If you build it, they will come. At least that's UF's intent for the Florida Innovation Hub.
About 250 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday afternoon for the 45,000-square-foot building that will contain space for UF startup technology companies.
The facility, scheduled to be completed by fall 2011, will be located on the corner of Southwest Second Avenue and Southwest Seventh Terrace.
The project was funded in part by an $8.2 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration. UF gave another $5 million, according to a press release.
Officials expect programs and activities at the Florida Innovation Hub to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, students and service providers to commercialize more UF research.
"The hub will serve as a catalyst to get innovation from university laboratories into the marketplace, where it can have an impact on the world while creating jobs in Florida," UF President Bernie Machen said.
The architecture of the hub will allow the building to serve as a meeting place between downtown Gainesville and UF's campus, Machen said. The facility will provide office space, laboratories, conference rooms and will house the main commercialization offices for the university.
According to Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe, the facility is sensible because it creates a meeting place with all of the capabilities that the hub will have.
"What can we do to bring the university and the community closer together?" Lowe said. "This project, this innovation hub, is the answer."
