Macomb-OU Biz Incubator Gets New Defense Role
STERLING HEIGHTS -- The Macomb-OU INCubator has been selected by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to administer the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Federal Matching Program for the State of Michigan.
DARPA was established in 1958 to maintain the technological superiority of the United States military. To accomplish this, DARPA supports revolutionary, high-payoff research, bridging the gap between fundamental discoveries and their military use.
Through the Macomb-OU INCubator, the DARPA Federal Matching Program will help bring more coveted research dollars to Michigan, leverage investment funds, create new revenue, retain and create jobs and enhance the development of cutting-edge technologies. The incubator will use its ties with the defense and business development communities to increase DARPA engagement in the State of Michigan.
A two-year, $766,036 grant will allow the incubator to conduct an assessment of current DARPA activity in the state, sponsor DARPA training for Michigan businesses and Michigan university faculty, and offer sponsorship programs for DARPA Grand Challenges and a DARPA Matching Funds Program.
"By funding these types of innovative programs, the Michigan Strategic Fund and the MEDC are helping to further their brand and amplify Michigan as a high-tech business environment," said Larry Herriman, director of the Michigan DARPA Matching Funds Program and assistant director of the Macomb-OU INCubator. "Having the foresight to encourage these cutting-edge, advanced-research activities, like the ones typically undertaken by DARPA, are what will define Michigan as a state with an inspiring entrepreneurial environment and a promising future."
Funds for this initiative were provided by the 21st Century Jobs Fund, an MSF program designed to accelerate the growth and diversification of Michigan's economy. The MEDC, a public-private partnership between the state and local communities, provides administrative support for the 21st Century Jobs Fund. More at www.MichiganAdvantage.org.
The Macomb-OU INCubator provides comprehensive development and support to startup and emerging businesses with a focus on the defense, homeland security, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. For more information, visit http://www.oakland.edu/macombouinc or call (586) 884-9320.
