ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
A collaborative ecosystem of innovation The Zimin Institute’ s innovation model is holistic. It funds and partners across every stage of the value chain – from early research to product development, commercialisation and scaling. This integrated approach contrasts with typical funding agencies that restrict support to narrow stages.
The Institute leverages a culture of innovation and risk taking embedded in the Phoenix metro area. Municipalities play critical roles, granting permission, technical support and physical spaces to trial technologies. ASU faculty, research staff and students bring foundational fundamental expertise, ideas and problem-solving capability. Existing startups bring nascent technology solutions to the table, while new ASU spinouts move solutions from the lab to practical realisation. These startups drive the field tests pilot deployments enabled by the cities, while successful field tests open the door to new opportunities and commercialisation.
“ We don’ t just fund and walk away,” Gregory says.“ We work interactively with our project directors, help them overcome obstacles and navigate speedbumps, and connect them with partners.” This collaborative ecosystem is the foundation for the institute’ s success in turning scientific ideas into impactful urban solutions.
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