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Contacts: Alan Fogg, FCEDA, afogg@fceda.org,
703-790-0600 (o) or 571-213-5065 (m)
Brian Smith, BioAccelerator, 703-822-2922
Atrium Renewable Oil joins Fairfax County BioAccelerator program
Biofuels firm is first alternative energy company for Springfield business development center
Fairfax County , Virginia USA, May 9, 2006 – Atrium Renewable Oil (ARO), a start-up company that develops biofuels, is the most recent company to join the Fairfax County BioAccelerator. ARO will be a “virtual” tenant at the Springfield-based incubator for the next year with an option to convert to a physical tenant by taking office space after 12 months. By joining the BioAccelerator, ARO executives will receive business plan support as well as advice on how to position the company to receive additional financing.
ARO, a woman-owned firm founded by Dr. Sandi de Levante, is one of an emerging class of alternative energy companies that uses biological sources for conventional fuel additives. Biofuels have become more attractive as a supplement to conventional fossil fuels as the demands of the global economy increase.
“ARO is a great addition to the BioAccelerator and our first energy company,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “We are delighted that the company will be able to take advantage of the location and services offered there.”
The Fairfax County BioAccelerator is a focal point and catalyst for the convergence of biosciences, public health technology and homeland defense technologies. “The BioAccelerator and the Northern Virginia Community College Medical Education Campus are helping the Springfield area become a more diversified employment and technology center,” Gordon said.
The BioAccelerator accommodates 10 to 12 companies at a time and is managed by ANGLE Technology Group. Companies joining the BioAccelerator receive a range of customized business development services especially designed for early-stage bioscience and informatics firms.
Business growth helps Fairfax County, minutes from Washington, D.C., fund public services such as a top-ranked public school system and library, public safety, social services and park systems that improve the quality of life. Fairfax County offers diverse real estate options, access to domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a business community based on technology and professional services, and a well-educated workforce.
About the FCEDA (www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org)
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA assists businesses by identifying possible sites and facilities, and is a source for up-to-date demographic and economic information. The FCEDA’s Capital Attraction Program links technology entrepreneurs with potential investors. Another program supports the growth of minority and woman-owned businesses. The FCEDA maintains overseas marketing offices in Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
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