Stacy Strauss, Director

Spoken has developed an app to help people with speech-related disabilities communicate more effectively. The app uses predictive technology, so it learns according to the user. Spoken is available on the Apple app store and will be compatible with Androids soon. Spoken is a great example of a company that has utilized Ohio University's business resources such as TechGROWTH Ohio , LIGHTS Regional Innovation , and now the Innovation Center's virtual incubation program.

 

“There are a lot of disabilities that cause people to lose the ability to speak but retain their mental functions,” said founder Michael Bond. “Despite that, many products are focused on people who don’t have full mental function, so they’re limited to smaller phrases and simple tools that don’t allow for full communication. We use cutting-edge technology to give predictions that help people along."

 

To learn more about the inspiration and innovation that went into developing the app, click below.

The Ohio University Libraries w orked with the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Innovation Center  to create digital and 3D printed replicas of ancient artifacts. The objects include a clay tablet, scarab seal, and cylindrical seal from the University Libraries' Rare Book Collection. The objects were created between 1000 and 2800 B.C., making them too fragile to be handled regularly by scholars and students. So, two librarians set out to make replicas of the objects so they could be used for hands-on educational purposes. First, the universit y's micro CT scanner was used to make 3D images of the artifacts. I nnovation Center lab director, Misa Hata, then used the scans to 3D print the artifacts, creating durable physical replicas. The librarians were extremely pleased with the outcome and are excited to digitally replicate other items form the university's collections.

 

To read the full story, click below.

Rural Development is accepting applications for the Rural Energy For America Program. The next application deadline is March 31, 2020. This application deadline is for projects which request $20,000 or less and for projects which request up to $500,000.

 

In brief, this program is designed to assist rural, small, for-profit businesses install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements to their operations. These types of improvements can help eligible applicants control energy costs and improve the overall profitability of their operations. Small businesses have benefited through high efficiency lighting; improvements to HVAC systems; and the installation of a renewable energy system to help offset electrical consumption as just some examples.

 

For additional information, click below.

Do you need to train technical workers? You don't want to miss this opportunity! The Ohio TechCred program is offering reimbursements up to $2,000 per employee who receives an industry recognized tech credential. Tech credentials vary across industry sectors. In the two previous rounds, 444 companies were funded to train 3,187 industry credentials; twenty companies were in our region. Training Grant applications are open now through March 31.

J oseph Groenke, laboratory coordinator for the O’Connor lab in the biomedical sciences department of OUHCOM, spent months piecing together a set of shattered fossil teeth in digitized form. The teeth are from an extinct mammal that lived around 70 million years ago. Groenke then created a 30-second animation of the meticulous reconstruction project. The video was awarded the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology's National Geographic Digital Modeling and Animation Award. This project is educational for both the public and scientists. The digital version was then used to 3D print a physical prototype of the fossil in the Innovation Center's Additive Manufacturing Lab.

 

To learn more about this project, click below.

Photo: Joseph Gronke by Ohio University Photographer Benjamin Siegel

The Innovation Center has  wet labs  available for early-stage companies that want to expand. Ideal for life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and analytical chemistry startups, our clients also get access to two well-equipped shared labs and benefit from our full-time, onsite lab director. Plus, we offer one-on-one business  coaching ,  negotiated cost-savings , and connections to our vast network of experts and resources necessary to scale a venture.

 

If you are interested in becoming a client, click below.

Photo: InfinixBio employee by Ohio University Photographer Benjamin Siegel

The IC is the recipient of the 2019 Randall M. Whaley Incubator of the Year Award (InBIA) and the 2019 Rural-Based Entrepreneurship Center of the Year Award (InBIA). The center was ranked the third best University-Based Incubator in the U.S. (UBI Global Ranking 2015-2017), and was named the 2016 Rural Incubator of the Year (InBIA). 

Our 36,000 square foot building has some space available.

For details, please give us a call at (740) 593-1818.

The Ohio University Innovation Center provides valuable business incubation resources to fuel the economy in Athens, Ohio and the surrounding region. Your gift supports our mission to connect entrepreneurs with the people and resources needed to grow businesses and create jobs in Southeast Ohio. 

Support for the Innovation Center is provided by TechGROWTH Ohio through funding provided by the Ohio Third Frontier Commission.