FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONTACT Ms. Carrie Vanston, Media Relations Director (800) TEK-FUTR, (512) 258-8898 E-mail: cvanston@tfi.com READER CONTACT Ms. Debra Robison, Publications Sales (800) TEK-FUTR, (512) 258-8898 E-mail: info@tfi.com

Biotechnology: A Guide to Business and Workplace Development

AUSTIN, TX, May 25, 2006--According to a new report by forecasting and market research leader Technology Futures, Inc., biotech offers a promising array of opportunities for individuals and small and medium-sized businesses, as well as individuals seeking employment. The most promising areas are bioinstrumentation, bioinformatics, DNA and human health, and bioagriculture. Government-sponsored funding of biotech research, and the availability of financial resources and financial incentives for private biotech enterprise development, are rated as the most critical factors to the success of a biotech effort. (See TFI chart.)

"Biotechnology: A Guide to Business and Workplace Development," is authored by John H. Vanston, Ph.D. (Chairman, TFI) and Henry Elliott, M.S. (Research Analyst, TFI), with funding for the underlying research by The Texas State Technical College System. The report gives a detailed overview and analysis of employment opportunities, drivers for success, funding sources, potential buyers and sellers, and research and commercialization opportunities. It includes direct input from experts currently working in the biotech area.

Discussing the report, lead author Dr. Vanston states, "Almost daily, new developments in biotech enable improvements in medicine, health, agricultural products, and production efficiencies. Because of this environment of new products and services, biotech offers a wide array of opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as individuals seeking interesting and meaningful employment. This report provides information and guidance for both groups."

• The biotech field will grow rapidly in terms of technical innovation, practical applications, and business opportunities. Biotech will continue to converge with other developing technologies, such as health care, information technologies, and nanotechnology.
• The use of automation and robotics will be of increasing importance in the biotech field, permitting improvements in efficiency, timeliness, and accuracy.
• Government-sponsored funding of biotech research (71%), availability of financial resources (71%), and financial incentives for private biotech enterprise development (76%) were rated the most critical factors for the success of biotech efforts. See TFI chart: Importance of Various Factors to Biotech Company Success.
• The most promising biotech areas are bioinstrumentation, bioinformatics, DNA and human health, and bioagriculture. Those trained in these specialty areas will be rewarded by higher salaries, greater recognition, and greater opportunities for promotion.
• Employment opportunities in the biotech field will grow rapidly over the next several years, and are generally good in terms of initial pay, interesting work, high probability for advancement, and long-term employment.
• Biotechnologists have particular advantages in the employment arena because they are well qualified for a number of employment opportunities outside the biotech area. At the top in the biotechnologist hierarchy are those with expertise in special skill areas, such as bioinstrumentation and bioinformatics,
• Starting salaries for biotechnologists vary according to specialty area, geographical location, and ancillary training and experience. Starting salaries vary from the high teens to $60,000 or higher, and typically increase significantly with experience on the job.

• Small and medium-sized companies, as well as states, communities, associations, and institutions, that have the potential and desire to become significant biotech players
• Start-up businesses and those seeking to take advantage of special developments in the biotech field.
• Individuals who are capable of performing skilled tasks requiring special training and/or workplace experience, and are seeking interesting, challenging, and meaningful employment.

A table of contents and featured graph follow this press release.

We would be pleased to have this report reviewed by your publication and/or be cited for articles examining the subject matter. Dr. Vanston and Mr. Elliott would also be glad to be interviewed and/or quoted for articles relating to the subject matter.

Lead author Dr. Vanston has been actively involved in technology management and forecasting for over 30 years. He is an internationally renowned educator, author, and consultant in technology forecasting, technology/market integration, and technology management in uncertain environments. His full bio can be found at http://www.tfi.com/staff/bios/vanstonj.html.

Co-author Henry Elliott has participated in many emerging technology studies and strategic market analyses. His bio is available at http://www.tfi.com/staff/bios/helliott.html.

For 28 years, TFI has helped organizations plan for the future by offering outstanding technology forecasting, strategic planning, trend analysis, and strategic market research services and publications in high-technology and telecom technologies. Drawing on proven, quantifiable forecasting methods and strategic applications, we combine the vision of the futurist with the down-to- earth judgment of the technologist. Let us be "Your Bridge to the Future."

We invite you to peruse our Press Room to learn more about us. A list of many of our citations can be found at TFI News.

PRESS CONTACT: Please contact Ms. Carrie Vanston at (800) TEK-FUTR, (512) 258-8898, or cvanston@tfi.com to with questions about the report and/or to arrange an interview with Dr. Vanston, Mr. Hodges or other technology and telecom experts at TFI.

PURCHASING CONTACT FOR YOUR READERS: Report details and ordering information are available at http://www.tfi.com/pubs/r/r02006_biotech.html. Readers interested in purchasing a copy may also contact Debra Robison, Technology Futures, Inc. at (800) TEK-FUTR or (512) 258-8898, fax (512) 258-0087, or send email to pubsales@tfi.com. The 108-page report is $350.

Thank you for your attention.

# # #

May 2006
Technology Futures, Inc.
13740 Research Boulevard, Building C
Austin, TX 78750
(800) 835-3887 or (512) 258-8898
Fax: (512) 258-0087
www.tfi.com

New Report by Technology Futures, Inc.

Biotechnology: A Guide to Business and Workplace Development

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface

Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Biotech Basics

Chapter 2: Special Biotech Fields

Chapter 3: Employment Opportunities for Biotechnologists

Chapter 4: Lessons for Emerging Biotech Entities

Chapter 5: The Future of Biotechnology

Appendix A: Biotech Experts Consulted

Appendix B: Biotech Experts Meeting

Appendix C: References

Featured Graph

Importance of Various Factors to Biotech Company Success

Back to Technology and Telecom Reports Press Releases