The University of Toledo

University of Toledo Business Incubation

Program History

The University of Toledo, a major public research university, has been pioneering photovoltaic solar technology with international recognition for nearly 30 years. The world's largest and most successful manufacturer of solar cells, First Solar, actually had its origins in the laboratories of the University of Toledo. Business incubation services at the University of Toledo had their genesis in this successful melding of technological innovation and entrepreneurial drive.

In 2001, UT took its first step toward developing an incubation program with a commitment to building a program of national excellence in alternative and renewable energy. The initial focus on solar energy expanded to fuel cells, biomass energy, hybrid vehicle technologies, and wind energy.

The establishment of the Clean and Alternative Energy Incubator was the next step in this commitment, giving university spin-off businesses and start-up alternative energy companies a place to nurture and grow into stable, expanding businesses that can enhance the business community of the Northwest Ohio region. The incubation offerings of the university expanded once more soon after the merger of the Medical University of Ohio into the University of Toledo, when the Laboratory Incubation Center opened to incubate life sciences and biomedical companies needing specialized laboratory facilities.

In 2010, UT Business Incubation opened its flagship facility, Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex. This space, appropriate for alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, and information technology businesses, is appropriate for both business incubation and business acceleration needs.

In 2011, the incubation program came under the management of venture capital firm Rocket Ventures LLC. This joint venture company of University of Toledo Innovation Enterprises and the Regional Growth Partnership is focused on providing commercialization services and funding to technology-based start-up companies. As these services are the backbone of business incubation, all client and tenant companies of UT Business Incubation are also clients of Rocket Ventures LLC.

The cultivation of knowledge, generation of regional wealth, and creation of high-wage jobs are the aims of UT Business Incubation and the efforts to which the University of Toledo and its partners are strongly committed.

About

University of Toledo Business Incubation is Northwest Ohio's premier business start-up and entrepreneurial assistance program for high-tech companies. The program is funded, managed, and operated by a partnership of the University of Toledo, University of Toledo Innovation Enterprises Corporation, Rocket Ventures LLC, and the State of Ohio Edison Technology Incubator Program. Eligible program clients possess significant intellectual property for revolutionary technologies and a clearly defined, mutually beneficial relationship with the University of Toledo.

Entrepreneurs and companies interested in participating in UT Business Incubation are served by our operating partner, Rocket Ventures LLC, which provides the commercialization assistance so important for successful start-up and market entry. Please complete the intake form at RocketVentures.org to begin the enrollment consideration process.

The University of Toledo operates four incubator facilities which provide specialized equipment, laboratory, office, and manufacturing space:

• Research Technology Complex 
• The Lab Incubation Center
• Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex
• Minority Business Development Center