MILES COLLEGE LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE CENTER TO FOSTER HBCU GROWTH
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 03, 2024 Miles College has launched the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth, under the leadership of Erskine "Chuck" Faush, who serves as Chief Innovation and Growth Officer and Founder In Residence. This initiative aims to foster innovation and economic development within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs). Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the center is named to symbolize its forward-looking vision, integrating tradition with innovation to propel Miles College into the future. President Bobbie Knight underscores the center's mission to merge the legacy of HBCUs with innovative practices, positioning Miles College for sustained growth over the next 50 years. The 2150 Center seeks to cultivate a thriving innovation economy tailored to benefit HBCUs and HBCCs across Alabama, particularly in the Birmingham area. The center will serve as a catalyst for economic empowerment by supporting diverse creators, disruptors, and innovators within the HBCU community. It aims to facilitate connections between researchers and entrepreneurs, thereby fostering successful startups and businesses that contribute to local and regional economic development. Collaboration across public, private, and educational sectors will be pivotal, leveraging resources and expertise to nurture an inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Partnerships play a crucial role in the center's strategy. Collaborations with entities like Birmingham-based Southern Research are designed to maximize impact and broaden its reach. According to Josh Carpenter, CEO of Southern Research, these partnerships are integral to harnessing collective strength in public-private collaborations to drive economic growth throughout the state. Key initiatives of the 2150 Center include assessing and validating high-potential ideas, providing essential research support, and creating value propositions that benefit both participating companies and Miles College itself. The center aims not only to generate revenue for the institution but also to contribute substantively to the economic well-being of the broader community. In summary, the establishment of the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth signifies a significant advancement for Miles College in its commitment to advancing innovation and economic prosperity within HBCUs and HBCCs. By blending tradition with forward-thinking initiatives, the center aims to position itself as a pivotal hub for fostering entrepreneurship, supporting research, and driving economic empowerment across Alabama's educational and business landscape. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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