Oklahoma business and technology briefs

The nonprofit i2E Inc. has approved Oklahoma City-based EpimedX LLC for $200,000 in matching financing through its Concept Fund program. The Concept Fund is backed by state appropriations to help develop small businesses. i2E manages the fund through a partnership with the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. EpimedX is developing a treatment for blood diseases that include sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia and malaria. The company was founded in 2011 by Dr. Robert Floyd and Dr. Robert Broyles. The i2E funding is part of a targeted $600,000 round of funding for EpimedX.

Union rejects AT&T contract

The local Communications Workers of America chapter failed to ratify a new four-year contract with AT&T, the communications company said last week. AT&T Southwest reached a tentative agreement last month in its wire line contract negotiations with Communications Workers of America District 6, but it needed to be approved by union members. The contract expires April 6.

Subsidized cellphones available

Life Wireless is offering subsidized mobile telephone service to low-income people in Oklahoma. Service is provided through a federal program created in 1985 to ensure Americans have access to quality telephone service. Potential subscribers must take part in a federal assistance program or earn no more than 135 percent of the federal poverty level. “A cellphone is ... a critical tool that helps people to stay in touch with their doctors, loved ones, and potential employers, and enables them to contact 911 during an emergency,” said Jim Carpenter, a Life Wireless senior vice president. The service is in 13 states and Puerto Rico.