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Who runs the Incubator Program?
The Incubator is owned and operated by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It is a department within the Office of Intellectual Property, Technology Commercialization, and New Ventures. Rensselaer also has a Technology Park.
How long has the Incubator been around?
The Incubator Program was founded in 1980, making it the first wholly university-based incubator in the nation. At the time of its inception there were fewer than a dozen incubators in the United States. There are now nearly 1,000.
Is the Incubator Program only for RPI students and Faculty?
The Incubator Program is open to all start-up enterprises with a technology-based product or service. Historically, one-third of our tenant companies have been founded by RPI students or recent Alumni, one-third by Faculty, and one-third by members of the general community.
How can I be accepted into the program?
If your business meets the criteria above, the first step usually involves setting up an informal exploratory meeting to introduce your business to the Incubator staff and visit our facilities. If your business is deemed appropriate for the Incubator, the next and final step is to submit a formal business plan for review. The Incubator staff can assist prospective companies with their business plans. For more information on business plans visit Business Resources.
Do I have to give up equity to join the Incubator?
The Incubator does not take an equity position
in the firms within its program. Instead, it charges its member
companies a monthly program fee which covers the lease of space,
use of shared business equipment, and access to consulting services
and referrals by Incubator staff. For a more detailed description
of program services and fees, see our Services
section.
How can the Incubator Program 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 Incubator Program has been helping fledgling technology companies for twenty years. For more information visit Services or Resources.
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 allow companies to move out, add space, or consolidate their offices with one month’s notice.
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 RPI. For information on prices see Fees.
Are there any jobs available at the Incubator?
The Incubator is home to many young and growing enterprises that often have full and part-time positions available.
How can I find out about incubators in my area?
A list of NY technology incubators can be found in the Business Resources Page. Another great place to start is the National Business Incubation Association.
What are some of the current start-ups involved the Incubator program?
An updated list of Incubator companies can be viewed on our Tenants page, including brief descriptions and links to the home pages of the program’s current tenants.
Is it possible to visit the Incubator?
If you are in the area and would like to
see our program contact Michael Tentnowski or Tammy Cousins
by phone at 518-276-6658 or by e-mail at tentnm@rpi.edu and
cousit@rpi.edu . |
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