Michigan Tech, in collaboration with the Keweenaw Industrial Council, is proposing to establish a Michigan Tech Enterprise Park (MTEP) to encourage the development of technology-based enterprise in the area. The park, if funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), could include one or more sites. For example, one site could be located on University property north of Sharon Avenue and west of the MTU football stadium in Houghton. MTEP's purpose would be to create, attract, retain and expand technology-based companies and their research enterprises by creating a nurturing place for technological innovation.
The proposal is being submitted to the MEDC in response to Governor Engler's call for concept proposals to create a new state-branded network of technology parks.
"The Michigan Tech Enterprise Park is structured to be a dynamic alliance between industry, developers, the University, and their collaborating institutions," said MTU Executive Director of Corporate Services Pete Radecki. "It takes advantage of the Keweenaw region's unique economic, governmental, and cultural characteristics and will encourage innovation. We believe the MTEP concept is right-sized, right-structured, and right on time. Through MTEP the University will move from a more traditional research role to one integrated throughout the research and technology commercialization process."
Keweenaw Industrial Council Director Phil Musser said MTEP would be a true partnership between the Keweenaw community and Michigan Tech. Space at the park would be leased for companies involved in advanced technology development ranging from materials and product development to commercial engineering design and light manufacturing. Design/development groups of existing corporations and new startups would both be expected to become MTEP tenants.
Services would include high-speed telecommunications, common meeting facilities, and business services. In addition to private sector use, a major portion of Michigan Tech's student-based design and prototyping programs could be conducted in park facilities.
"This will assure a fluid interaction among talented engineering, science, and business students, faculty, and researchers within the park," said Radecki. "Students will work in teams to create new products and processes--both in collaboration with corporate sponsors or as entrepreneurs themselves." He said Michigan Tech's Corporate Services and regional business development/incubator organizations would be resident in the park, creating new University/industry partnerships, helping startups with business planning, and providing intellectual property services to faculty, tenant companies, and regional business interests. Companies would be able to easily avail themselves of inexpensive student labor, high quality faculty and staff consultants and collaborators, and an extraordinary array of technological research and development facilities.
"By opening branch operations at MTEP, technology-based companies will be providing their employees with an uncommon opportunity for a lifestyle apart from the rush of the big city, yet technologically and professionally cutting-edge," said Radecki. "Offering diversity in work locations can be a strategic advantage for any company facing a tight employment market."
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10/13/99