Somerville Launches Innovation And Opportunity Lab

SOMERVILLE, MA – As Somerville looks to expand its local innovation economy, Mayor Curtatone has established the Innovation and Opportunity Lab. The advisory committee, which is currently seeking members, will support budding entrepreneurs and innovation projects in the city.

"Invention and innovation spur the creative economy, and contribute immensely to the fabric of Somerville," Curtatone said in a press release. "We have already seen the far-reaching benefits a thriving local innovation economy can bring to our community. The new Innovation and Opportunity Lab will be charged with exploring partnerships, researching best practices, supporting entrepreneurs and existing businesses, and more to ensure that we’re creating and maintaining a diverse, representative, and prosperous local innovation ecosystem that serves the city."

The Somerville Innovation and Opportunity Lab will consist of nine members, each with a two-year term and the option to serve an additional term with the mayor's approval. Lab members should be interested in assisting the City of Somerville in establishing and maintaining partnerships with innovation-focused companies, local non-profits, academic institutions and Somerville residents. A demonstrated track record of facilitating cross-domain or public-private partnerships is required.

The lab is expected to hold monthly meetings, with the first one convening this October. Each year the committee will produce an annual report detailing the state of innovation in Somerville.

Residents, as well as people who work in Somerville, are encouraged to apply. The deadline is Friday, Sept. 22.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit their name, address, telephone, email address, brief statement of interest, and a resume by Friday, Sept. 22. Information can be submitted by emailing bsommer@somervillema.gov or by mail with a postmark by September 22 to Attn. Ben Sommer, Economic Development Specialist, City of Somerville, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143. This is a volunteer position.

Photo by Eric Kilby,Wikimedia Commons