With a full contingent on board, including the arrival of Malcolm Furman our Faculty Liaison, we are fielding requests on multiple fronts. Certainly energy is the hot topic of the day and projects between firms like EarthNet Energy in Chambersburg, Shippensburg University and Dickinson College are in the works to enhance the efficiency and affordability of solar power. Messiah College, the recipient of a DOE grant supporting research on biodiesel production and methanol recovery, is also engaged with ITN as they explore business opportunities with end-uses of glycerin. In addition to the energy-related requests, companies are hungry for software development talent in our faculty network. Not only do we review multiple seed grant applications of this nature, we continue to make connections for companies willing to fund projects internally. Multiple faculty members at Millersville’s Software Productization Center, led by former seed grant recipient Stephanie Elzer, are a great example of software development talent who regularly link with small business. Carol Wellington, from Shippensburg, is another resource well-versed in private sector projects. She is currently involved in discussions with a Cumberland County business regarding an IT application. Market research is on the corporate radar too. Recent meetings like one with a Dauphin County company looking for research tied to product expansion in health care, are on the rise.
Since ITN is meant to be a launch pad for commercialization, the team also works closely with our former seed grant projects to aid in identifying additional follow-on dollars, either via federal grants, the Venture Investment Forum, and/or Ben Franklin Technology PArtners.
As the region’s “front door” for making connections between faculty and business, ITN is in position to tackle outreach and work with other high profile groups with similar interests. The Green Center, in partnership with HACC’s Midtown campus, and ITN are in discussion on how best to work together and leverage our resources. The Center is led by Jill Gaito, Executive Director, and supported by Doug Neidich, a well-respected entrepreneur and business owner. Gannett Fleming, with local offices in Camp Hill, is taking a leading role in innovation with the appointment of Art Hoffmann to run their corporate Innovation Center.
While there is no shortage of activity and enthusiasm, the task at hand is to deliver demonstrable results by way of commercialized products, business expansion and growth. No small chore, but we are up to the challenge. Join the discussion and post your comments and suggestions here.
