Dear Lisa,

Moving Ideas to Market's mission is to enhance regional prosperity and development by stimulating more entrepreneurial activity, institutional collaboration and leveraging,  and commercialization tied to our robust education assets.   This event is part of an overall commercialization initiative, meant to create an entrepreneurial culture that fosters innovation, encourages collaboration and facilitates all aspects of commercialization. 

We define "commercialization" broadly, incorporating experiential learning with incubators and entrepreneurial settings; technical assistance provided to help businesses and entrepreneurs take the next steps in moving their product, process or service to market; assistance with technology transfer, research and development, and lab space; and creating a culture of entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial pipeline that fundamentally will yield more products and services.

Moving Ideas to Market's convening partners believe the key to diversifying Mid Michigan's economy is through fully engaging, leveraging and networking our strengths in advanced manufacturing, the bio-based economy, alternative energy, and related sectors.  

Mid Michigan is home to world class academic institutions.  Michigan's education system is home to abundant research and development, technology transfer, business incubation, and related activities.  Some of these institutions also are part of a  much larger commercialization initiatives that, if better understood, could benefit other stakeholders, including K-12 partners.

This event will launch a broad network of stakeholders to engage in activities already underway to strengthen our region's economy.   Specific activities for the day include:

·         Presentation by regional/national speakers who will offer insight on exemplary practices, discuss the role of foundations in securing funding, and provide topical information that can "connect-the-dots" on regional commercialization

·         Present a state-wide benchmarking asset inventory of commercialization and entrepreneurship resources

·         Showcase efforts of our region's entrepreneurial collaborations

·         Highlight Entrepreneur/Inventor Day programs funded through this project

·         Create collaboration and networking opportunities that will enhance the entrepreneurial infrastructure

·         Identify challenges and opportunities around innovation

·         Develop a straight forward action plan that will connect the day's stakeholders with state legislators, college presidents, and other key leaders to impact the commercialization environment and outcomes.

I hope you are able to attend this invitation-only event. 

Sincerely,


David C. Hollister, President & CEO
Prima Civitas Foundation


**Note: Seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP right away.  RSVP's will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.