The following press release was distributed on October 5, 2016 by the ISU StartUp Factory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMES, Iowa (October 5, 2016) – Iowa State University StartUp Factory and Vermeer Corporation will host the “Vermeer Applied Technology Hub Premiere: A Collaborative Technology Showcase” on Thursday, October 13, from 4-6 p.m. at the Vermeer Applied Technology Hub in Ames.
The event will “premiere” the Vermeer and ISU StartUp Factory spaces in their newly constructed 35,880 sf building at the Iowa State University Research Park. The networking reception also intends to highlight the public private partnership between Vermeer Corporation and Iowa State University, and to showcase the ISU Startup Factory cohort.
Speakers will include Iowa State President Steven Leath; Michael Crum, Iowa State’s Vice President for Economic Development and Business Engagement; Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development; Mary Andringa, Chair of the board, Vermeer Corporation and Jason Andringa, CEO. Remarks will begin at 4 p.m.
At the conclusion of the formal program, ISU StartUp Factory cohort members will pitch their business ideas on a “soapbox stage” in the center of the facility’s shop space. Presenting cohort members include: Structurely; Complex Computation; SAFI-Tech; VariFAS Biorenewables, LLC; Gross-Wen Technologies; Sep-All; Cygnet; Cross Over LLC; Smart Ag; KaySciet; and Parametric Studio. In addition, cohort members will be available throughout the event to share information and answer questions about their businesses.
“This event really showcases what is possible when a globally recognized leader like Vermeer partners with Iowa State,” said Crum. “In one part of the building Vermeer is focused on building smarter machines, and in another we are commercializing the latest in technology and creating companies with the ISU Startup Factory. This event truly showcases the entire ecosystem of what our economic development efforts are about.”
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About ISU StartUp Factory:
The Iowa State University (ISU) StartUp Factory is a 52-week intensive program housed at the ISU Research Park (ISURP). Entrepreneurs in the StartUp Factory receive formal training, resources, and access to a network of business mentors, advisors, counselors, and investors in two 26-week blocks: the first a formal curriculum centered on business validation, and the second, customized to their individual business needs. For more information on the ISU StartUp Factory program, call 515-294-7444 or visit isustartupfactory.org
About ISU Research Park:
The Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) is a not for profit 29-year-old real estate development community closely affiliated with Iowa State University. ISURP assists both established and startup companies in connecting with Iowa State’s vast infrastructure to grow their enterprises; whether through students, research entities, equipment, or a multitude of other resources. ISURP is currently home to more than 70 companies employing 1700 people and occupies 600,000 square feet of commercial real estate on 220 acres. ISURP recently announced plans to expand into an additional 200 acres of developable space, which will include tenant amenities, a park, and multi-use trails. For more information on the ISURP, call 515-296-4204 or visit isupark.org
About Vermeer Corporation:
Vermeer Corporation delivers a real impact in a progressing world through the manufacture of high-quality landscape, rental, tree care, environmental, underground construction, surface mining and agricultural equipment. With a reputation for durability and reliability, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn about Vermeer Corporation, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit vermeer.com.
Contact: Julie Lelonek
Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations
515-294-1562/jlelonek@iastate.edu
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