David Price Visits First Flight Tech Hub

By Jeremy Summers, NCBiotech Writer

David Price

Congressman David Price will get a closer look at the innovative research and technology startups in Research Triangle Park next week, when he visits First Flight Venture Center (FFVC).

Price, who represents North Carolina’s 4th District, will visit the business incubation facility on April 1 to learn about the technologies being developed by some of the companies housed there, including some being bootstrapped by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

“Education, research, innovation and infrastructure equip us to compete with the world and win," he said. "In Congress I'm fighting for these investments in our people because they ensure our economic success.”

First Flight has been launching new businesses for more than 20 yeas, becoming RTP’s largest technology incubator, with 37 tenants. Successful graduates of First Flight include strategic procurement firm SciQuest, biotech company United Therapeutics and Durham debt collection software company Bloodhound Software.

Price currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee and is the ranking member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.

Companies he'll visit at FFVC include CertiRX Corporation, which received a $247,270 Small Business Research Loan from NCBiotech in 2012 for its development of anti-counterfeiting technology in prescription medication. The technology allows quick identification of counterfeit prescriptions and more-effective tracking of lost, damaged, stolen or diverted goods. The company also received a $27,000 Company Inception Loan from NCBiotech in 2011.

Green masonry firm bioMASON received temporary office space from NCBiotech before moving into First Flight. The company uses the tools of biotechnology, a non-harmful bacterium, to develop a masonry material that replaces traditional clay and concrete without the high energy consumption associated with that manufacturing.

Ridge Diagnostics, a medical diagnostics company that has developed the first reliable blood test for serious depression, was formed in 2008 with the help of $452,500 in Strategic Growth Loans from NCBiotech.

“We are excited to have Congressman Price visit First Flight”, said Andrew Schwab, FFVC president.  “He is a force in Congress and a great supporter of North Carolina startups.”