Who runs the business incubator?
The MU Life Sciences Business Incubator is owned by the University of Missouri. The university selected Missouri Innovation Center (MIC) to operate the facility and incubation program. The incubator is an organizational unit of the Office of Research of the University of Missouri, working closely with Technology Advancement and the Division of Research Innovation & Impact.
How long has the Incubator been around?
MIC was formed in 1984 and the current initiative was launched in 2004 jointly by the university and businesses and communities of the area – culminating in the opening of the incubator facility on January 5, 2009.
Is MIC only for university faculty, staff and students?
Priority is given to University-affiliated ventures applying for residency in the incubator. MIC is open to all start-up enterprises with a technology-based product or service. MIC has historically provided assistance to an even mix of entrepreneurs from the university and from the wider community. Business mentoring services are offered to resident and non-resident clients of MIC.
How can I be accepted into MIC’s program?
If your business has the potential for high growth, which usually (but not always) means it involves proprietary technology, you are likely to be eligible to be a resident client of the incubator.
How do I access physical space?
Incubator clients pay a monthly rental fee that includes utilities, access to all of the shared amenities of the business incubator (conference rooms, office productivity center, and most business assistance services). A wide range of spaces are available, from touchdown and co-working areas to large private labs and offices.
How can MIC help my company?
From shared resources to in-house assistance with business planning, access to university students and faculty, and access to potential investors, the Missouri Innovation Center has been helping fledgling technology companies for more than thirty years. For more information visit services or incubator on this website.
Do I have to sign a standard commercial lease?
Incubator leases are designed to give member companies the greatest possible flexibility. Leases guarantee the rental fees for one year, but provide companies with a variety of options to meet their ever-changing needs.
What kind of internet access is available?
Member companies have access to a shared, high-speed T3 designated internet connection which is down-streamed from University of Missouri. There is also a convenience wireless network covering the common areas of the business incubator. IT and telephone services are charged separately based on the number of ports you need.
What are some of the current start-ups at Missouri Innovation Center?
Example MIC companies can be viewed on our clients page.