Science Information Website Company

BUSINESS PLAN     E-SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

5621 Gateway Road
Boston, Massachusetts 02215

e-Science Technologies, Inc., was founded in late 1999 by a unique team of leading scientists and former Wall Street and Internet executives. The company's objective is to establish its e-Science.net website as the most trusted and comprehensive source of scientific information and services on the Internet for the physical and life sciences, and the impact of science on society.

• executive summary
• investment highlights
• risk factors
• the competitive environment
• the website
• operating strategy
• revenue opportunities
• organization & management
• present opportunity
• appendix

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction and Overview

e-Science Technologies, Inc., was founded in late 1999 by a unique team of leading scientists and former Wall Street and Internet executives. The company's objective is to establish its e-Science.net website as the most trusted and comprehensive source of scientific information and services on the Internet for the physical and life sciences, and the impact of science on society.

The company's Business Plan is to leverage the power and reach of the Internet to allow individuals, educators, and representatives of private, public, and not-for-profit organizations anywhere in the world to have access to:

1. A full range of online scientific information, including news and live webcasts of major scientific events and breakthroughs in Galileo's Tower™
2. An online laboratory for conducting experiments, called Virtual Lab™ 1.0
3. Monthly commentary and articles from highly regarded professors representing the world's greatest educational institutions
4. A monthly scientific competition for high school students, where a full or partial college scholarship will be awarded to each month's winner
5. Real-time chat forums in Newton's World™ with leading scientists in a variety of scientific fields, including physics, biology, and chemistry

The e-Science.net website will offer both free and subscription-based editorial content and related services. The site's home page will offer a gateway to different levels of editorial content and services segmented by user (e.g., elementary and high school students, adult lay people with an interest in science, and professional scientists and academicians).

The company expects the majority of its paid subscribers to be professional scientists and academicians. In addition to having access to free Basic Content provided to general site visitors, subscribers will have access to Premium Content, private discussion forums and exchanges, and other special features. E-Science.net's Basic and Premium Content will include original articles created by staff writers, features contributed under contract by renowned international scholars and scientists affiliated with the company, and licensed features from third parties.

In addition to generating subscription revenues from visitors that are paid subscribers, e-Science.net will generate significant advertising revenues from companies that want to reach its targeted and specialized community of amateur and professional scientists. Such firms include manufacturers and distributors of science-related products and scientific organizations, as well as traditional consumer products and durable goods manufacturers, retailers, and other online firms. Additional revenues will be earned by facilitating e-commerce transactions with producers and distributors of scientific products and services, offering online tutoring services, and selling e-Science™ branded software.

In August 2000, e-Science Technologies, Inc., was spun off from Net Wide Holdings, Inc. ("NHI"), a Delaware corporation which is an incubator of Internet companies. Besides e-Science.net, NHI has also developed a comprehensive business plan for quote-right.com, a website dedicated to providing financial and investment content to online investors.

Business Strategy

The e-Science.net business strategy incorporates in the short term the objectives highlighted below. The company believes that meeting these principal objectives will enable e-Science.net to establish itself as the preeminent online destination for amateur and professional scientists, as well as those with a casual interest in science.

Principal Short-Term Objectives

• Offer users a unique and broad range of scientific features and tools in a single integrated, easy-to-access website.
• Expand the set of existing online scientific communities by allowing site visitors with similar science-related experience to exchange information and gather news and knowledge in a compelling new environment.
• Establish and promote the e-Science.net brand name so that online consumers equate the company with top editorial content, knowledgeable scientists, and a broad range of intellectually rich and fun online experiments.
• Compile and provide to advertisers meaningful demographic data on website visitors.
• Structure alliances with a broad range of science-related vendors to facilitate e-commerce transactions.
• Promote the world's first online laboratory, Virtual Lab™ 1.0, for users of all ages and levels of scientific knowledge.

Corporate Development

In order to achieve its objectives, e-Science.net has undertaken several key development initiatives. Specifically, the company has completed significant market research leading to the creation of this Business Plan: recruited a diversified group of top scientists as advisors, identified key prospective strategic partners, and begun to interview candidates for senior management. Moreover, the company has developed the design for the first generation of its website, including the online laboratory Virtual Lab™ 1.0, and is planning for a "soft" launch of e-Science.net in October 2001.

During the autumn of 2000, the company will seek its first round of outside financing to fund its next growth stage, with a full-scale launch of the e-Science.net website planned for January 2001.

Present Opportunity

e-Science.net is ideally positioned to establish itself as the leader in a valuable online market niche. The company believes that there are no direct competitors, and that other participants in the online market oriented toward people with an interest in science tend to be limited in terms of scope, and focused on a more a narrow audience.

In contrast, e-Science.net offers compelling editorial content and interactive features to a wide array of science-minded individuals, including both amateurs and professionals, from children to adults. The centerpiece of the e-Science.net website is its innovative online laboratory. This multimedia learning application, known as Virtual Lab™ 1.0, offers visitors to e-Science.net the opportunity to perform interesting online experiments as if they were in an actual laboratory, mixing ingredients, changing temperatures, and witnessing the outcome in real time.

In addition to its editorial content and Virtual Lab™ 1.0, e-Science.net offers many other rewarding features, including special discussion forums, science clubs, and scientific competitions for high school students, all intended to create a profound sense of community among its visitors. The company is confident that the community feeling inspired by e-Science.net will attract repeat visitors and enhance its ability to establish itself as the premier online destination for general science.

INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Opportunity to Establish Leading Position in Major Market Segment

The company believes that it is poised to establish a leading position in the market for general online science information and products. e-Science.net does not believe that there are directly comparable websites currently in operation today that provide the breadth of information and innovation that it will provide to online amateur and professional scientists, as well as those with a casual interest in science.

Innovative Operating Strategy

The company's innovative business model will serve to differentiate it from the competition and achieve its desired market share and revenue targets. Key features of e-Science.net business model include the following three elements:

1. Broad Target Audience

In contrast to other more narrowly focused science-related sites, e-Science.net will offer content and features appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers, from those with a casual interest in science to industry professionals. The company estimates that the size of its target online audience is roughly 32 million people in the U.S. alone.

2. Virtual Lab™ 1.0

The centerpiece of the e-Science.net website is its innovative online laboratory. This multimedia learning application, known as Virtual Lab™ 1.0, offers visitors to e-Science.net the opportunity to perform interesting online experiments as if they were in an actual laboratory, mixing ingredients, changing temperatures, and witnessing the outcome in real time.

3. Strategic Approach to Editorial Content

The company's approach to editorial content is based on providing an enriching breadth of information on science to online visitors. Key content features include: 1. Galileo's Tower™, which will feature scientific news and live webcasts of major scientific events and breakthroughs, and 2. a college- and university-led monthly commentary section with contributions from highly regarded professors at the world's greatest educational institutions. The company expects that featured content will be debated in a lively fashion in real-time chat forums in its Newton's World™.

Leading International Scientific Team

The company's team of scientific advisors, led by Dr. William Newton, Chief Scientist, is composed of a handful of scientists that are world leaders in their field of specialization. This team includes specialists in robotics, biomechanics, engineering mechanics, medicine, psychiatry, environmental studies, and scientific education.

RISK FACTORS

Development of e-Science.net Organization and Website

The company's growth is dependent upon the successful development of its organization and website. e-Science.net has been formed to execute the concept outlined within its Business Plan and as yet has no significant operating history. While the company's first generation website has already been created, further development of editorial content, features, and technology will be required to achieve the company's long-term objectives.

Management of Growth

Subject to the completion of the company's private placement in the autumn of 2000, e-Science.net expects its business to grow rapidly during the remainder of 2000 and in future years. This growth will require a commitment to a substantial marketing plan and an ongoing hiring program, among other things. Rapid growth may place a strain on the company's management, resources and operations. Accordingly, failure to properly manage this growth could have a material adverse effect on the company's business.

Capital Requirements

The company will rely heavily upon its planned autumn 2000 private placement to fund its post-launch period. While the company believes that the amount of capital it plans to raise during this period will be sufficient for the following twelve months of operation, it is possible that additional outside funding will be required to continue operations. If such financing is not available on commercially acceptable terms, e-Science.net may be unable to take advantage of planned business opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on its business.

Competition with Established Off-line Publications and New Market Entrants

Although the company is confident in its business model, e-Science.net could face intense competition from newly introduced websites in the future and from science-oriented publications with whom consumers may be more immediately familiar. The company's failure to establish a strong market presence early in its development could adversely affect its ability to consummate its planned growth objectives.

Government Regulation

e-Science.net is subject to government regulation applicable to businesses generally, and to businesses that offer information or services online. Although there are currently few laws and regulations governing Internet-based commerce, it is possible that such laws or regulations may be implemented in the future. These laws and regulations may include issues such as copyright, privacy, piracy, and taxation of goods and services distributed via the Internet. The company cannot anticipate the effect that future laws or regulations may have on e-Science.net.

Liability for Content

As a publisher of licensed and original editorial content, the company is not immune from claims relating to defamation, negligence, copyright, and patent or trademark infringement. Such claims, if lodged against e-Science.net and prosecuted successfully, could have a material adverse effect on its business.

THE COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

Overview of Internet Usage Trends

During the last five years, the Internet has become a formidable alternative to traditional media. Never before have consumers been able to seek information, communicate with one another, and execute commercial transactions so quickly and easily. According to a recent study, the number of worldwide web users is expected to grow from approximately 100 million in 1998 to approximately 320 million by 2002. The proliferation of the Internet as a research and commercial tool will make traditional methods of communication almost obsolete, and will further break down national boundaries in the communication and research domain. The accessibility and expanse of the Internet provides a true "marketplace of ideas."

It is not an overstatement to say that the growth of Internet usage across the world was the single most important technological change of the late twentieth century, resulting in business models with vastly lower costs for products and services and significant benefits to all participants. In November 1998, Forrester Research, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based technology-oriented consultancy, estimated that there was $43.1 billion in commerce conducted over the Internet in 1998, that there would be $109.3 billion in commerce in 1999, and $1.3 trillion in Internet commerce in 2003.

In this setting, not only is the number of new users increasingly rapidly, as well as the sale of goods and services, but the amount of time spent by users of the Internet online has increased significantly as well. In June 1999, Media Metrix estimated that the average hours spent per person per month on the Internet increased by 43.8 percent from May 1998 to May 1999, growing from 5.3 to 7.6 hours per month. More recently, Neilsen/NetRatings estimated that the average time spent online by Internet users was 8.3 hours in December 1999.

As the number of online users has grown dramatically, along with average time spent online, the Internet has become an increasingly attractive medium for niche advertising. Among other attributes, online advertising offers targetability, interactivity, and measurability with precision and timeliness not available in traditional media. For this reason, U.S. advertising via the Internet is forecast by Forrester Research to increase from an estimated $1.3 billion in 1998 to $10.5 billion in 2003.

Moreover, as the Internet continues to evolve, and consumers become aware of websites with compelling new ideas, the market remains extremely receptive to innovative concepts. According to Media Metrix, iwon.net, a sweepstakes website launched in late 1999, had 6.9 million unique visitors in March 2000, a site that didn't exist in March of the previous year, but quickly became a leading website.

The e-Science.net Target Audience

The company believes that its website will appeal to a wide audience, including professional scientists and academicians, science students and "armchair scientists" alike. In assessing the size of its target audience, the company has made certain assumptions profiled below about Internet penetration rates for its various constituencies. In summary, the company believes that e-Science.net's target market in the U.S. alone currently consists of roughly 32 million online users. As Internet usage rates continue to grow, the company expects its total target audience size to grow as well, particularly among students and adult hobbyists. The size of each of the various market segments identified by the company is profiled below:

Projected Market Size for e-Science.net (U.S.)

The Competitive Environment

According to a recent poll conducted by Popular Science, 60 percent of individuals who use the Internet have searched for science-related information online. Furthermore, the poll shows that 70 percent of people searching for science information online believe the Internet empowers them by providing them with information they are seeking in a timely, efficient, and convenient manner.

e-Science.net intends to establish itself as the dominant participant in the field of science and discovery over the Internet. The current competition in this industry is largely unnoticed by consumers, with very few if any standout websites able to be cited by consumers by name without prompting. The company believes that most science-related websites are restricted to one discrete topic or field and tend to be comprised mostly of static, mundane articles, with little chance for interactivity. Many sites are also geared towards a specific target audience, often not lay people, and tend to be affiliated with a sponsoring organization, such as a science association or think tank.

In terms of sales of educational products, the Software and Information Industry Association recently estimated that educational software for curricular uses approximated $800 million in total U.S. sales, and that other educational software not specifically tied to school curricula accounted for roughly another $1.0 billion in total U.S. sales.

The wide range of fields and topics covered by e-Science.net offers vivid evidence of its scope and diversity. e-Science.net will provide core research and comprehensive information pertaining to the physical and life sciences, as well as the effect of science on society, in a well-organized, logical website.

THE WEBSITE

Website Organization

An overview of how the website will be organized is as follows:

The e-Science.net website will be segmented in such a manner that it appeals to a broad spectrum of individuals and organizations who are interested in science. The multidimensional design enables the company to perform the following functions for users of its site:

• Guide visitors to specific areas of interest
• Educate visitors about particular scientific issues
• Help visitors assess their individual science information needs
• Initiate action through interactive messaging
• Provide ongoing support through a personalized action plan

Website Features

Science News

The e-Science.net Science News center will offer a wide variety of scientific information designed to appeal to all scientists, from the novice to the most expert. Galileo's Tower™ will provide the latest information ranging from cutting edge scientific papers to live webcasts of significant scientific events, such as space shuttle launches and landings.

Virtual Lab™ 1.0

The company believes that its multimedia learning laboratory, Virtual Lab™ 1.0, will be unrivaled in the industry for the foreseeable future. In order to develop Virtual Lab™ 1.0, the company has dedicated considerable resources to employ a team of programmers and technicians over the past six months dedicated to this project alone.

Virtual Lab™ 1.0, which will be available initially in five different languages, has been designed to simulate real life laboratory testing conditions in an online environment. For example, a visitor to the website will be able to "mix" different compounds and molecules into a beaker or other container, apply heat, light, or electricity, and see the results in real time.

Virtual Lab™ 1.0 has been designed to appeal to many different categories of users, from novices to experts, providing an extremely useful and enjoyable online experience. Experiments will be grouped according to scientific category and level of difficulty. Some examples of possible experiments using Virtual Lab™ 1.0 include the following:

Chemistry: "What do you get when Argon and Nitrogen mix?"

Biology: "Genetic Outcomes"

Physics: "The Behavior of Light Rays: Everett's 'Many Worlds' Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics"

Psychology: "How Facial Expressions Affect Mood"

In addition to its online applications, the company has designed Virtual Lab™ 1.0 software for conducting experiments off-line as well. The company will charge individual consumers a $39.00 fee to download Virtual Lab™ 1.0 from e-Science.net. In addition, the company intends to license Virtual Lab™ 1.0 for worldwide distribution to schools and other appropriate end-users. This feature promises to provide tremendous traffic to the company's website, along with substantial interest from commercial sponsors. At present, the company plans to offer new releases of Virtual Lab™ once or twice per year for the foreseeable future.

Newton's World™

The company plans to schedule a live chat every evening on different topics of interest, with e-Science.net's paid subscribers interacting directly with the company's affiliated scientists. Weekly chat schedules and topics will be determined and announced in advance, allowing for maximum participation and ensuring quality in dialogue.

This website feature will create an interactive and personal element that is expected to stimulate recurring traffic. Initially, this feature will follow a "question and answer" format. In addition, as mentioned earlier, the company intends to facilitate private or restricted online conferences and consultations among qualified members. (A sample schedule of topics appears in the appendix.) The company will also allow subscribers to apply for "Expert Scientist" status, which will enable them to host conferences and submit papers, research, and otherwise participate at a higher level on the website when appropriate. Finally, e-Science.net will also organize an Interactive Collegiate Forum with several national universities under the aegis of Newton's World™ to discuss science-related matters.

Specialized Science Clubs

To foster a community feeling and to encourage active and consistent online participation, e-Science.net will form several virtual clubs for its visitors. The clubs will be organized according to the category of visitors (e.g., younger kids, science students, and adults). Clubs that will be introduced include the following:

e-Science ™ Future Scientist Club —This club's objective is to encourage a life-long love of science among elementary school children. It will include online science competitions, information on science camps, specialized subgroups (e.g., Future Chemist Club), online science quizzes and other special features geared towards the young scientist.

e-Science ™ Science Student Club —This club will focus on secondary school and university science students and will include online competitions, specialized subgroups (e.g., Physics Students Club), chat rooms, information on leading science universities and science programs, information on careers in science, forums to submit ideas to Newton's World™, science quizzes, and other special features geared toward the serious science student.

E-Commerce Links

The company will create links to a variety of manufacturers and distributors of science-related materials, including books, equipment, and supplies.

OPERATING STRATEGY

Emphasis on Innovative, Comprehensive Scientific Content

e-Science.net offers users a unique and broad range of scientific features and tools in a single integrated, easy-to-access website. Editorial content will cover key areas of science, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, the biological sciences, and the impact of science on society. The company is dedicated to updating its content, product, and service offerings continuously in order to meet the ever-changing and growing demand for online science information.

One of the key features offered at e-Science.net will be the company's online laboratory Virtual Lab™ 1.0, which will allow users to mix ingredients, add heat, light, and electricity, and conduct online experiments in real time. The company is also committed to offering other interactive features which will enhance and personalize the visitor's online science experience.

By emphasizing its comprehensive, innovative content, the company believes that it can establish a reputation as the preeminent online destination for amateur and professional scientists, as well as those with a casual interest in science.

Broad Scientific Community Approach

As discussed above, unlike other websites which emphasize only one specialty or topic, e-Science.net will offer content covering a wide range of scientific topics. This will attract the science community at large to the website, greatly enhancing its community appeal. This will also serve to expand the set of existing online scientific communities by allowing site visitors with similar science-related experience to exchange information and gather news and knowledge in a compelling new environment.

Compelling Adjunct Services

e-Science.net's website traffic will be largely driven by its exceptional scientific content. However, the company will offer many adjunct services to its visitors and subscribers which will not only enhance the user's experience on the e-Science.net website, but which will also provide additional revenue streams to the company. For example, the company will structure alliances with a range of science-related vendors to facilitate e-commerce transactions and will offer online tutoring services in selected scientific fields as well.

Aggressive Marketing

Key to the company's operating strategy is its emphasis on establishing e-Science.net as the most trusted and respected name in scientific consultation and services on the Internet. The company believes that the e-Science.net concept will have broad domestic and international appeal, enhanced by the ubiquitous nature of the Internet. Accordingly, the company has adopted a marketing and public relations strategy with the objective of establishing rapid market penetration and a dominant brand identity.

Advertising

Advertising will be the cornerstone of e-Science.net's marketing program and will include online and off-line initiatives. The company believes that "click-through" banner advertising will constitute a key means of driving traffic to its website. In order to attract first-time users to e-Science.net, the company plans to engage in extensive banner advertising on strategic websites that appeal to its target audience. Depending on the source, the company can use banner advertisements to direct users to the e-Science.net home page or to a specific page containing topical information. The company also intends to utilize general off-line advertising through more conventional media. Some off-line outlets under consideration include print advertising (such as Popular Science and Scientific American ), and radio and television advertisements which would air in conjunction with science-oriented programming.

Affiliate Relations

Co-marketing campaigns are a significant part of the company's plan to drive traffic to the e-Science.net website. e-Science.net has identified selected colleges and universities that have moderate to large-scale science programs as well as governmental and non-governmental (NGO) science organizations that the company believes would make strong strategic partners. In some cases, the company expects to have access to these organization's mailing lists and the ability to distribute brochures at the point-of-presence about e-Science.net. (Where appropriate, the company may participate in fundraising or other forms of support for not-for-profit or educational programs for the advancement of science and scientific causes.)

Public Relations

Because the "Newton" name is one of the most respected and recognized names in the scientific world, the company believes that Dr. William Newton is in a unique position to raise consumer knowledge of scientific issues and increase awareness of the company. e-Science.net intends to leverage Dr. Newton's reputation to spread the company's message of empowering consumers and science professionals alike with information and services of significant interest. Moreover, Dr. Newton and other company scientists will conduct presentations at relevant scientific conferences and publish articles in topical trade journals, supported by an effective public relations firm responsible for promoting e-Science.net.

REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES

Introduction

The company's revenues will be derived primarily through advertising sales, subscription revenues, e-commerce transactions, including sales of e-Science™ branded software, and online tutoring services.

Advertising Revenues

As e-Science.net launches its innovative scientific information and experimentation website, the company believes that advertisers and merchants will have a strong interest in gaining access to its visitors. The company believes that its website will be visited by users receptive to the products being advertised by scientific magazines, educational sites, and medical suppliers, as well as traditional consumer products and durable goods manufacturers, and selected retailers.

Because e-Science.net is a unique concept, there is no comparable website to provide direct comparisons for advertising rates. Taking into account the average rates for Internet advertising, the company plans to charge approximately $40.00 per CPM (cost per thousand impressions) for banner ads in the Basic Content area, and a higher rate for banner ads in the Premium Content area accessible only to paid subscribers.

The company believes it will be able to generate two million visitors per month within (fill in number) months of full launch. (By comparison, according to Media Matrix, a leading Internet traffic monitoring company, Ivillage.net, a website geared toward women, generated 6.7 million unique visitors in May 2000, while On Health.net generated 5.2 million unique visitors. Other leading portal sites such as America Online routinely generate over 30 million unique visitors per month, including non-subscribers.)

Subscription Revenues

The company believes that it will successfully convert roughly 10 percent of visitors to its website to paid subscribers. At a monthly subscription fee of $19.95, when the company obtains 2 million unique visitors per month, with 200,000 as paying subscribers, monthly subscription revenues will be $4 million.

E-Commerce Revenues

e-Science.net will establish e-commerce relationships with educational and scientific product manufacturers and retailers. Through these arrangements, visitors to e-Science.net will be afforded access, via direct links, to a large assortment of consumable and durable products, including chemical compounds, beakers, science kits, and measuring devices, among others. For all sales originating via the e-Science.net website, the company will collect a transaction fee from affiliated vendors that is equivalent to a fixed percentage of the product value.

Software Sales

The company will offer proprietary, branded e-Science™ software for sale on its website. Although the company's online laboratory Virtual Lab™ 1.0 will be available to most visitors for free online, selected experiments may be conducted by visitors and subscribers off-line by downloading e-Science™ software for these experiments and associated "virtual ingredients." The company intends to commence development and licensing of e-Science™ software associated with Virtual Lab™ 1.0 before beginning development of other kinds of science-related software. In addition to marketing this software online, it will also be marketed directly to elementary and secondary schools.

Online Tutoring

The company will offer online tutoring services geared towards the estimated 18.1 million online elementary and secondary school science students in the U.S. Tutoring fees will be charged on an hourly basis, at an approximate rate of $45.00 per hour.

ORGANIZATION & MANAGEMENT

Introduction

e-Science.net will be led by Dr. Willaim P. Newton. In addition to Dr. Newton, the company has a distinguished group of scientific advisors, and has begun to recruit members of its senior management team. Profiles of these key individuals are provided below.

Jason Lin, Ph.D., PE, Senior Scientific Advisor. Dr. Jason Lin received his Master's of Science degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1961 and worked closely with Dr. A. H. Einstein, the son of legendary scientist Albert Einstein. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cheng-Kung University and his Ph.D. from Colorado State University in 1966. Dr. Lin performed post doctoral work in Classical Physiology and Medical Instructions at Baylor College of Medicine from 1966 to 1969.

Dr. Lin has taught Biomechanics, CV Flow Dynamics, Biofluid Mechanics, and has researched CV Dynamics, Hemorheology, Cardiovascular Prostheses, and Circulatory Assists. Lin has had scientific papers published in many major scholarly journals. Dr. Lin currently is associated with the University of Miami as a James L. Knight Professor, the University of Nanyang Technological, Singapore as Eminent Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and has been the Herff Chair of Excellence Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Memphis State University. Dr. Lin was granted Visiting Professor status at the Julius Silver Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, and has an association with the following educational institutions: the University of Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, King's College Medical School, and the University of London.

Taking a very active role in the medical and scientific communities, Dr. Lin is currently a Director with the National Science Foundation Industry, a member of the Surgery and Bioengineering Study Section, National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood, and is on the Scientific Review Board for the Medical Research Council of Canada. In addition, Dr. Lin is currently on the Editorial Board of Transaction American Society of Internal Artificial Organs and Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Annals, and has served as Chairperson of the following causes: Ad Hoc Committee, Surgery and Bioengineering, Omnicath Corporation, Board of Scientific Advisors, AV Healing, and Board of Scientific Advisors, Cardiotech International.

Throughout his career, Dr. Lin has consulted for many organizations and companies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, St. Jude Medical Center, Baxter Edwards Laboratories, the World Heart Corporation, Autogenics Europe Ltd, and Beckman-Coulter, among others. Dr. Lin is involved with the following professional societies: Founding Fellow of American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineers, Fellow of ASME, Senior Member of American Society of Biomedical Engineer, and a Member of the American Society of Artificial Internal, International Society of Biorheology, and Sigma Xi.

Having received numerous awards and honors throughout his career Dr. Lin is the owner of several patents such as the Prosthetic Heart Valve, the Low Turbulence Heart Valve, and the Helicofoil Pump.

William Knaught, Ph.D., Senior Scientific Advisor. Professor Knaught currently teaches Engineering Mechanics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has taught and performed research at various schools in the United States, including the California Institute of Technology and Northwestern University. Dr. Knaught has also worked abroad in England, Poland, Germany, Russia, Italy, Yugoslavia, and China. In 1970 he worked as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. His research has been sponsored by the British Science Council, NATO, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

In 1991, Dr. Knaught was appointed a Fulbright Scholar, and in 1992, he received the Lady Davies Scholarship from the government of Israel. He is a member of the Sigma Xi Research Society and the American Academy of Mechanics, an Associate Member of the Cambridge Philosophical Society in the United Kingdom, and a life member of the New York Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Knaught is one of the co-founders and a co-chairman of the International Conference and Research Workshops on Mesomechanics, which convenes every two years in order to merge interdisciplinary research of a high technology nature involving Physics, Mechanics, and Materials Science. He has been selected an ASEE/NASA Summer Faculty member twice, once in 1996 at the Johnson Space Center-NASA White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, and again in 1998 at the California Institute of Technology/ Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

Since 1987, Dr. Knaught has served as President of Panslavia-International Research Institute, Inc., which assists multinational partners in trade, science, and technology transfer with particular emphasis on global problems of ecology and medical research and development.

Disorado M. Rhadi, M.D., Senior Medical Advisor. Since 1995, Dr. Rhadi has been a Board Certified Pediatrician, following his education which began in 1985 at the Aga Khan University in Pakistan. His duties as a practicing physician have taken him all over the world, where he has gained medical privileges at Rio Grande Regional Medical Center, Edinburg Regional Medical Center, and McAllen Medical Center. His practicing experience in the United States has taken him to Cook County Children's Hospital in Chicago, the University of Illinois Hospital, and Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Kenneth Y. Fraffel, M.A.T., Senior Scientific Advisor. Dedicating his life to teaching, with highlights in Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science, Mr. Fraffel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts. He went on to earn his Master of Arts in Teaching in Chemistry from Bridgewater College. Having recently retired after teaching for 28 years, Mr. Fraffel is a private investor.

Rey S. Luttin, M.D., Senior Medical Advisor. With his education starting in 1978, Dr. Luttin's specialty is Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Luttin completed his Internship and Residency at the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1987, and a post-residency Fellowship in 1989. His association with several hospitals include Madison Center Hospital, Charter Hospital, and Memorial of South Bend. In his private practice he treats adults, adolescents, and children, networking with local mental health agencies. Having been a leader in his area for more than 10 years, he works closely with social workers, teachers, mental health workers, psychologists, and community organizations.

Namir C. Wassan, Ph.D., Senior Scientific Advisor. Dr. Wassan is associated with the Ministry of Higher Education, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. In this capacity, he is very much involved in environmental related research, particularly, the engineering aspects. Dr. Wassan will share his works with the company on the many research projects in which he has participated.

The company is currently recruiting key executives for the following positions to round out its management team:

• President and CEO: Responsible for implementing the company's comprehensive business strategy on a day-to-day basis, establishing key objectives in connection with this Business Plan, and overseeing key department heads.
• Vice President, Business Development: Responsible for creating and implementing the company's worldwide strategic partnerships.
• Chief Financial Officer: Responsible for financial planning, financial reporting, financial forecasting, treasury functions and tax planning, and compliance.
• Chief Technology Officer: Responsible for website planning and development, continued functionality, feature enhancements, and maintenance.
• Vice President of Marketing: Responsible for the external promotion of the company, the creation and implementation of the company's marketing strategy, the development of affiliate relations programs, and the development and implementation of the company's publicity efforts.
• Editor-in-Chief: Oversee responsibilities for website content, including both original and licensed content, quality control, and related activities.
• Director of Research: Responsible for managing and monitoring research activities, particularly relating to content.
• Director of Advertising Sales: Responsible for generating advertising revenues.

Other key positions to be filled include Research Assistants (specializing in various scientific fields), Science Reporters (to cover science news and produce news-based content for the website), Features Managers (to manage specific website features, such as the science clubs and Virtual Lab™ 1.0), Software Developers (to develop and license e-Science™ software), Advertising Salespeople (to assist in sales of banner, button, and sponsorship advertising), technology support staff such as Programmers and Website Support Managers, and other administrative support personnel.

PRESENT OPPORTUNITY

e-Science.net is poised to become a leading destination for online science information and experimentation. The innovative e-Science.net format creates a multi-tiered, multi-subject forum for the exchange of ideas and information pertaining to the physical and life sciences, and the impact of science on society. Access to content on e-Science.net will be stratified in such a way that the site is expected to appeal to amateur and professional scientists alike, from children to adults.

The company's business model will enable it to generate revenues from several diverse sources, including advertising sales, subscriptions, e-commerce, and other special online services. e-Science.net's operating strategy encompasses building brand awareness, attracting strong visitor traffic, creating incentives for casual visitors to become repeat visitors and to subscribe to the company's special services, and creating a community of end-users which is not only self-supporting but also attractive to prospective advertisers and marketing partners. The company believes that there are no science-oriented websites with a similar format and that the competitive field is extremely limited. Furthermore, e-Science.net is being developed by a strong team of Internet entrepreneurs and world-renowned scientists.

In addition to developing its business strategy and assembling its advisory team, the company is presently completing its first generation website and has laid the foundation for its planned growth. In order to achieve its objectives, e-Science.net will seek to raise $X.0 million in equity financing during the autumn of 2000. Proceeds of this financing will be used to develop the second generation of the e-Science.net website, to hire key management and other support personnel, and to commence implementation of the company's sales and marketing initiatives. Subject to financing, the company is preparing for a full launch of the e-Science.net website in January 2001.

In summary, the company is confident in its ability to establish a leading general science website, supported by renowned company scientists in touch with consumer desires and knowledgeable about the Internet. With the energy and commitment of its founding development team, e-Science.net intends to press its competitive advantage in order to redefine the standards by which science-related websites are evaluated.

APPENDIX

Sample Schedule of Website Discussion Topics

Dr. Newton's Weekly Live Chat Symposium Plan