Original Publication Date: April 14, 2009
Contact: Kent Heier
Title: Assistant PR/Marketing Director
Phone: 816-271-4124
Email: kheier@missouriwestern.edu
MTC OFFICIAL VISITS WESTERN’S INCUBATOR;
TWO NEW TENANTS ANNOUNCED
St. Joseph, Mo. —April 15, 2009—Gov. Jay Nixon’s nominee to head the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) visited the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator at Missouri Western State University today, to tour the facility of the incubator’s first commercial tenant, IMULAN BioTherapeutics LLC. The university also announced two new tenants for the incubator.
“This project is a great example of how public-private partnerships can leverage public assets to create high-paying, high-tech jobs in Missouri,” said Jason Hall, Gov. Nixon’s nominee to serve as executive director of MTC. “Missouri is open for business, and we’re thrilled to welcome IMULAN, an exciting addition to Missouri’s world-leading animal health science industry.”
MTC provided funding to fit-out and equip the incubator’s first floor to accommodate IMULAN, an emerging animal health company that describes itself as “providing innovative solutions for complex animal diseases.” Their first commercial product is the only approved treatment aid in the United States for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. They announced plans to relocate from Arizona to the Bond Incubator last fall, and moved in earlier this month.
“Our decision to relocate was based on the cohesive relationship we observed among various state and local entities, including the tremendous support of the county and state for financial assistance.” said Dr. Craig Woods, founder and CEO of IMULAN. “Our proximity to veterinary and medical schools, and the local workforce and personnel expertise of St. Joseph, MO is unparalleled and provides IMULAN the foundation for rapid growth in the coming years.”
IMULAN and the Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences (IIALS), a public-private partnership that was the incubator’s first tenant and manages the facility for Western, have been joined by two other tenants: DT Search and Designs LLC, a firm that researches and develops products in military telecommunications, animal waste management and other industries; and the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), a non-profit organization dedicated to controlling animal diseases in the U.S.
“We’re excited about both of these tenants,” said Dr. Gary Clapp, president and CEO of IIALS. “DT Search and Designs received a Missouri Rising Star of Innovation award from the University of Missouri Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship earlier this year and is poised to grow. USAHA is an established organization that is a natural fit with the region’s vital animal health industry.”
The Bond Incubator, located on Mitchell Avenue just west of Interstate 29, opened its doors last June. It is named for Missouri Sen. Christopher Bond, who was instrumental in securing a federal grant from the Economic Development Administration to pay for the building’s construction. The addition of DT Search and Designs and USAHA leaves about 10,000 square feet in the 25,000 square-foot building available for another eight to 10 tenants, Dr. Clapp said.
About Western: Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo. and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.
About MTC: The Missouri Technology Corporation was created by the General Assembly in 1994 and is charged by law with leading the state's efforts in technology-based economic development and turning high-tech progress into the jobs and products of tomorrow.