The Macomb-OU Incubator launches crowdfunding campaign to encourage technology innovation

The Macomb-OU Incubator (Mac­-OU Inc) has officially launched a crowdfunding campaign to obtain support for the proposed Faculty Technology-Development Landing Lab at Velocity, home to Mac-OU Inc. Donors will contribute to a risk-accepting environment providing opportunities for faculty to take their advanced ideas along a path of commercialization.

This Landing Lab will provide a new and exciting opportunity for the Oakland University community to further their research and development efforts. The campaign designates an entire office and entrepreneurial-support programming for a 12-month period to assist faculty with exploring commercialization of their research. Student participation is also welcome.

“Our goal is to take the successful programs and entrepreneurial environment we have created and operate for economic development purposes and provide equivalent, inward-facing opportunities for university faculty and students,” said Larry Herriman, Mac-OU Inc Executive Director.

More specifically, this fully-furnished, 967 square-foot room will provide faculty with an off-campus location to explore the entrepreneurial value of their research, including access to the Mac-OU Inc Beeline-to-Commercialization (B2C) program. Faculty will have the opportunity to choose the best path for their unique needs from the suite of services within the B2C program, including Business Advisory Boards or Mentors, capital assistance, Experts-in-Residence, and Pitch-Prep assessments. These innovative faculty will also benefit from numerous networking opportunities, business development programming and seminars, and access to State of Michigan resources.

This crowdfunding campaign is made possible through Oakland University’s Grow Oakland platform, a new tool to connect donors with the projects that inspire them. Donors can expect to receive a tax receipt from Oakland University for any gift they make.

For more information on the campaign, and to donate, visit growoakland.amploadvance.com/campaigns/macomb-ou-inc-faculty-tech-development-landing-lab. For questions, contact Joan Carleton at (586) 884­9324 or via email to jfcarlet@oakland.edu.

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For Macomb-­OU Incubator interviews, contact Joan Carleton at (586) 884­-9324 or via email to jfcarlet@oakland.edu.

The Macomb­-Oakland University Incubator supports economic development in Southeast Michigan by accelerating high­-tech businesses, cultivating academic innovation and encouraging research & development. To help small businesses grow, the incubator creates customized success strategies for startup and emerging companies in the niche industries of defense, homeland security, advanced manufacturing and technology. For more information, visit the incubator website at oakland.edu/macombouinc.