FISHER ENHANCES TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS
Polymer Ohio to Become Edison Center
Funds Contingent Upon Controlling Board Approval
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2007
Columbus, OH -- Lt. Governor Lee Fisher announced today that Polymer Ohio will become the state's eighth Edison Center for technology and innovation. Based on the recommendations by the Industry, Technology, and Enterprise Advisory Council's (ITEAC), Lt. Governor Fisher approved $500,000 in funding for Polymer Ohio for Fiscal Year 2008. Funds awarded for the Edison Centers and Edison Incubators are contingent upon Controlling Board approval.
"The polymer industry is a critical driver for our state's economy, employing more than 140,000 Ohioans. Polymer Ohio has been in integral partner in facilitating the attraction and growth of polymer industries in Ohio," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Joining the Edison Center program will allow Polymer Ohio to expand their efforts as a catalyst, innovator and accelerator allowing for continued industry growth and success."
Lt. Governor Fisher also approved funding for the existing seven Edison Centers:
- BioOhio located in Columbus (Franklin County) will receive $1,692,250.
- Center for Innovative Food Technologies (CIFT) located in Toledo (Lucas County) will receive $700,000.
- Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC) located in Dayton (Montgomery County) will receive $1,749,600.
- Edison Welding Institute (EWI) located in Columbus (Franklin County) will receive $1,740,600.
- Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) will receive $1,332,100.
- Ohio's IT Alliance located in Columbus (Franklin County) will receive $1,078,400.
- TechSolve located in Cincinnati (Hamilton County) will receive $1,257,100.
The Edison Center Program is a public-private partnership to facilitate innovation and commercialization services to both established and emerging technology-based businesses. The Ohio Department of Development has provided funding assistance to the centers to enhance economic growth. The state-designated Edison Centers also receive financial support from the industries which they serve.
Additionally, funding was approved for Edison Incubator programs:
- Akron Industrial Incubator located in Akron (Summit County) will receive $350,000.
- Braintree located in Mansfield (Richland County) will receive $200,000.
- Hamilton County Business Center located in Cincinnati (Hamilton County) will receive $350,000.
JumpStart located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) will receive $500,000.
- Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise (GLIDE) located in Elyria (Lorain County) will receive $200,000.
- Regional Growth Partnership in Toledo (Lucas County) will receive $350,000.
- TechColumbus located in Columbus (Franklin County) will receive $500,000.
- Youngstown Business Incubator located in Youngstown (Mahoning County) will receive $350,000.
The Ohio Department of Development established the Edison Technology Incubator Program to assist technology-oriented start-ups during their concept definition and development stages. Incubators allow entrepreneurs to concentrate their limited resources on the development of their product/service by drawing upon the proven expertise and support of the incubator.
###
Media Contacts: Nikki Jaworski (614) 466-9161 or Kelly Hassett at (614) 466-4133
|
Site
Map 
