     For more information visit  http://themajesticcove.com.

 

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Abamis IT Solutions Graduates From UCF Business Incubator at Central Florida Research Park, Opens Offices on University Drive

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Abamis IT Solutions, an information technology corporation that develops software for commercial and military applications recently graduated from the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park.

Warren Macchi, president of Abamis IT Solutions said his firm is currently engaged in the development of embedded applications for the Internet of Things (IoT), medical and entertainment fields.

He also said that the company is engaged in ongoing technology projects with several clients, including current members and graduates of the UCF Business Incubation Program, developing a variety of software ranging from simulation, video, and image processing to mobile and cloud applications.

“These collaborations perfectly illustrate just one of the many benefits that incubator programs provide entrepreneurs to help them turn good ideas into great companies,” stated Macchi,

Abamis IT Solutions remained in East Orange County and relocated to offices near the University of Central Florida. 

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About Abamis IT Solutions:

Abamis IT Solutions is a provider of technology and software development services to the gaming, entertainment, modeling and simulation, and geographic information systems communities. Target platforms include mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Android OS, and embedded systems such as those used for kiosks and environmental data logging and analysis.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program              

The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth / impact enterprises.   Since 1999, this award-winning program has helped hundreds of local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources. 

With seven facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Apopka, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs.  Participating companies sustain more than 3,600 local jobs and have had a total impact of $1.51B on regional sales and $2.48B on regional economic output.  During the last fiscal year, the program has returned $7.95 for every $1.00 invested in the program.  For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

 

 

 

M/I Homes’ First Model is Under Construction at Narcoossee Del Sol in St. Cloud.

ST. CLOUD, Fla. -- M/I Homes started construction of a model home at Narcoossee Del Sol its newest single-family home community located on Jack Brack Rd. one mile east of Narcoossee Rd. in St. Cloud. 

The 2,092 square foot Capistrano II is a spacious four bedroom, two-bath home with a two-car garage.  The design offers optional bonus room with a fifth bedroom and third bath combining an additional 500 square feet of living area, said David Byrnes area president of M/I Homes in the Central Florida Region.

Narcoossee Del Sol is now open for sales, offering 95 homesites with 50' and 60' widths on tree-lined streets.

New four, five- and six-bedroom homes at the Mediterranean and Neo-classical inspired community range from 1,750 square feet of living space to 4,000 square feet, in seven distinct home designs to choose priced from the $250s to over $400,000.   

Narcoossee Del Sol features a spacious community pool and cabana, and planned walking trails around a pond and fountain.  The community is within the A-rated Osceola County Schools District and minutes from Orlando International Airport and the rapidly expanding employment centers of Medical City and Lake Nona.

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About M/I Homes

M/I Homes, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading builders of single-family homes, having delivered more than 81,500 homes. The Company’s homes are marketed and sold under the trade names M/I Homes, Showcase Homes, TriStone Homes and Triumph Homes. The Company has homebuilding operations in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Tampa and Orlando, Florida; Austin, Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; and the Virginia and Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C.