BusinessWeek has discovered something that's been evident in the biotech community for some time: The University of Florida has made some amazing progress in turning its research projects into start-up companies. In the 2004 to 2005 time frame, Florida spun off 13 start-ups. That put it behind the big three of MIT, the University of California and the California Institute of Technology, but ahead of powerhouse centers like Johns Hopkins. Florida's licensing income has grown as well, up from $11 million 10 years earlier to $40.3 million. David Day, the main guy at Florida for technology transfer deals, says that their approach has been to keep the scientists in the lab while finding an experienced management team to handle the start-up. Florida has been a treasure trove of new discoveries in the life sciences, and the university's work is being complemented by new programs at the trio of research institutions that have set up Florida campuses.

- here's the report [1] on Florida from BusinessWeek

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