MT. PLEASANT – The Mt. Pleasant SmartZone/Center for Applied Research & Technology at Central Michigan University has entered into an agreement making the MidMichigan Innovation Center a satellite location of its Mt. Pleasant Technology Hub.

This partnership will leverage the strengths of both organizations to benefit area entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing extensive support and connections to capital, laboratories, analytical equipment, technical and business expertise, and other resources.

?This satellite agreement expands the network for mid-Michigan entrepreneurs and emerging businesses, and demonstrates our region?s willingness to put territorial boundaries aside and come together for the benefit of the entire region,? said MMIC Executive Director Brent Case.

Commenting on the strategic use of area resources and opportunities created by the partnership, Dr. Nathan Long, President and CEO of CMU Research Corporation, said: ?The partnership will make the most of the investment in equipment and facilities at CMU, and expose faculty and students to new technologies and entrepreneurial ventures outside of Mt. Pleasant.?

CMU-RC manages the business incubator and assists technology companies in leveraging the assets and expertise available at CMU.

Collaboration among these key organizations will create opportunities for synergy and growth throughout the middle of Michigan. Among the resources available through the partnership are:

Mt. Pleasant SmartZone, a venture of Central Michigan University

A 30,000 square foot business incubator with a state-of-the-art laboratory, office space and advanced analytical equipment

A 300-acre technology park located on CMU?s campus, and the base for several established businesses

Prime access to CMU students and graduates for internships and short- or long-term employment

A 6,000 square foot building, ready for custom finishing, and available for sale or lease

MidMichigan Innovation Center, a privately funded, non-profit organization located in Midland

112,000 square feet of office space, conference rooms, laboratories, warehousing, storage and pilot manufacturing space

Collaboration with 15 client companies ranging in size from one to 20 employees

?In speaking for all of us ? the MMDC, the City of Mt. Pleasant, and Central Michigan University ? partnering with key organizations like MMIC increases the level of collaboration, commerce, and investment throughout mid-Michigan. We recognize that in a global economy, municipal boundaries are totally irrelevant, and partnerships like this help us all remain competitive,? remarked George Dunn, President and CEO of Middle Michigan Development Corp. (MMDC), who orchestrated the agreement.

MMDC is a private economic development organization that assists businesses in Isabella and Clare counties, and is the contact for organizations which comprise the Mt. Pleasant SmartZone.

For more information about the partnership, entrepreneurial opportunities or details on the MidMichigan Innovation Center, click on MidMichiganInnovationCenter.Org

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