Tech-based ED RoundUp: New Beginnings

The economic downturn and continuing state and local fiscal problems are not stopping most efforts to develop tech-based economies. Here are a few examples of recent groundbreakings from around the country.

NASA Helps Launch Education Center in Phoenix

Astronaut Carlos Noriega and Estrella Mountain Community College President Homero Lopez recently announced the creation of the NASA Center for Success in Math and Science in Phoenix. Sponsored by NASA's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and located on the Avondale, AZ, campus of Estrella Mountain Community College, the newly dedicated student academic support center is expected to help students take part in Arizona's knowledge economy. The center was established to inspire and support socially and economically disadvantaged students in their pursuit of higher education in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. More information is available at: http://spacelink.nasa.gov/NASA.News/NASA.News.Releases/02-10-04.Phoenix.Education.Center.Opens

OTCC to Have New Home in Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center (OTCC) will relocate to the Oklahoma City Enterprise Center once the renovation of a former bank is completed for the new center, The Saturday Oklahoman reported. OTCC and several partners are meeting the $375,000 match requirement in the $1.5 million Economic Development Administration grant that is helping convert two floors of the bank into a business incubator. Considered one of the city's most significant structures, the banking hall will retain 11,000 sq. ft. as public space. OTCC will occupy 2,000 sq. ft.

Regional INEEL Research Office Opens in Northern Idaho

An extension office of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) has opened at the University of Idaho Research Park in Post Falls, ID. The short-term plan for the new INEEL office is to rotate researchers and technical staff to assess the type and amount of demand for agency programs in northern Idaho. INEEL, which is based in Idaho Falls, spends about $1.4 million annually on economic development.

Case Western Reserve Creates MBA for Bioscience Entrepreneurship

The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University has launched a new MBA specialization in Bioscience Entrepreneurship to respond to the industry's need for managers with a combination of scientific background and business expertise. One of the first such programs in the U.S., the program will focus on product development, joint venturing, managing strategic alliances, intellectual property law, and financial deal-making. An advisory board comprised of numerous bioscience industry leaders is expected to help ensure the program remains highly relevant.

Hartford, CT Expands Manufacturing Tech Park

Officials in New Britain, CT, have approved a 5-acre expansion of the city's SMART Park to attract more high tech businesses, according to The Hartford Courant. With the expansion, the 14-acre park is expected to create more jobs and broaden the tax base. Incentives such as tax abatement, tax credits and work force training will help draw the technology companies, the article stated. The $2.9 million project is partly being funded by an $875,000 EDA grant. The city also has applied for nearly $1 million in state grants.

Purdue Set to Break Ground for $7M Entrepreneurship, Tech Transfer Center

The Burton D. Morgan Foundation will fund the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship that is being built in Purdue's new $100 million Discovery Park. The $7 million, 31,000-square-foot building will be a two-story facility designed to connect with overhead walkways to future adjacent Discovery Park buildings. The center will include a 72-seat lecture room, a presentation room and several conference and break-out rooms for use by park occupants. Construction on the center is scheduled to begin before the end of 2002.

Also, Phase II development of a $2.2 million development of land earmarked for high tech companies is underway for the Purdue Research Park. As part of an economic development partnership between Purdue University, the Purdue Research Foundation and the City of West Lafayette, 50 acres will be readied for market by extending Win Hentschel Boulevard and providing the infrastructure necessary for 10 commercial lots.