Try humming a few bars. You know that song made popular by Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick? It reappeared in a scene from the movie "My Best Friend's Wedding."

Rather than ask "Do you know the way to San Jose?" some North Dakota representatives recently worked to woo businesses away from California's Silicon Valley. Instead of a song, their pitch to businesses was delivered through an interactive science event that showcased research being conducted in the state. Researchers at North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota had an opportunity to provide information about their innovative activities at the North Dakota Business Gathering & Showcase in San Jose, Calif., in September. Sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the event, which was designed to attract businesses to North Dakota, was attended by more than 100 California business and technology leaders.

From 3D "Bison Vision" glasses to the small, small world of microelectronics, the event provided a firsthand opportunity for potential businesses to learn more about the advantages of locating in North Dakota. NDSU highlighted numerous activities, illustrating the depth of North Dakota research and potential applications to business. Karen White, assistant director for engineering operations at NDSU's Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, exhibited the group's capabilities in microelectronics and nanotechnology. An interactive display allowed guests to step into the small world of electronic sensors to learn about its potential business and military applications.

Pictured at the San Jose event are l-r: Dr. Philip Boudjouk, Vice President for Research at NDSU; Nicholas Colella, Senior Vice President, Product Miniaturization Division, Tessera Technologies, Inc.; Trina Colella; Sheri Anderson, Office of Research, Creative Activities & Technology Transfer, NDSU; Brad Swenson, board member, NDSU Research & Technology Park; David Swenson, Pedigree Technologies; Dean Webster, professor, NDSU Dept. of Coatings & Polymeric Materials; Karen White, Assistant Director of Engineering Operations, NDSU Center for Nanoscale Science & Engineering; Victoria Gelling, research assistant professor, NDSU Dept. of Coatings & Polymeric Materials; Jan Sobolik, NDSU Research & Technology Park; Jeff Clark, professor, NDSU Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology; Richard Frovarp, EduTech; Aaron Bergstrom, NDSU Dept. of Anthropology; Michael Jablon, Director of Sales & Marketing, Appareo Systems; Tony Grindberg, Executive Director, NDSU Research & Technology Park.

NDSU anthropology professor Jeffrey Clark, computer visualization manager Aaron Bergstrom and Richard Frovarp of EduTech exhibited RawKee software created by Bergstrom and NDSU's Archaeology Technologies Laboratory. The software plug-in allows users to generate Web3D content, export it to the Web and make it interactive. A miniature movie theater provided guests an opportunity to view the 3-D movie, On-A-Slant Virtual Village, created at NDSU.

Victoria Gelling, research assistant professor, provided information about NDSU's Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials and its many activities, including research to develop coatings for military aircraft and ships, as well as activities to preserve modern artwork.

"The interactive showcase allowed us to promote the scientific capabilities of NDSU," said Philip Boudjouk, vice president of research, creative activities and technology transfer. "It also allowed us to highlight our current business partnerships and inform business leaders of the high-caliber workforce available in North Dakota."

Nicholas Colella, senior vice president of the Product Miniaturization Division at Tessera Technologies, Inc., San Jose, spoke to the group about information technology opportunities. Tessera, a leading provider of miniaturization technologies for the electronics industry, recently announced that it completed a successful chip-scale packaging (CSP) technology transfer to NDSU and has partnered with NDSU in developing a fully functional microelectronics center at the university.

Rich Karlgaard, author and publisher of Forbes magazine, was on hand to sign copies of his latest book, "Life 2.0." In the book, Karlgaard, a North Dakota native, ranks Fargo as the second-best small city for business and careers due to low business costs, concentration of college graduates, job and income growth.

"The North Dakota Business Gathering & Showcase helped promote the excellent business climate available in North Dakota to companies that could potentially do business here," said Tony Grindberg, executive director of the NDSU Research and Technology Park. "The North Dakota Legislature has funded opportunities for the state's universities to market their research capabilities. It's a great example of how government, universities and business can partner to encourage economic development in the state."

At least for the people attending the event, maybe a few of them were humming a new tune. Do you know the way from San Jose?