Interview with Ken Moreano on Scott Technology Center, Innovation Accelerator

Last week, the Omaha World-Herald ran a story on the Scott Technology Center (pictured above) describing its partnership with the Innovation Accelerator. We’re very excited about the Innovation Accelerator (which has been in the works for some time) and can’t wait to be able to help promote and unveil more information about the organization when it’s…

1208_ScottTech

Last week, the Omaha World-Herald ran a story on the Scott Technology Center (pictured above) describing its partnership with the Innovation Accelerator. We’re very excited about the Innovation Accelerator (which has been in the works for some time) and can’t wait to be able to help promote and unveil more information about the organization when it’s fully ready to launch.

A place for ideas to grow By Pat Waters • Published Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009

The Innovation Accelerator, the newest occupant at Scott Technology Center, is like an intellectual dating service for technology wizards, aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses.

“You can’t just throw anyone together,” said Executive Director Traci Hancock. “You want personalities to match and be productive.”

Ken Moreano, executive director of the technology center […]

Read the full article

1208_KenMoreanoThis week, SPN conducted an email interview with Ken Moreano, Executive Director of the Scott Technology Center, to get some insights into the new program, how it fits into the overall mission and goals of STC’s incubator, and its potential to have a regional impact.

Note: Editor has added links in Ken’s responses.

SPN: Please share with us a bit of the background and mission of the Scott Technology Center (STC)?

Ken Moreano: In 2001, local civic and philanthropists had a vision for Omaha to develop a technology and engineering entrepreneurial business community. In an effort to meet this need and attempt to help technologically grow Omaha, The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation developed the Scott Technology Center. The outcome is a non-profit technology and business incubator that began operations in 2002.

The Mission is to develop and facilitate the commercialization of emerging technologies while adding value to partnerships with industry, government and academia.

SPN: What’s your role as Executive Director?

KM: We have a great team at STC. As a lean operation, we have the overall job description of “duties as assigned.” This includes, acting as a liaison between business, government and academia; vetting and performing due diligence on startup companies; serving as a mentor to startups; construction management; performing landlord and leasing responsibilities; maintenance and operations oversight; and project management to name some of what we do here at Scott Tech.

SPN: What other companies call STC home?

KM: Our campus has evolved over the past eight years. We have developed from 5,000 square feet in 2002 to over 220,000 square feet of facilities in 2009. Organizations that reside on campus range from corporate giants like Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Raytheon Company and Interpublic Group (IPG) to mid size companies like 21st Century Systems Inc. and Sterling Computers. These companies have been key partners to both Scott Technology and the Peter Kiewit Institute as they have provided internships, workforce development opportunities and teaming arrangements.

SPN: We see a lot of activity going on with STC these days, what are some of the things that you’re most excited about?

KM: We are most excited about the next phase of our incubator program. Though we have supported startups for eight years and were the initial home for Proxibid, our program now is interacting with innovators from the region as well as throughout the country. It is our hope that through this interaction the outcomes of exposure to early stage, high growth companies will result in both cross pollination of ideas between and relocation of human capital to our community.

SPN: How was it that the Innovation Accelerator (IA) ended up being located at the STC? They don’t seem like your typical startup tenant.

KM: Serendipity

SPN: The article describes one of the roles of the IA as a “matchmaker.” Can you expand on this description?

KM: My perspective is that the IA really acts as an overall mentor for startup, innovative businesses. As such, they source experts and possible executive management, identify potential beta testers and first customers, and act as a sounding board for strategy among several other roles.

SPN: How can STC play a role in assisting technologists and entrepreneurs?

KM: As a neutral entity, Scott Technology has relationships with business, government and academia. As an example, in our community we welcome the opportunity to work with the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Omaha and Medical Center as well as Creighton University. Being neutral, we are often invited into projects that require sourcing of talent, capital, or mentors to assist technologists and entrepreneurs. Considering that our agenda is directed toward the overall technological and entrepreneurial betterment of the community, we can leverage our relationships and infrastructure in a transparent manner. This often leads to introductions of an innovation that can assist large or small entities in resolving their problem areas.

SPN: How does the potential exposure of the IA start to benefit the region?

KM: We have been exposed to companies like VSee.com, executive and technical leadership (highlighted in the article), which we historically have not interacted with or had a direct introduction to. It is our hope that through the interaction and exposure of what our community has to offer, the grantees that the IA works with will see that this is a place that welcomes innovation, understands risk and provides a venue to not only have beta testing but also provides first customer opportunities for their innovation.

SPN: For you, what is the single most exciting aspect of your partnership with the IA?

KM: We are excited to have a partner like the IA on campus. There are a number of collaborative projects that we are discussing with them. Categorically, we are exploring IA being involved with projects that include partners in the University of Nebraska system, Scott Tech providing resources and infrastructure to IA related projects as well as asking IA for introductions to potential Springboard Series presenters.

SPN: We’ve heard rumors of a new STC website in the works. What changes or additions might we see? What’s the impetus behind redoing the site?

KM: Yes, we have been working through the process of getting our site updated. Over the past eight years our campus has evolved. The intent of the updated site is to clearly state what Scott Technology Center offers in support of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology infrastructure.

SPN: Any closing thoughts? Information or teasers about any upcoming things you’re working on or excited about?

KM: There are several projects that we are looking forward to launching. One includes an organized, early stage focused capital resource. We have been aware of local interest to support such an effort and look forward to see that become reality.

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