Software Solutions Leader Wellspring Joins Embry-Riddle Research Park’s MicaPlex
Nexus Partnership Includes Support of Startup Companies, Advancing Technology With Online Incubator Application Debut
In a joint effort to accelerate economic development, scientific discovery and technology commercialization for emerging businesses, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and global software solutions leader Wellspring have expanded their relationship to include a Nexus partnership at the John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex) at the Embry-Riddle Research Park and operations support of the MicaPlex Technology Business Incubator.
Wellspring provides software solutions to over 500 research-focused organizations around the world. Wellspring software helps connect corporations, universities and startups to drive technology commercialization, innovation and economic development. By joining Embry-Riddle’s MicaPlex, located adjacent to Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, it will join two other Nexus Partners at the Research Park – International Speedway Corporation (ISC) and DuvaSawko EM Billing & Management Solutions – to foster and facilitate innovative business creation and incubation within Florida’s booming research corridor.
“Wellspring has worked with Embry-Riddle for a long time, and we've always been impressed with their forward-thinking approach to research and technology commercialization,” said Wellspring CEO Robert Lowe. “We are excited to partner with them to further advance the collaboration between leading academic and corporate institutions.”
This week, the MicaPlex Technology Business Incubator (erau.edu/micaplex/incubator/) was launched by Embry-Riddle and is now accepting applications from startup and early stage companies. Wellspring software systems will power the incubator by helping organize application in-take, evaluation of companies and tracking of growth. Successful incubator applicants will have a technology-based target market with a high potential for growth and job creation. Incubator client companies will have access to MicaPlex Nexus and Resident Partners whose expertise spans advanced technology, business startup, legal services, IT, professional sports, venture capital, accounting and more. They also will be able to utilize Embry-Riddle engineering laboratories and talent in the form of collaborators, subject matter experts, interns and future workforce. In addition, startup education, training and events will be tailored to each client to meet their unique business needs.
“We’re excited to have Wellspring as a Nexus Partner,” said Rodney Cruise, Embry-Riddle Senior Vice President for Administration and Planning. “They are a perfect fit to provide cutting-edge support for our incubation and commercialization of technology initiatives. Every addition to the MicaPlex grows the ecosystem for the creation of high-quality jobs.”
A leader in software solutions for tech scouting, corporate venturing, licensing and IP management, Chicago-based Wellspring first connected with Embry-Riddle in 2013 when its Sophia software streamlined the process of securing intellectual property protection for research discoveries and technology transfer.
“With the MicaPlex Technology Business Incubator, the university is expanding its relationship with Wellspring that will benefit all startups and partners alike,” said Dr. Stephanie Miller, Embry-Riddle Director of Technology Transfer and Research Park Initiatives. “Customized software modules will be added to the current Embry-Riddle Sophia system to manage our unique processes. The end result will be a software system that integrates technology transfer and business incubation, allowing the university to help faculty, staff and students turn ideas into successful startup companies.”
Media Contacts:
- Melanie Hanns, Director of Media Relations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Corporate Communications; Office: (386) 226-7538; melanie.hanns@erau.edu
- Brad Cain, Director of Marketing, Wellspring; brad.cain@wellspring.com
About The John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex)
Known as the MicaPlex, this cornerstone building of the Research Park at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will house collaborative workspaces, a wide range of laboratories and business support services collocated to ensure that technology-focused startups will have every advantage for success. The first building phase also includes a large wind tunnel and test facility with cutting-edge instrumentation. Named for former U.S. Representative John Mica (R-Florida) in honor of his key role in supporting the university’s educational and research endeavors, it is strategically located in Central Florida’s “Convergence Zone” of innovation and discovery. This collaborative atmosphere is designed for incubating new technologies across 10,000 square feet of flex lease space to meet tenants’ needs, and is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2017. For more information, go to erau.edu/micaplex. For information about partnership opportunities, call (386) 226-4928 or email micaplex@erau.edu.
About Wellspring
Wellspring is the leader in software solutions for tech transfer, corporate venturing, tech scouting, and intellectual property management. More than 500 organizations worldwide, ranging in size from 10 employees to more than 100,000, use Wellspring software to accelerate their innovation programs. Wellspring’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitals, government agencies, and universities. The company also owns Flintbox, the world’s largest online exchange for early-stage technologies. For further information, please visit www.wellspring.com.