ASU SkySong Celebrates Anniversary
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 6, 2009) – ASU SkySong celebrated its first anniversary by showcasing the high-tech firms that have been attracted to the innovation center over the past year.
“Rather than tell you what innovation means, we’re going to show you,” said Julia Rosen to the more than 250 guests who attended the morning event in April at SkySong, located at Scottsdale and McDowell roads. Rosen is ASU associate vice president for innovation and entrepreneurship and in charge of the ASU SkySong program.Guests visited with 35 companies affiliated with ASU SkySong ranging from manufacturers of clean aviation biofuel and high-performance skateboard components to designers of a new form of digital wireless transmission and an audio signature verification system used for security.
“ASU SkySong is an economic development engine that is attracting companies that will create Arizona’s future jobs,” Rosen said. “We’ve made extraordinary progress over the past year. ASU space on the second and third floors are open and more than 150 ASU students are engaged at ASU SkySong as entrepreneurs, scholars and co-designers of the ASU space. Programs up and running include InnovationSpace, a transdisciplinary product development program and the ASU Gaming Curriculum.”
Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane said the region in which ASU SkySong is located has always been one of the major commercial epicenters of Scottsdale. “We recognize that SkySong will be the hub of what’s developed in the McDowell Corridor and are looking forward to working with ASU and other SkySong partners to continue to leverage the assets of this area and to move this region in a positive growth direction.”Over the past year, SkySong has:
- Worked with 44 enterprises from 11 countries, including Turkey, Japan, U.K., Mexico and Singapore.
- Attracted 36 enterprises from seven countries with full-time physical presence at SkySong and employing more than 500 people.
- Introduced entrepreneurs to Arizona in high technology fields that include alternative fuels, gaming, elearning, communications and imaging.
In addition, 43 ASU students have been hired by SkySong companies.
SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, is a mixed-use development consisting of 1.2 million square feet of office, retail and residential space. Within the development is ASU SkySong, the most welcoming location for firms entering or expanding with the United States. ASU SkySong is an innovation center designed to help companies grow by providing business services and programs offered or facilitated by Arizona State University.
View Photos of the Event or watch the Gaming@ASU video for the Gaming Lab inauguration.
###
CONTACT:
Nick Quan
Denise Resnik & Associates
(602) 956-8834