The space will be open to different groups and individuals , including students , educators , trainers , nonprofit organizations and community groups . With businesses in the downtown area so close in proximity , they will be able to collaborate more easily , increasing investments and innovation for the city .
In the future , Stroud says he hopes for the innovation district to move past the border of Huntington and spread throughout the Appalachian region . With a
Photo by Marshall University .
new cybersecurity facility underway , the next phase of development will help move the Mountain State toward becoming a worldwide leader in cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing .
Meanwhile , in Charleston , UC and WVSU have opened their own innovation hubs , bringing a new vibrancy to the state ’ s capital .
UC ’ s Downtown Innovation Hub ( UCDIH ) opened last July with intentions to heighten the university ’ s success in its own innovation , business and leadership communities . This location offers different workshops and programs where locals have the opportunity to teach , learn , advise and network .
The UCDIH is located on 240 Capitol Street , right in the heart of Charleston . Marty Roth , UC ’ s president , says the space was carefully chosen based on extensive research of hubs in other parts of the country as well as what location would most accurately fit their design objectives .
“ The UCDIH fills a critical gap in the Charleston / Kanawha Valley entrepreneurial ecosystem — providing training , coaching and networking to help existing small and medium size businesses scale up and grow ,” Roth says .
The center hosts the Business Accelerator Program , the first cohort of which included seven businesses , rising to now hosting 11 businesses in the second cohort .
“ We look forward to serving more clients in the Business Accelerator Program , attracting more business and community members to our events and partnering with
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE