Dedication scheduled Wednesday for Florida Innovation Hub at UF

January 9, 2012

WHAT: Florida Innovation Hub at the University of Florida dedication

WHEN: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11

WHERE: 747 SW Second Ave., Gainesville

BACKGROUND: Described as a tech start-up super-incubator, the Florida Innovation Hub at UF is designed to bring together scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. The 48,000-square-foot building is home to UF’s Office of Technology Licensing and UF Tech Connect. Since it opened in October, it also has become home to 15 start-ups as well as the offices of venture capitalists, law firms, design firms and other entities that offer services to start-ups. The Florida Innovation Hub is the first building at Innovation Square, a 40-acre live/work/play urban research park environment under development between the UF campus and downtown Gainesville.

The special guest speaker will be John Fernandez, U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for economic development.

PROGRAM:

• National Anthem, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School Showstoppers
• Win Phillips, UF senior vice president and chief operating officer
• UF President Bernie Machen
• Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe
• U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson
• John Fernandez, U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for economic development
• Jane Muir, associate director, UF Office of Technology Licensing
• Ribbon cutting
• Closing performance, Innovation Hub Robots
• 3 to 4:30 p.m. — open house for the public

CONTACT: Steve Orlando, 352-392-0186, sfo@ufl.edu