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Business Technology
Parks Enhance Local Universities
Related
stories:
• The Roanoke Valley Plans
for the Future
• Welcome to e-Town
• The
New Century Region Leads the Technology Charge
•
Carilion
Expansion
RU Business Technology Park
Radford University, in a joint
venture with Carilion Health System, has established
the Radford University Business Technology Park, a place
and a plan for helping Virginia's Southwest economy
grow and flourish.
Located just north of Radford in Pulaski
County, the new Technology Park got its start with a
recent gift by Carilion of 78 acres of land and buildings
along the New River. The existing property combines
corporate facilities with serene, campus-like surroundings
that include wooded areas, green spaces and spectacular
views of the river and hillside.
It all adds up to a perfect setting
for successfully integrating work and creativity.
Radford and Carilion are developing the Technology Park
jointly. Phase 1, conversion of a 110,000-square-foot
health facility into a business technology incubator,
is currently underway. Fifty undeveloped acres present
many possibilities for expanding the Technology Park
as a public-private partnership over the next 20 years.
One of the prime responsibilities of
a public university is fostering a healthy regional
economy. By offering affordable and first-rate facilities
in combination with resources like the RU Business Assistance
Center and faculty experts, the RU Business Technology
Park positions new and growing businesses for success.
And every business that succeeds makes the New River
Valley region's economy that much stronger.
To learn more about the RU Business
Technology Park call (540) 831-5075.
Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center
Virginia Tech's world-famous Corporate Research Center
has been fostering the birth and growth of new ideas
and new companies since 1985. The Center, offering seven
basic programs that enhance opportunities for high-tech
success, now houses more than 100 leading-edge companies
in a variety of disciplines.
The Business Technology Center provides
on-site direction for strategic planning, legal, basic
accounting and production issues. If you are in need
of funding, there is financial assistance offered through
a local bank and several venture capital firms.
Training and management seminars are
held regularly and companies have access to shared bandwidth
at deeply discounted rates. And finally, basic business
needs like fax and copier services, use of a conference
room and a fitness center are provided for all tenants.
One of the most important offerings
is a program called VT Knowledgeworks. Formed by the
Virginia Tech Foundation and affiliated corporations,
the program promotes the rapid commercialization of
Tech-developed intellectual property. The key to the
process is the essential mentoring and support services
that a company will need to be operational within six
to 12 months. The mentoring includes the preparation
of a business model and business plan, assistance in
locating senior staff members and the formation of strategic
partnerships with other companies looking to raise seed
money.
The Corporate Research Center is adjacent
to Virginia Tech's sprawling Blacksburg campus and offers
one million square feet of space. Its amiable president,
Dr. Joe Meredith, wants the center to be a recognized
as a leader in the Virginia research community.
To learn more about the Virginia Tech
Corporate Research Center call (540) 961-3600.
Return to Virginia Business -October 2002
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