Giving technology a boost

As for health insurance for smaller companies, Weinshenker said the state could encourage associations to offer group health-care plans by pooling memberships in order to lower insurance costs, establish an equitable insurance cost ratio between large and small companies, and try to educate small companies about changing options.

GOED also is pushing the formation of a life sciences/biotechnology task force and will prepare a specific proposal and budget for the technology commission's next meeting.

Evans encouraged presenters to quickly hone their requests before that November meeting. "It looks like we'll have a full agenda next time," she said.

Another possible boost for the life sciences industry in Utah is a four-year biotechnology program being developed by Salt Lake Community College.

Wade Hull of Zars Pharma told the commission Thursday that an expansion from the current two-year program would require industry involvement, optimize independent research and create a more entrepreneurial environment.

A full proposal, including curriculum and budget, will be presented at the commission's November meeting. "Our intent is to get this program rolling in the fall of 2006," Hull said.

Utah Valley State College and the University of Utah will be initial partners in the program, although other colleges and universities also are interested.

Ray Gesteland, vice president of research at the U., said the program could be "an opportunity to broaden and deepen the training" of students coming out of the two-year program.

"I'm about as enthused about this approach as anything. . . . We'll do anything we can to support you," Evans said.

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