The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy said today that it has unveiled a new, online web site which highlights prizes the U.S. government is offering to help solve the nation's "most pressing" challenges. According to U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra and U.S. Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra, the new Challenge.gov site highlights over 35 challenges from more than 15 government agencies. Those challenges all offer cash prizes for solving ongoing national issues....Continue →

A few weeks ago, Beverly Hills-based Meteor Games, the latest startup from the founders of NeoPets, announced that it had hired Zac Brandenberg as its CEO. Brandenberg was most recently head of Hydra, and we thought we'd both get some insight into how Meteor is approaching the social games market, how the firm hopes to repeat the success it saw with Neopets, and also what Brandenberg learned from his time at Hydra.

Zac, thanks for sitting down with us today....Continue →

Long Beach-based Apriso, which develops software for managing manufacturing operations, said today that it has been selected by high flying electric automobile firm Tesla Motors. Apriso said that Tesla is using its FlexNet enterprise manufacturing software, for its advanced lithium-ion battery and powertrain components manufacturing, and assembly of its Model S sedan. Financial impact of the win was not disclosed....Continue →

Los Angeles-based SocialVibe, which was formerly a site focused on social media for brands and charities, has turned into SVnetwork, a new Internet advertising network. According to SVnetwork, it has launched its own, performance brand advertising website which connects brands with over 80 million unique consumers every month....Continue →

San Diego-based Zogenix, a developer of needle-free, delivery systems for the treatment of acute migraines and cluster headaches, has filed for a $90M IPO. The IPO is being underwritten by Wells Fargo Securities, Leerink Swann, Oppenheimer & Co., and Stifel Nicolaus Weisel. The firm is venture backed by Domain Associates, Clarus Lifesciences, Scale Venture Partners, Thomas McNerney & Partners, Chicago Growth Partners, Abingworth Bioventures, and others....Continue →

Calabasas-based DTS, the developer of surround sound technology, reported today that it has inked a deal with MIcro-Star International (MSI), the notebook computer maker, to include its technology in an upcoming line of products. DTS said that MSI is integrating its DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC software onto its G-Series notebooks, a line of gaming notebooks. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Continue →

The acquisition of Valencia-based Semco Instruments, a manufacturer of engineered components for the aerospace industry, has completed, according to acquiring firm TransDigm Group Incorporated. The deal was worth $74M in cash, and had been originally announced on August 6th....Continue →

Los Angeles-based AECOM Technology Corporation, which provides professional technical, project, and management support to companies and governments, said this morning that it has named Gary Lawrence as the firm's Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer. Lawrence was most recently at Arup, and has also served with President Clinton via the Administration Council on sustainable development, with the United Nations, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and other organizations....Continue →

San Diego-based pharmaceuticals firm Somaxon Pharmaceuticals reports this morning that it is now in commercial availability of its Silenor compound in the United States. The firm said it has now implemented wholesale and retail stocking of the compound, which is targeted at the treatment of insomnia. The product's NDA was approved in March of this year. Somaxon has a deal with Proctor & Gamble to promote the product to physicians and pharmacies. The firm is publicly held.
Continue →

Los Angeles-based venture capital firm Vicente Capital Partners has invested $12.5M in a funding for sports statistics and information provider SportMEDIA Technology Corp., SportsMEDIA said today. Vicente Capital's investment was led by Jay Ferguson. SportsMEDIA, which is base din Durham, N.C., provides graphics, statistics, and video enhancement for sports broadcasts....Continue →

Santa Monica-based TrueCar.com, the online automotive pricing startup headed up by Scott Painter, said Thursday that it has launched a new tool to help new car buyers. TrueCar said that it has launched a Best Local Price tool, which will allow car shoppers to search for the best local deals on a vehicle. According to TrueCar, the firm said that the search tool will provide a "Lowest Certified Price" for a car, a no-haggle price which will be honored by participating dealers in its program....Continue →