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Egils Milbergs
Washington DC and Seattle
Experienced leader and policy maker in economic development, competitiveness, innovation and start-ups.
Interests: innovation ecosystems, water technology, strategic planning, technology commercialization, public-private partnerships, policy-making and leadership
Recent Activity
Dartmouth researchers look to meld therapy apps with modern AI Therabot, currently in its first clinical trial, uses generative AI trained on therapy scripts in an effort to create technology that bring mental health services to underserved populations. (NBC News Report) An experimental, artificial intelligence-powered therapeutic app that its creators hope will drastically improve access to mental health care began its first clinical trial last month. Therabot, a text-based AI app in development at Dartmouth College, launched in a clinical trial in March with 210 participants. In its conversations with users, the app uses generative AI, the same technology that powers OpenAI’s ChatGPT, to come up with answers and responses. The app also uses a form of AI that learns patterns and has been designed to enable Therabot to get to know and remember a user and provide personalized advice or recommendations based on what it has learned. There are... Continue reading
Posted Apr 18, 2024 at Innovation Ecosystems
Technology fueled America’s youth mental health crisis, but it can help end it Perspective by Valerie Strauss Staff writer September 21, 2023 at 12:31 p.m. EDT Sian Leah Beilock is a cognitive scientist who is the new president of Dartmouth College, the first woman to hold that position since the school was founded in 1769. An expert in, among other things, the effect of stress on academic performance, she is starting her tenure by putting health and wellness at the center of her leadership agenda with a focus on the country’s youth mental health crisis. Among her initiatives: • On Sept. 28, Beilock is bringing to campus Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy and his six living predecessors to discuss the crisis and explore possible solutions. • She created a position for Dartmouth’s first chief health and wellness officer, who will report directly to her on matters affecting all students, faculty... Continue reading
Posted Sep 21, 2023 at Innovation Ecosystems
Access to transportation is a crucial social determinant of health and a pathway to employment, income, and opportunity. Yet far too many Tucson residents find it challenging to get to and from essential destinations -- healthcare, education, groceries, work, social support, and other services. Here are some facts: The poverty rate in Tucson is 19.8% or an estimated 102,000 people. About 10% of households in Tucson do not have access to a car. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are too expensive for low-income people. Fixed-route buses, streetcars, and shuttles may not be convenient, time-efficient, or on-demand. Walking to/from public transportation stops can be precarious in hot or monsoon weather. Low-income residents need point-to-point transportation to transit hubs and destinations. Solving this problem is a critical priority. The Healthy Communities and Wellness Alliance has initiated planning for an innovative all-electric micros transit service. Micro transit uses small, on-demand vans to provide passengers... Continue reading
Posted Aug 21, 2023 at Innovation Ecosystems
Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Administration launched Arizona Business One Stop, an easily accessible online location for small businesses and entrepreneurs to plan, start, and grow their businesses in Arizona. Rather than jump from one state agency to another to access and file the necessary information to start or expand a business in Arizona, Business One Stop brings previously disparate processes into a single centralized location. LEARN MORE » Continue reading
Posted Nov 27, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
The National Science and Technology Council has released a strategy to grow the economy, create jobs, enhance environmental sustainability, address climate change, strengthen supply chains, ensure national security, and improve healthcare for the next four years. The 2022 National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, developed by the Subcommittee on Advanced Manufacturing (SAM), provides several recommendations to help achieve those goals. The strategy report outlines three interrelated goals: 1) Develop and implement advanced manufacturing technologies; 2) Grow the advanced manufacturing workforce; 3) Build resilience into manufacturing supply chains. In support of these goals, SAM established 11 different objectives to pursue over the next four years, including introducing more sustainable manufacturing in support of decarbonization, expediting innovation for semiconductors, supporting the economy through advanced manufacturing, and developing stronger connections between employers and education institutions. More information is available on the Manufacturing USA website. Post created by Jonathan Dillon Continue reading
Posted Nov 11, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
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Oregon's 2022 Innovation Score is 69 out of 100, ranked third in the U.S., and is an improvement over the state's 2018 score of 66.5. The top-scoring state in the 2022 Index was Massachusetts, with a score of 71.5. The top three scoring states– Massachusetts, California, and Oregon – remain unchanged from their 2018 Index ranking. 2022 Innovation Index The Oregon Innovation Index was created to measure the state's innovation economy and identify opportunities for enhancing competitiveness. It is a key yardstick Business Oregon uses to track the state's success in building an innovation-based economy. An innovation-based economy encourages new ideas, products, and approaches to meet the current or emerging demands of consumers. It directly impacts the ability of communities to grow and prosper. The Innovation Index uses a list of 20 indicators that ensure that each stage of the innovation process, the expected outcomes, and the environment that fosters... Continue reading
Posted Nov 9, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
The National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers (the Commission) is launching the next phase of its work to re-envision the U.S. innovation ecosystem, and dramatically increase the nation's innovation capacity and capabilities. Over the course of the coming months, the Commission will initiate a new wave of dialogues that will build on prior work, dive deeper into critical topics, and refresh collective thinking on how the United States can out-innovate and out-compete other nations in the 21st century. Download the report "Phase 2: Competing in the Next Economy – Adapting to a Changing World" here Continue reading
Posted Nov 9, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
A new study undertaken by experts at John Hopkins University School of Medicine has revealed that taking psychedelics can have the same transformational effects as a near-death experience (NDE). The study examined the NDEs of over 3,000 persons who reported changes in their attitude toward death following a psychedelic encounter or a near-death experience. Psilocybin (the primary element in magic mushrooms) and ayahuasca, a South American beverage containing the natural hallucinogen DMT, were among the four psychedelic drugs studied. People in the study described both drug and NDE experiences that gave them a more positive attitude about death, with less fear. People reported considerable improvements in psychological insight, well-being, and life purpose. Recent research also suggests that psychedelics can aid in the treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as lead to an increase in emotional well-being. Continue reading
Posted Oct 5, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
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This last weekend was the National Book Festival which I attended. The festival is a Chautauqua carnival of authors, lectures, and book signings covering topics from history, lifestyles, science fiction, kids' lit, writing skills, etc. I always enjoyed the author lectures, particularly David McCullough (who passed away this year---a great writer, great voice, and charming speaker). This year I attended talks by Jack Davis on the history of the bald eagle (note: not the official national bird), David Rubenstein on investing (successful private equity company and patriotic philanthropist), and two bright authors on the topic of "anxiety" Ellen Vora and Tracy Dennis- Tiwary offering a new and more positive perspective on anxiety. Below is a teaser of their books. In The Anatomy of Anxiety, Dr. Ellen Vora offers a paradigm shift in how we understand anxiety and mental health, suggesting that anxiety symptoms result from various physiologic inputs — it... Continue reading
Posted Sep 6, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
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Have huge respect for Tom and his contribution to Seattle entrepreneurial dynamism. A great inspiration and a tremendous loss. Recommend reading his book Flywheel and to learn more. Aug. 6, 2022 at 6:31 pm Updated Aug. 8, 2022 at 11:56 am Best known for his early investment in Amazon, Tom Alberg was also a co-founder of Madrona Venture Group, which has invested in Pacific... (Brian Smale / Courtesy of Madrona Venture Group)More Skip Ad By Dominic Gates Seattle Times aerospace reporter Tom Alberg, a business leader with a vision for innovation in the tech world, who backed Amazon with one of its first investment checks at its inception and helped shape numerous companies and civic organizations in Seattle, died Friday at 82. He had suffered a stroke about a year ago. Alberg was a co-founder of Madrona Venture Group, which has invested in Pacific Northwest technology startups for 27 years.... Continue reading
Posted Aug 9, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
The Seattle based Congregate Solutions Accelerator is showcasing eight companies focused on solving the challenges facing the travel, performing arts, tourism and hospitality (TPATH) sectors. These companies have been working with the tourism industry partners, mentors and other entrepreneurs throughout the Pacific Northwest to better understand the needs of the travel and tourism industry and how to best fit their product into the space. The program is run via a partnership with the Washington Technology Industry Association, Alaska Travel Industry Association, Future Borders Coalition and powered by the Moonbeam Exchange. Many of these companies are looking for pilot partner projects around these four challenges: workforce, immunity verification, hybrid events and contactless commerce. If you've got a problem in this area, one of these companies could be the right partner to solve it. Learn more about the Congregate Accelerator and the challenges at: https://www.congregate.resiliencefoundry.org About the companies: 2D Metric - 2D... Continue reading
Posted Feb 21, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
Humana and the University of Louisville announced a new cooperative agreement and additional financial investment in the university's Health Equity Innovation Hub to advance health equity and improve health outcomes for marginalized populations in Louisville and communities around the world. The Hub is funded by a potential total investment of $25 million, including $10 million from UofL, $1.5 million from Humana and up to $13.5 million from The Humana Foundation. LINK FOR MORE The Health Equity Innovation Hub is an integrated, multi-disciplinary collaboration among Humana, The Humana Foundation and UofL. The Hub will focus on groundbreaking research, talent development, entrepreneurship and innovation, with a deliberate focus on health equity, social determinants of health and digital health and analytics. "Humana is committed to improving health equity and we will be intentional about addressing the underlying societal and structural factors that impede good and fair health, especially for people in communities that... Continue reading
Posted Feb 21, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
Intel has announced a new $1 billion fund to support early-stage startups and established companies building disruptive technologies for the foundry ecosystem. A collaboration between Intel Capital and Intel Foundry Services (IFS), the fund will prioritize investments in capabilities that accelerate foundry customers' time to market – spanning intellectual property (IP), software tools, innovative chip architectures and advanced packaging technologies. Intel also announced partnerships with several companies aligned with this fund and focused on key strategic industry inflections: enabling modular products with an open chiplet platform and supporting design approaches that leverage multiple instruction set architectures (ISAs), spanning x86, Arm and RISC-V. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220207005216/en/ With the advent of advanced 3D packaging technologies, chip architects are increasingly adopting a modular approach to design – moving from system-on-chip to system-on-package architectures. This provides a way to partition complex semiconductors into modular blocks called... Continue reading
Posted Feb 21, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
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By David Mou and Thomas R. Insel Jan. 19, 2021 ADOBE An unexpected side effect of the tragedy of the Covid-19 pandemic is unprecedented opportunity for innovation in mental health care, largely due to the rapid expansion of telehealth and the increased demand for mental health services. As an example, one insurance company reported that claims for telehealth increased from 200 in February 2020, just before the full force of the pandemic hit the U.S., to 38,000 just three months later. We don't know how much of this shift will be sustained once Covid-19 has been tamed, nor do we know its complete impact on clinical outcomes, but the pandemic experience shows that profound change in the delivery of mental health care can be rapid and widespread once the right incentives are in place. The question is no longer whether technology will transform mental health care, but when and how... Continue reading
Posted Feb 5, 2022 at Innovation Ecosystems
Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Rivian Inc. (Rivian) will invest $5 billion in a carbon-conscious campus in Georgia for its electric adventure vehicles. Across operations, Rivian will create approximately 7,500 jobs on just under 2,000 acres located at the site known as the East Atlanta Megasite, represented by the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton, and Walton counties. Once manufacturing operations are fully ramped up, the Georgia facility will be capable of producing up to 400,000 vehicles per year. Rivian's manufacturing plant represents the single-largest economic development project in state history. https://allongeorgia.com/georgia-business/rivian-to-invest-in-single-largest-economic-development-project-in-georgia-history/ Continue reading
Posted Dec 21, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
CNBC reports that United Airlines has taken an equity stake in ZeroAvia, a firm focused on powering electric motors by utilizing hydrogen fuel cells. Under the deal, United said it expects to purchase up to 100 of ZeroAvia's ZA2000-RJ — an engine it described as zero-emission and 100% hydrogen-electric. The airline said the engine was "expected to be used in pairs as a new power source for existing regional aircraft." United said it plans to pursue a conditional purchase agreement for 50 of the engines, with an option for 50 more. The tech could be retrofitted to aircraft from 2028, it added. In a statement issued Monday, United CEO Scott Kirby said hydrogen-electric engines were "one of the most promising paths to zero-emission air travel for smaller aircraft." In a separate announcement, ZeroAvia said it had raised $35 million in funding. Alongside United, others taking part in the funding round... Continue reading
Posted Dec 20, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
The Reagan Institute has issued the final report of its bipartisan Task Force on National Security and U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness--- "A Manufacturing Renaissance: Bolstering U.S. Production for National Security and Economic Prosperity" The report identified six critical challenges that need solutions: Significant workforce technical skills gap Unsatisfactory productivity gains Inadequate capital investment Fragile domestic supplier ecosystems Lack of coordination within government Insufficient architecture for international partnerships To address these challenges, the Task Force proposed four signature policy recommendations: Scale-up workforce development programs to credential more workers for high-demand trades Stand up a public-private capability to finance investments in domestic manufacturing sectors critical to national security Modernize the Defense Production Act for the 21st Century Establish a new forum of G7 + Quad countries to coordinate on geoeconomic issues To measure progress across all these challenges and recommendations, the Task Force suggested the following goals: Bring two million new or retrained... Continue reading
Posted Dec 15, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
New Joint Office to Support National Network of 500,000 Electric Vehicle Chargers U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg signed a memorandum of understanding to create a Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to support the deployment of $7.5 billion from the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build out a national electric vehicle charging network. The Office will provide technical assistance to States and localities so that they can strategically build electric vehicle charging stations and other infrastructure. This assistance will include helping states develop comprehensive plans for charging station networks to guide the implementation of the $7.5 billion program. These investments support President Biden's executive order in August setting a national goal of half of all new vehicles sold in the United States being electric by 2030. LINK: https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-and-dot-launch-joint-effort-build-out-nationwide-electric-vehicle-charging-network Continue reading
Posted Dec 15, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the Biden administration would push $1.5 billion of COVID-19 relief toward the U.S. Healthcare system. According to The Hill, the $1.5 billion package will be geared toward underserved communities with a focus on addressing nurse shortages, doctor scarcities and overall Healthcare workplace gaps. To top it all off, it will support behavioral health providers in minority communities "These awards are supporting the National Health Service Corps, Nurse Corps, and Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery programs," a statement from the Biden administration reads. "These programs address workforce shortages and health disparities by providing scholarship and loan repayment funding for health care students and professionals, in exchange for a service commitment in hard-hit and high-risk communities." This announcement comes on the heels of a report from the White House COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. In addition to this $1.5 billion commitment, the Biden administration has... Continue reading
Posted Dec 11, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
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Rivian's Electric Truck Is a Cutie and a Beast Top of Form Bottom of Form The electric Rivian R1T, starting at $68,575, has a range of up to 314 miles, or more than 400 miles with a $10,000 battery upgrade.Credit...Bryan Derballa for The New York Times By Lawrence Ulrich Nov. 25, 2021 The redoubtable Rivian R1T, the first crusher in a coming wave of electric pickup trucks, can soar unscathed over gnarly boulders, hitch an 11,000-pound load and scorch 60 m.p.h. in about 3.5 seconds. The truck brings everything and the kitchen sink, with outdoorsy options such as a rooftop tent and a track-mounted Camp Kitchen, which lets owners whip up a trail-side omelet and wash up afterward. And after its hot-starting initial public offering, Rivian is already valued at nearly $100 billion, more than such behemoths as Ford Motor and General Motors. All good so far, for the company's... Continue reading
Posted Dec 5, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
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Here's how it aims to impact Virginia's innovation ecosystem By Eileen Abbott The Center for Innovative Technology is now known as the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation. But it's more than just a name change. The rebranding is seen as a vital step in helping to propel Virginia forward as a nationwide leader in innovation, startups and technology, said Bob Stolle, president and CEO of VIPC "Our vision is that we create an innovation economy in Virginia that is second to none," he said. "This is such a critical part of our economy that we wanted to be able to be more efficient, more effective," he said. Stolle said the rebranding of CIT aims to significantly increase the success of innovators by connecting them with opportunities and support systems to drive commercialization. He cited advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing as one of many examples where Virginia is leading the way through innovation. "It's... Continue reading
Posted Dec 5, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
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NOVEMBER 15 Best and worst counties for EV charging in the US Scooter Doll - Nov. 15th 2021 6:35 am PT Previously, we've covered a number of different data studies about the best states to charge your EV1 and how far you can drive in each state on $100. Now, we'd like to get more granular than that and offer you an interactive map developed by HERE Technologies. Below you'll find the best and worst US counties for EV charging. Scroll down to see how your county is doing so far. Table of contents The interactive map Best counties for EV charging Number of charging stations per square mile Number of charging stations per 100,000 people Worst counties for EV charging Per 100k people Per square mile Comments? The interactive map The data used in the map and subsequent tables below was gathered and compiled by HERE Technologies, an international... Continue reading
Posted Dec 5, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
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The electric vehicle is here to stay. As EV sales grow year-over-year in the US and the rest of the world, charging infrastructure is growing with it. In the US specifically, certain states are far better equipped than others to support the rising number of EV drivers on their roads. Below is a breakdown of some of the best states for EV charging along with some of the… less than best. Table of contents Breaking down the US by EV charging How data for best states for EV charging was found States with the most and least EV charging points The data chart (sorted by state) States with the most electric vehicles per public charger port 1. Arizona 2. Hawaii 3. Washington State States with the least EVs per charge port The best states for public charging points based on mileage 1. Washington, DC 2. California 3. Hawaii States with... Continue reading
Posted Dec 5, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
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Dec 2 2021, 6:17 pm Blade Urban Air Mobility will effectively add British Columbia as its newest service area from its new major partnership with Helijet. The companies announced today that moving forward, Helijet bookings on scheduled service routes will be completely transferred to Blade's global sales platforms, which are available both online and through their smartphone app. Helijet's integration with Blade's platform will be "seamless" over the coming months and will offer new booking technology features as part of Blade's dynamic system. As well, aircraft fleet and flier experience upgrades are planned. Helijet will remain locally owned and operated, but the exclusive rights sale is part of a new partnership that will introduce new routes to Seattle, Portland, and other locations along the Cascadia corridor. Blade, launched in 2014, already has a very substantial network in the United States, serving the major population centers in the Northeast and West... Continue reading
Posted Dec 5, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems
The jet-engine maker's single-seat, electric-powered propellor plane, Spirit of Innovation, smashed the zero-emission speed record, hitting a top speed of nearly 556 kilometers per hour (345 mph) over a distance of three kilometers—and even maxed out at 623 km/h. Now comes the hard part: turning what they learned into a business. When Rolls-Royce set out three years ago to build the world's fastest electric aircraft—teaming up with two U.K. firms: the Daimler-owned automotive supplier YASA, and aerospace engineering startup Electroflight—it actually had something else in mind entirely: gaining ground in the buzzy market for electric aviation. Fast-forward to today, and the 115-year-old British engineering firm is making progress towards that goal. The company, which supplies the jet engines for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus 350, is on the hook to deliver two electric aviation propulsion systems in the very near future: one for an electric vertical take-off and... Continue reading
Posted Dec 5, 2021 at Innovation Ecosystems