Software Solutions Leader Wellspring Joins Embry-Riddle Research Park’s MicaPlex
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 in Daytona Beach, Fla., 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. Wellspring joins 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.”
The MicaPlex Technology Business Incubator was recently 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 intake, 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, information technology, professional sports, venture capital, accounting and more. They also will be able to utilize Embry-Riddle's engineering laboratories and its 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 intellectual property (IP) management, Chicago-based Wellspring first connected with Embry-Riddle in 2013 when its Sophia software streamlined the process of securing IP 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 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.”