HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (June 10, 2019) – The University of Alabama in Huntsville officially opened the Invention to Innovation Center (I2C) with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday morning.

The I2C will serve as an incubator to foster growth, innovation and creativity as it supports ties with technological companies, the UAH College of Business and brilliant entrepreneurs of the future. This addition to UAH brings opportunities to Huntsville which will expand existing relationships and cultivate new partnerships among businesses and companies within the Rocket City.

“The Invention to Innovation Center creates the ideal environment to foster STEM-focused learning opportunities, collaboration and new business development,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

“Success will be measured by, one, increased numbers of high tech start-ups, two, expansion opportunities for existing high-tech companies, and, three, diversification of the employment base to include more private sector jobs,” said UAH President Robert Altenkirch. He added that five business are already lined up.

UAH Student Jarrett Grubb said i2C will serve as the link between education and getting into the real world, and added that the building will benefit students in all fields. “The I2C is a building full of opportunity,” said Grubb.

Individuals and organizations who took part in the I2C ribbon cutting included the State of Alabama, a representative for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, UAH Foundation, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, and Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong.