NEW DIRECTOR NAMED FOR UA GENESIS TECHNOLOGY INCUBATOR

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Robert F. Friedman, former managing partner of ITI Communications and Electronics, LLC, has been named director of the Genesis Technology Incubator. He follows John R. English who was named head of the UA Industrial Engineering Department last year.

In announcing the appointment, Otto J. Loewer, dean of engineering said, "The college is very fortunate that someone with Bob's successful entrepreneurial background has agreed to take the helm of Genesis. I know that the University and the State will benefit from his extensive personal experience in founding successful technology-based businesses, his strong engineering background, and his vision for the future of Genesis."

Friedman earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from The Ohio State University and received the Benjamin G. Lamme' Meritorious Achievement Medal from the university in 2000. The award is presented to an Ohio State graduate for "meritorious achievement in engineering", and is the most prestigious honor given by the college.

An internationally recognized satellite communications engineer, his technical expertise is in the analysis and design of communications systems. He developed the first Very Small Aperture Satellite System (VSAT), currently a $2 billion industry. There is a patent pending on another invention—the Virtual Satellite. Experts claim this new technology could revolutionize the communications industry.

Friedman is the founder of Telcom General Corporation and co-founder of VSAT Systems Inc., and the American Satellite Corporation. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors for Telcom General Corp. and VSAT Systems Inc. and has served on the board of Scicon Corporation (British Petroleum) and Centigram Corporation. He has also served as a member of the U.S. Senatorial Business Advisory Board and the American Security Council National Advisory Board.

"Genesis will build on the fine accomplishments of the past to the effect of greatly expanding high technology industry in Arkansas," Friedman said.

Located at the UA Engineering Research Center, Genesis provides developing, technology-based entrepreneurs with technical expertise from UA faculty, staff and students, access to engineering laboratories and equipment, and office space and shared services. The Genesis Technology Incubator received the 1992 National Business Incubator of the Year award that is presented in recognition of overall excellence in the field of business incubation, and has been used as a model in establishing similar technology-business incubation programs around the world.

A reception for Friedman will be held from 2:30-4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19 at the Genesis Technology Incubator. The public is invited to attend.