Tech accelerator advancing; Kick-off event hosted by Kent-Tusc

By LEE MORRISON, T-R Business Editor

An immediate link to high technology is now available as Tuscarawas County prepares for the future.

More than 50 people attended a kick-off event Friday at Tuscarawas Campus of Kent State University at New Philadelphia. The session formally introduced the new Tuscarawas Regional Technology Accelerator located in the Science and Advanced Technology Center at the campus.

The first of its kind in rural Ohio, “the accelerator is the mechanism for putting together the resources that exist within the state of Ohio and our technology-based companies,” said Heinz Stucki, director of the Tuscarawas County Community Improvement Corp.

Keynote speaker Pat Valente, deputy director of the Ohio Department of Development and director of its technology division, talked about efforts the state is making in technology.

“A rural area having a tech park is a significant event in the state of Ohio,” he said.

He said research and development efforts take time, but he is convinced that Ohio can be as successful as any state. He said information technology is one of the fastest growing areas in Ohio.

Valente spoke about several programs available through the state that can assist businesses with technology and making advancements. He also discussed Ohio’s Third Frontier Program aimed at changing the state to a more knowledge-based economy from its historic strong reliance on manufacturing.

The accelerator will provide a place for area companies to meet with field representatives of technology-oriented organizations. The representatives will be on campus at least one day per month.

Technology Spotlight Breakfasts also will be held periodically to focus on technology-related initiatives and resources.

Kent State-Tuscarawas is providing office space, a conference room and office and communications equipment through the Ohio Small Business Development Center there. Scheduling will be arranged by campus staff, and the campus Web site also will host and maintain the accelerator’s Web site.

Among the other speakers Friday was Patricia A. Book, Ph.D. and vice president for regional development for the Kent State University system. Previously with Penn State, Book commented that Ohio always has been a place of ideas, innovations and entrepreneurship.

She said Tuscarawas Campus is exemplary in Kent State’s regional system, especially in terms of its partnerships with the community.

Also speaking were leaders of five organizations that will provide representatives for the accelerator. Stucki, who initiated the idea of the accelerator, is seeking more participants.