The NMDP Receives Technology User Award At The 2008 Tekne Awards

Tekne Awards celebrate Minnesota's technology innovators and innovations

The National Marrow Donor Program^® (NMDP) has been named the recipient of the Technology User Award at the 2008 Tekne Awards, which were held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Oct. 30. The Tekne Awards honor superior technology advancement and leadership in Minnesota.

The NMDP, a nonprofit organization, serves a vital role in the U.S. health care system by facilitating unrelated marrow and cord blood transplants as a single point of access for patients, doctors and researchers. The organization works to ensure that all patients in need of a bone marrow or cord blood transplant have access to this life-saving treatment.

The Technology User Award is presented to an organization that has shown innovative application of products or services resulting in dramatic business improvement or market advantage. The NMDP has advanced the science of marrow and cord blood transplantation through the development of sophisticated technology applications.

For example, the NMDP developed complex algorithms to predict the probability of matching cord blood units and adult donors to patients by analyzing complicated DNA characteristics. The improved matching algorithm increased match quality and ultimately reduced time to transplant for patients, which is critical for successful outcomes.

"We are thrilled to receive the Tekne's Technology User Award," said Jeffrey W. Chell, M.D., NMDP chief executive officer. "The NMDP has an exceptional team of business and medical professionals who are passionate about our mission to serve all patients in need of a life-saving transplant."

The Tekne Awards, presented by the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) in partnership with Enterprise Minnesota and LifeScience Alley, annually recognize Minnesota's leading technology users and innovators. Tekne Award recipients represent a collection of industry leaders advancing Minnesota's status as a hub for technology innovation.

"This year's recipients are outstanding examples of innovation and leadership," said Kate Rubin, president, MHTA. "The NMDP is helping to secure Minnesota's place as a center of innovation in the global economy."

"We are honored to be recognized by the MHTA for our work in saving lives through the use of technology," said Michael Jones, NMDP chief information officer.

Judges selected one recipient out of the three finalists in each of 17 Tekne Awards categories recognizing the best and brightest in development, education, commercialization, and management of technology.

This year's Tekne Awards ceremony was emceed by Kerri Miller, host of Minnesota Public Radio's "Midmorning" and "Talking Volumes." A list of 2008 Tekne Award recipients and finalists is available online at www.tekneawards.org.

About the National Marrow Donor Program
The NMDP facilitates unrelated marrow and cord blood transplants as a single point of access for a long-standing collaborative network of national and international leading medical facilities in marrow and cord blood transplantation. The NMDP connects patients, doctors, donors and researchers to the resources they need to help more people live longer and healthier lives. For more information call 1 (800) MARROW-2 or visit www.marrow.org. 

About Minnesota High Tech Association
The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) accelerates the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based economy through public policy advocacy, member collaboration and education, and community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents Minnesota's entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size ? involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with AeA, which represents Minnesota's technology organizations nationally. Find out more online at www.mhta.org.