Kaptur: Brook Park’s Ohio Aerospace Institute awarded $778,000 to assist in high-tech commercialization and job creation
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) today, announced $778,352 Economic Development Administration award to the Ohio Aerospace Institute. This award will help establish a partnership with other funds going to partners in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to focus on developing innovative, new technology in aerospace and water resources.
"This award establishes an economic framework for regional experts right here in Ohio, to work toward big advancements in aerospace technology," said Kaptur. "Setting our sights on what lies beyond the horizon, brings out the best in our Nation. Congratulations to the Ohio Aerospace Institute and its partners. I am committed to supporting this work in Congress and working together to create jobs and new technology that leverage our brilliant local aerospace researchers and experts, all with the potential to make history in aerospace research."
Jeff Rolf, President & CEO of Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), says "At OAI, we're thrilled to be a part of creating an ecosystem, with our partners, that will grow sustainable employment in high-tech industries, while answering the needs of our federal agencies with commercially viable goods and services."
The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) will administer this grant in partnership with the Milwaukee 7(M7). OAI is a non-profit organization that enhances the aerospace competitiveness of its corporate, federal agency, non-profit, and university members through research and technology development, workforce preparedness and engagement with networks for innovation. OAI conducts sponsored research as well as developing and managing research and technology partnerships. M7 is a group of seven counties of southeastern Wisconsin: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. M7 was formed to create a regional, cooperative economic development platform for the seven counties.
Other partners include: the Ohio Development Services Agency (State of Ohio), the Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga County, the Gund Foundation, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Team NEO, Jumpstart, Cleveland Water Alliance, Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Council, ZIN Tech, GL Bio, the University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, MAGNET, the Milwaukee Water Council, and University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
More information from the Economic Development Administration:
This EDA investment funds a feasibility study to identify and assess current economic development assets within the Cleveland and Milwaukee areas, to forge new and stronger connections between technological commercialization, entrepreneurial business development, and manufacturing networks. Completion of the project will support the growth of high-technology clusters and creation of high-wage jobs in non-traditional manufacturing sectors, which will provide economic stability, diversification and strengthen the local economy.
EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application's merit, the applicant's eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA's grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov.
###