EVERETT— After a year-long search, the nonprofit Northwest Innovation Resource Center has found a home for its planned innovation lab for inventors and entrepreneurs launching a product or business.
TheLab@Everett, expected to open this fall, will be at 1001 N. Broadway in Everett, a stone’s throw from Washington State University Everett and Everett Community College, said Diane Kamionka, the Innovation Resource Center’s interim executive director.
“This will be our first working office,” said Kamionka, who has been thumbing through carpet and paint samples inside the empty 5,500 square-foot storefront.
When completed, TheLab@Everett will offer regional entrepreneurs and existing businesses a one-stop shop to brainstorm ideas, refine a prototype or just mingle with business owners and industry experts, said Kamionka, who founded Cintech Solutions in Ohio and served as the President and CEO.
“This is going to really help early stage entrepreneurs,” she said.
In addition, TheLab@Everett could help attract employers seeking to expand or move to the region, she said.
“The fact that we have an innovation lab is a big check box for businesses.”
Visitors will be able access work spaces, a common area, 3-D printers and other resources.
TheLab plans to provide space for up to nine startups.
The Bellingham-based NW Innovation Resource Center has been offering entrepreneurs in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties one-on-one mentoring, technical assistance and how-to seminars for nearly a decade.
Additional innovative labs are planned for Arlington and Bellingham, Kamionka said.
The Center’s partners include Everett Community College, Washington State University Everett, venture capital firm Pithia, Economic Alliance Snohomish County and the ports of Everett and Skagit.
Janice Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
