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Indian River State College

Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)

Ft. Pierce, Florida

Scope:

The new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is focused on creating new high-tech jobs to help spark the region’s economic recovery and preparing students for cutting-edge careers.   Awarded $3.9 million by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the grant is one of the largest ever received by IRSC.  “This EDA grant could not have come at a better time for our region,” said IRSC President Dr. Edwin R. Massey.  “Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential ingredients in our transition to the Research Coast and our ability to create and attract 21^st Century jobs to this area.  This grant will support IRSC’s commitment to develop an exceptional new educational facility fostering business innovation and preparing area residents for the jobs created by creative new ideas and technologies.”

The CIE will serve as an economic development engine, assisting entrepreneurs and businesses in emerging fields to develop the
knowledge and skills to start successful businesses, creating new jobs for area residents.   According to Dr. Massey, the
CCEE will prepare a skilled workforce to serve as a magnet for new business, industry and innovation.

“Green” technologies will be a central focus of the CIE.  With state and national incentives to convert to renewable energy sources, the emerging green industry offers a wide range of lucrative business opportunities.  CIE programs will support training for entrepreneurs in alternative
energies as well as other emerging fields such as photonics and robotics.  The three-story, 67,000 square-foot energy-efficient Center will house a Market Analysis Lab, Entrepreneurial Development Lab, Virtual Incubator and Strategic Planning Suites with support services for fledgling high-tech firms.

Home to the IRSC Energy Institute, the CIE will feature Alternative and Nuclear Energies Laboratories offering training in collaboration with Florida Power & Light and other industry partners.  Through the Sustainable Building Construction Program, workers who need to retool
their skills will learn how to integrate the latest energy-saving solutions into construction methods.

The CIE’s Nanotechnology and Micro-Fabrication Laboratory, developed in partnership with the National Center for Nanotechnology Education at Penn State University, will introduce students to diverse fields in which components the size of molecules will transform the industries of tomorrow.

Construction for the $20 million Center, which is also supported by state and private contributions to the IRSC Foundation, is scheduled to open its doors to students in late 2011.

**Link to contractor’s blog with progress photos and commentary:  http://www.hjhigh.com/irsc/news/race-to-the-finish/