The Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Central Texas Regional Center of Innovation and Commercialization (CenTex RCIC) announce that the state of Texas has chosen Image Trends as the recipient of a pre-seed award funded through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF). The Central Texas company, provider of innovative digital imaging tools, will receive a $1 million project award in graduated installments for the commercialization of its pioneering innovations.

“By investing in pioneering technologies, such as innovative imaging correction and enhancement technology solutions, Central Texas is advancing the development of products that will make a difference in people’s lives,” said Jeff King, Partner Haynes & Boone, LLP and Chairman of the CenTex RCIC. “The RCIC strives to further solidify Texas’ position as a leader in the emerging technology industries.”

Image Trends, Inc. was formed with the goal to invent and develop creative tools and products that enrich our lives through improved digital imagery. Located in the heart of the Silicon Hills, Image Trends markets unique, patent protected tools that greatly improve the productivity of professional and advanced amateur photographers and adapts technologies to serve the imaging professional and advanced amateur markets by developing image correction and enhancement tools.

“We are encouraged by the State’s support of our business and hope to share our success with the Emerging Technology Fund,” said Dan Sullivan, President and CEO, of Image Trends. “The ETF is making an important investment in the foundation of Austin’s future by supporting Image Trends and we hope to provide a strong return to the State of Texas.”

Image Trends was selected by the Centex RCIC after an extensive due diligence process based on multiple criteria including a stringent analyses of the market and financial opportunity, technology potential, management team and economic impact to Texas. They worked collaboratively with the University of Texas at Austin Digital Media Collaboratory, Computer Science Department and Film Institute.

“This award from the Emerging Technology Fund will allow the University of Texas at Austin to continue the collaborations we have with Image Trends to further the commercialization of digital imaging tools,” said Dr. Juan Sanchez, UT Vice President for Research. “The advancement of these technologies will help Austin become a leader in the creative media industries.”

About CenTex RCIC
The CenTex RCIC is a virtual center that operates out of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and serves as a catalyst for emerging technology research, development, commercialization and start-up incubation. In an effort to keep Texas globally competitive, the CenTex RCIC focuses on integrating technology development and commercialization in a 15-county region.

The CenTex RCIC works closely with the Chamber’s AusTech Alliance, a group of technology businesses and organizations working to consolidate efforts that strengthen the regional technology sector and to keep Texas globally competitive. The Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN), which aims to assist local entrepreneurs with investment opportunities, also works with the CenTex RCIC, ETF and the universities to identify capital for start-ups.

About Image Trends, Inc.
Image Trends, Inc. is a select team of talented product innovators, dedicated to the continued invention and development of creative tools and products that enrich lives through “The Science of Imaging”. ITI licenses branded technologies through Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that provide products for professional and consumer imaging markets. Additionally, ITI directly distributes Adobe® Photoshop® Plug-in compatible filters and stand alone image correction and enhancement applications. More information can be found on the Image Trends Web site at www.ImageTrendsInc.com.