June 25, 2014
By Summer Lowe, media relations assistant
The Dean L Hubbard Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Northwest Missouri State University is among the top business incubators at universities worldwide, according to a new ranking. The list, produced by University Business Incubator (UBI) Index, ranks the Northwest CIE at 21st in the University Global Top 25 Rankings, a survey of more than 300 incubators in 67 countries.
“Much of our incubation program’s unique value proposition lies in the client’s proximity to other entrepreneurs, access to expert guidance and availability of experienced service providers,” CIE Director Larry Lee said.
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, while the academic wing contains more than 16,000 square feet of highly specialized teaching and research labs and offices.
The facility also is positioned within a two-hour driving radius of Kansas City, Des Moines and Omaha, providing companies with access to more than 1.5 million people. At the same time, companies located at the CIE enjoy the benefits of a consistently strong work-ethic and business friendly environment in a smaller rural setting.
Earlier this year, the CIE was awarded designation as a Missouri Innovation Center by the Missouri Technology Corporation.
The UBI Index rankings are based on 60 performance indicators, including the incubator’s value to its ecosystem, value to clients and the attractiveness of its program. Lee said the UBI Index ranking is further evidence for prospective clients and tenants that the CIE is a world class facility.
“A university incubator enables us to focus on growing new companies and helping them implement new ideas and become self-sustaining,” Lee said.
UBI Index, a research group focused on university business incubators, is based in Stockholm, Sweden. This year’s ranking includes incubators at top universities such as Columbia, Oxford, University of Pennsylvania and Imperial College.
http://www.nwmissouri.edu/media/news/2014/06/24cieinnovationcenter.htm?c=lm&m=45087790&l=5&v=204807220
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MARK HORNICKEL, Media Relations Specialist
mhorn@nwmissouri.edu | 660.562.1704 | Fax: 660.562.1900
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