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Posted on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 5:50 a.m.

Acquisitions of U-M startups result of region's growing prominence in innovative tech opportunities

By Daryl Weinert

The recent acquisition of University of Michigan spinoff Arbor Networks by Texas-based Tektronix Communications, a subsidiary of Washington, D.C.-based Danaher Corp. (NYSE: DHR), underscores the growing national attention being garnered by University of Michigan startup ventures.

With the announcement, Arbor Networks became the third local U-M startup acquired in as many years. In 2008, HealthMedia, a software firm, was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Late last year, HandyLab, a medical device manufacturer, was acquired by global medical technology firm Becton, Dickinson and Company..

These acquisitions are a result of the growing prominence of our region as a producer of innovative technology opportunities and high potential ventures. This steady flow of startup businesses maturing into successful enterprises is also good for the local economy, as the parent companies have agreed to continue to invest and grow operations locally.

The university continues to build its portfolio of startups through the Michigan Venture Center - U-M Tech Transfer’s business formation arm - whose mission is to enhance university-related startup activity. Historically, the university has launched between 8 and 12 new startups each year, which ranks among the top 5 of all universities. The Venture Center is charged with increasing the speed and quality of the new startup opportunities launched, helping our regional economy.

In a move to further catalyze the growing connections between the university and the business community, U-M Tech Transfer will join several other groups, including the Business Engagement Center, at a new location in the University’s North Campus Research Complex at the end of September. Within the complex, the Venture Center will launch a business accelerator, offering space and additional venture services to university startups. This cluster of activity will create a critical mass of comprehensive business-assistance and commercialization services for faculty, students, entrepreneurs and industrial partners in one high-profile campus location.

Daryl Weinert is the executive director of the University of Michigan’s Business Engagement Center. He can be reached at weinert@umich.edu.

Comments

Jeremy

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 10:40 a.m.

Exactly - here's to hoping the State and the University can commit to further exploration of this arena. Not only does it promote world class research, but problem solving, and the growth of the business community in the State. I hope that other institutions in Michigan can follow suit as well.