TECH Fort Worth signs Prairie Designs as Acceleration client

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 3, 2010 -- Contact: Darlene Ryan
Executive Director
TECH Fort Worth
(817) 339-8968
darlene@techfortworth.org


TECH Fort Worth Goes ‘Green’,
Signs Prairie Designs As Acceleration Client


FORT WORTH, Texas – TECH Fort Worth has accepted Prairie Designs LLC as an Acceleration client and will provide consulting and development assistance as the company takes its “living-roof product” to market.

Prairie Designs specializes in adapting green or living-roof systems to survive and thrive in the drier, more extreme conditions found in the southwest United States.

The company was formed in 2009 by Jon Kinder and David Williams, who received their Masters degrees in Environmental Science from Texas Christian University. Their research focused on adapting native prairie ecosystems to the green roof environment and developing innovative ways to utilize ecosystem services while re-introducing a diverse array of native plants back into urban areas. Brad Hancock, Director of the Neeley Entrepreneurship Center at TCU, encouraged them to develop a sound business plan, which won them second place at the Wake Forest Elevator Pitch Competition in March 2009.
“Jon and Dave are incredible. Hard workers and smart,” Hancock said. “They ran with their TCU research and developed a business plan, including IP (Intellectual Property) that makes commercialization feasible. They are go-getters and it is a delight to watch their drive and determination and make their dream into a business.”
Prairie Design’s patent-pending Green Roof tiling and mulching system drastically reduces water loss from evaporation and soil erosion. The tiles make any green roofing system more robust and more accessible to foot traffic.

TECH Fort Worth is a nonprofit business incubator that helps companies commercialize their technologies.

Darlene Ryan, Executive Director of TECH Fort Worth, said, “Dave and Jon recently completed our Incubation Program during which we helped them take their great ideas and technology and figure out the best approach to reach their market. They have been quick learners and we believe they will be great additions to the Fort Worth business community.”
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TECH Fort Worth is a nonprofit technology incubator, with offices at the James E. Guinn Complex in Fort Worth South and at the UNT Health Science Center’s Center for BioHealth. Its mission is to grow the local technology-based economy. For more information, go to www.techfortworth.org.

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