Northwest Missouri State University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) has been designated as a Missouri Innovation Center by the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC).
The Missouri Innovation Center program is a major statewide resource for commercializing Missouri innovations. The Innovation Center program, which includes nine other centers throughout the state, provides assistance to entrepreneurs and early-stage, technology-based business ventures.
Innovation centers work closely with their associated universities and are targeted to develop high-growth advanced technology companies. Innovation centers provide access to specialized entrepreneurial and small business support services critical to the growth of high-tech startups including access to capital, technical and business experts, and, in some cases, specialized facilities.
The designation is on a provisional basis through June 2014. At that time, the MTC board will consider granting full designation to Northwest’s CIE for fiscal year 2015. Full designation is based on goals set by economic development indicators, including capital investment and job creation.
CIE Director Larry Lee said Northwest has worked closely with several of the current Missouri Innovation Centers and the designation will help it align assets and create a seamless process for Missouri entrepreneurs and innovative businesses in need of assistance.
“It is a distinct honor to have the designation of Missouri Innovation Center at Northwest’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” Lee said. “I look forward to working with MTC to stimulate technology entrepreneurship in northwest Missouri.”
The CIE, located on the north edge of the Northwest campus, is a mixed-use incubator with emphasis on technology-based, start-up companies. It also provides assistance to existing small businesses and encourages development of new small businesses. The 46,679 square-foot facility includes three lab analysis research areas, a shared scientific instrument room and 9,000 square feet of tenant office space. The academic wing contains more than 16,000 square feet of highly specialized teaching and research labs and offices.
For more information about opportunities to accelerate the success of your high-growth business or to use the services of the CIE’s contract analysis lab, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/cie/.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Hornickel, Media Relations Specialist
mhorn@nwmissouri.edu | 660.562.1704 | Fax: 660.562.1900
Northwest Missouri State University
215 Administration Building | 800 University Drive | Maryville, MO 64468