By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Muskegon’s Edison Landing, the 32-acre Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone, is home to a 25,000-square-foot alternative and renewable energy endeavor where researchers and businesses can develop alternative energy technologies. MAREC, the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, a cooperative effort of Grand Valley State University and several other organizations, is also a cutting-edge resource for alternative energy education.
One primary focus is helping start-up energy related technology companies get their businesses off the ground through its alternative energy business incubator, a 2,500-square-foot office and lab space. Powered solely by renewable energy generated on-site, MAREC’s Gold LEED-certified building is a prime example of alternative energy applications in use.
“We provide space for product development,” said Imad Mahawili, executive director. “We also provide contacts with law firms and financial advisors, such as CPAs and patent lawyers, and we have access to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the State of Michigan.”
Mahawili said that the laboratory space is not a chemical wet lab, but a space for testing alternative energy theories and products. Entrepreneurs have access to a conference area, boardroom, and flexible lab space. Lease rates are determined by the services used and space needed.
“Usually, they come with an idea,” Mahawili said. “Right away I advise them to contact a patent attorney to protect them and we talk about their business plan. When it comes to financing we can direct them to the 21st Century Jobs Fund, and other resources.”
Due to confidentiality issues, Mahawili declined to comment on the exact nature of the businesses currently in the incubator. However he did say that three of them are investigating renewable alternative energy, and a fourth is developing advanced technology for occupancy detection.
Mahawili expects the first two graduates of the incubator to launch their businesses sometime this fall.
Source: Imad Mahawili, Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
Deborah Johnson Wood is Development News Editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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