Promote Exceptional Partnerships and Regional Innovation in Dayton Region Backed by Air Force Research Laboratory leadership and lawmakers, the partnership between The Entrepreneurs Center and Wright Brothers Institute at the 444 innovation building makes a big impact on regional commercialization
Dayton, March 29, 2018: The Entrepreneurs Center announced today a historic visit by Congressman Mike Turner (R), hosted by Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Executive Director Jack Blackhurst, to hear about the impact of unique partnerships at 444 E. Second St, in the heart of Dayton’s emerging Innovation District. “444’s” first floor is the physical and strategic hub for commercialization, infused with AFRL’s research and development technologies, managed by TEC and WBI. Today’s tour highlighted the momentum of collaborative commercialization initiatives, job creation, economic development and the Air Force’s Mission.
“We know our region has tremendous technology resources thanks to Wright Patterson AFB and the Air Force Research Lab,” said Congressman Turner, “Innovations developed right here are being put in the hands of talented entrepreneurs to build exciting new ventures. This forward-thinking leadership by The Entrepreneurs Center and Wright Brothers Institute are setting the bar for nationwide defense-related collaborations and results in high-tech job growth and prosperity for Ohio.”
“We could not do what we do without the tremendous support of lawmakers, the AFRL and the State of Ohio. Congressman Turner has been a key advocate for The Entrepreneurs Center allowing us to grow our programs and increase our impact at warp speed,” said Scott Koorndyk, TEC President. TEC and WBI teamed up to present capabilities and highlight several innovative companies that have spun out of AFRL, WBI, and TEC collaborations including software development company (and 444 tenant) Mile 2 and chemiluminescent company Battle Sight Technologies.
These best practices begin with solid partnerships. The idea for the collaboration space toured today was born in late 2016 by AFRL leadership to accelerate their technology transfer goals. Leveraging their partnership with WBI and TEC, the Air Force’s support for 444 provided proximity to new teams, small businesses and research agreements that weren’t available inside the fence. WBI and TEC work together to shore up the creation of scalable, high-tech businesses with funding and entrepreneurial expertise. Added Rob Klees, Associate Director of WBI, “444 provides an incredibly exciting opportunity for the best minds to collide. Researchers, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs come together to build great businesses and expand the impact of the ground-breaking work of the AFRL.”
About The Entrepreneurs Center:
The Entrepreneurs Center (TEC) is the Miami Valley’s center for entrepreneurial excellence. TEC drives meaningful connections and provides significant resources to Miami Valley entrepreneurs and research institutes. TEC’s Innovation Program is designed to meet the various needs of all entrepreneurs from lifestyle to large-scale ideas and includes the Entrepreneurial Services Program, Dayton Tech Guide, SBIR TAP, Nucleus CoShare, Small Business Development Center and more. Learn more at TecDayton.com.
About Wright Brothers Institute:
The Wright Brothers Institute is an Innovation Institute, partnered with the Air Force Research Laboratory, serving the Dayton region. Utilizing unique collaboration environments, resident experts, extended networks and innovative processes, Wright Brothers Institute brings value to a variety of customers looking for insights and solutions to their most challenging problems. Learn more at www.wbi-innovates.com or follow Wright Brothers Institute on Twitter @wbiinovates and on facebook @WBIInnovates.
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: 937.531.6595
444 E. Second Street
Dayton, OH 45419
www.tecdayton.com
www.nucleusdayton.com