Page 28 - Innovation Delaware 2021

WHY DELAWARE?
MELISSA A. HARRINGTON
BILL PROVINE
people in a space together where they can collaborate,” says TRACY SHICKEL, director of economic development for the STAR Campus.
UD’s STAR Campus brings private business, academics, nonprofits and the community together in an ever- developing hub of innovation in health, energy, the environment and financial technology and services.
The campus’ design is intentional, says Matt. Research labs are placed across from clinics in the health sciences building so that different groups can work together. Business offices are in the same building as classrooms. It’s all set up to build more opportunities for different groups to interface. Having the community involved inspires new work, she says.
“There’s really nothing like this in the country,” says MICHAEL SMITH, director of strategic initiatives for UD. The 272
Currently, 18 startups are working in areas as diverse as aquaculture and DNA libraries. The space can also provide investment dollars. In 2020, it gave out a total of $265,000 to three startup companies through the First Fund program.
“There are so many elements that are important. What science-based innovation gives us is that bedrock
to support many other things,” says Provine. Early-stage companies have limited cash, and Delaware is a good place to make funding dollars go further, he says.
Proximity Creates Innovation
Sometimes those dollars go further be- cause things are so much closer together. “Good things happen when you put
DREAM. DESIGN. SUCCEED.
FinTech Building at STAR Campus
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania West Chester, Pennsylvania Wilmington, Delaware www.bernardon.com
26 DelawareBusinessTimes.com
TRACY SHICKEL
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JOE DEL TUFO/MOONLOOP PHOTOGRAPHY
MOONLOOP PHOTOGRAPHY