January 2020 Newsletter
Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! January is a month for making resolutions, setting goals and looking forward. To do this well, it is important to look back and reflect. We hope you enjoy our top story in which we reflect upon some of the many successes during 2019.

For the IC, the new year and new decade will build upon more than three decades of work. We look forward to our continued evolution while we stay true to our vision of continuing to spur economic development in the region by supporting entrepreneurship and creating jobs to foster the growth of "...competitive companies who want to embrace knowledge-based innovation and an enhanced quality of life. "

We are thankful when we are recognized for our work in pursuit of this vision (see the Innovation Economy story below), and we look forward to continued success in support of client companies and partners - both old and new! We are beginning this year with plenty of available space in our building and resources at the ready to assist the next crop of our region's new companies. 

Keep innovating,
Stacy Strauss, Director
Top Story
The Year In Review
Reflecting on all that was accomplished both by and for our clients, we are taking a look back at the most popular stories from our 2019 monthly newsletters:


As we enter the new year, the Innovation Center is excited for the opportunity to continue to work with our clients and regional partners. The work we do together has a significant positive impact on our regional economy by providing jobs, resources, and tax contributions. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of all who continue to make efforts to help our communities prosper.
News From The IC
An Entrepreneur's Guide to Accessing Support
Committed to the economic development of the state, Ohio University has developed a robust "Innovation Ecosystem" that provides services and support to entrepreneurs located in southeastern Ohio. Assistance is available, often at no cost, for both startups and well-established businesses to assist with planning, funding, space needs and much more.

For a full list of resources available to entrepreneurs, click below to view the just-released brochure Fostering An Innovation Ecosystem.
One-of-a-Kind Medals for a One-of-a-Kind Race
Dr. David Koonce, Associate Dean of the Graduate College and Associate Vice President of Research at Ohio University, was looking for a fun and meaningful way to begin his tenure as the incoming chair for the state-wide Graduate Dean's Committee. Knowing that many of the deans are avid runners like him, Koonce organized a 5K race to kick-off the annual retreat. IC Lab Director, Misa Hata, also a runner, helped Koonce create customized awards in the IC's Additive Manufacturing Lab using the Bantam PCB Milling Machine.

“Most customers are interested in 3D printing, but this project involved our milling machine. While it is designed to create precision circuit boards (PCBs), it can also mill materials like wax, metal, and wood,” explained Hata. Noting that it was gratifying to print the medals at OU, Koonce was delighted with the process and said, "the one-of-a-kind medals turned out great and were well received by the participating deans."

To create a customized item of your own at the Additive Manufacturing Lab, click below.
The Innovation Economy: A Key Strategy to Fill the Economic Gap Left by Coal Companies
The Athens News has just released part one of its series When coal ruled our region and what happened after it left. The feature explores the history of the coalfields and how small towns in Athens and surrounding counties still feel the negative economic impact created by the exodus of the coal companies.

In the article, Athens County Commissioner Chris Chmiel shared that economic diversification is key to a healthy and sustainable economy. He cites the Innovation Center as a successful program that moves the region into the "innovation economy" and supports job-creating companies like RXQ Compounding and solar energy installer Third Sun Solar.

To read the full article, click below.
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New President
We are pleased to welcome Dani Underhill to the Innovation Center as the new President of IC Anchor Tenant, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Underhill will begin her new position on January 6, replacing Michelle Oestrike.

“I am excited to begin working with the Board of Directors, Dawn, and Jim and begin serving the member businesses and organizations of the Athena Area Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to promoting jobs, business development and growth, as well as continuing to build on the foundation of innovative ideas and opportunities that has been created by Michelle,” said Underhill.

To read the full release, click below.
Upcoming Events
News & Events from Our Partners
How We Can Help
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.
Make A Gift
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.