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What is A-State Innovate?
The Arkansas State University Innovation System (A-State Innovate) is an entrepreneur’s ecosystem where creativity comes to life. By integrating innovation, support for start-ups, technology transfer and a portfolio of partnerships with businesses and communities, A-State Innovate offers opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in connecting to business resources and helps bring ideas to the marketplace.  History of Innovation & Higher Education  Over the last two decades, the majority of job creation in the United States has occurred in young, startup companies. From breakthroughs in medicine and genetics to clean technologies, social media, or education technologies, innovation is becoming a more critical part of all of the products and services available today. While the United States remains the global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, there is constant competition from around the world to maintain that leadership.  As global competition continues to grow, it is critical that the institutions driving innovation improve their ability to develop products and services with market relevance and economic value. Historically, a large portion of America’s investments in innovative companies have been centered in the metropolitan regions. However, universities outside of these areas are now leading the charge to model new entrepreneurial ecosystems. These entrepreneurship programs have a short-term objective of creating educational value for their students and the long-term objective of driving economic growth in their communities. History of A-State Innovate  Arkansas is the home to entrepreneurs like Sam Walton, the Tysons, JB Hunt, and the Stephens. Based on our state’s entrepreneurial and innovative history and recognizing the value of creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem, the A-State Delta Center for Economic Development applied for a U.S. Economic Development Administration i6 Grant and was awarded a half million dollars to get it started. Other partners, such as Arkansas Economic Development Commission-Manufacuring Solutions and the Delta Regional Authority, have also contributed, as well as private sector partners like Ritter Communications and Nucor.  The mission of A-State Innovate is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship and expand the innovative mindset so that communities reach their maximum potential and entrepreneurs thrive in our area. We are too great a region to limit ourselves to small dreams. We need to encourage dreams and equip the dreamers with the tools they need to succeed.  A-State Innovate is an entrepreneur’s ecosystem with multiple locations, and where creativity comes to life. By integrating innovation, support for start-ups, technology transfer, and a portfolio of partnerships with businesses and communities, A-State Innovate offers opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in connecting to business resources and helps bring ideas to the marketplace....  More >><< Less