In the spring of 2010, the state of California launched its new, forward-thinking Innovation Hub (iHub) program in an effort to harness and enhance California’s innovative spirit. The iHubs improve the state’s national and global competitiveness by stimulating partnerships, economic development, and job creation around specific research clusters through state-designated iHubs. The iHubs leverage assets such as research parks, technology incubators, universities, and federal laboratories to provide an innovation platform for startup companies, economic development organizations, business groups, and venture capitalists.
The CalValleyTech (CVT) iHub is managed by the Central Valley Business Incubator and allows us to connect to innovation hubs throughout the state. This provides greater access to key partners and resources as well as positions CVT as the sole iHub in the region. There are a total of twelve iHubs throughout California.
The CalValleyTech iHub, operates within the Central Valley of California, and is a joint partnership of the Central Valley BusinessIncubator and Merced County Department of Commerce, Aviation & Economic Development.
- The focus of the iHub is to foster innovation,commercialize new technologies, strengthen the Valley’srole in local and state economic development and createnew, tech-based, high-paying jobs in the region.
- The effort will primarily support initiatives in the areas of agriculture, water and solar energy technologies.
- The CalValleyTech iHub provides technical assistance in the areas of business incubation and expansion, access to capital resources, and connection to key partners within the region.
- Innovators will benefit from the academic and research partnerships through University of California, Merced and California State University, Fresno.