The “CTech IncUBator” is a partnership between Connecticut Innovations (CI), the state’s quasi-public authority for technology investing and innovation development, and the University of Bridgeport (UB).
To be based at UB, this venture will be Fairfield County’s first and only university-based incubator for high-tech start-ups.
“Small businesses account for eight out of 10 of our state’s new jobs every year,” Governor Rell said. “In these economic times, it is more important than ever to cultivate entrepreneurial, start-up businesses – our primary engine of job creation. There is strong evidence showing businesses that participate in incubators like CTech tend to do better over the long haul, so we expect this initiative to go a long way toward ensuring the success of the next generation of high-tech leaders in our state.
Planned as a one-stop answer shop for entrepreneurs, the incubator offices will be located on the UB campus at 250 Myrtle Avenue in Bridgeport and are scheduled to be ready for occupancy by early summer.
“It is very appropriate to have a technology incubator on this campus, given the well-known history of the University of Bridgeport in developing high-technology, innovative interdisciplinary-research projects, and cutting-edge products and services,” said Dr. Tarek Sobh, dean of the UB School of Engineering and vice president for research and graduate studies. “The university is home to the largest graduate engineering school in Connecticut. Its faculty and students are involved in major research endeavors, including the development of the U.S. Army’s next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles and sponsored projects in the areas of biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and wireless computing. It is a partner with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technologies (CCAT) and is home to CCAT’s Center for Robotic Simulation, which was founded at UB in 2008.”
The incubator will initially focus on attracting participants from the several key industry sectors: information technology, digital media, advanced materials and clean tech. Businesses in the STEM classifications (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) will eventually be considered.
While priority will be given to projects launched by UB students, alumni or faculty as well as companies supported by CI initiatives, the site also will welcome businesses that are developed independently.
Entrepreneurs or start-up ventures interested in obtaining more information about the incubator or applying to participate may contact Dr. Gad Selig, associate dean of business development and outreach in the graduate studies and research division of the University of Bridgeport, (203) 576-4870 or gadselig@bridgeport.edu; or Charles Moret, managing director, business development, Connecticut Innovations, (860) 257-2333 or charlie.moret@ctinnovations.com.