FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Sept. 16, 2016

NORMAN – A new era of opportunity, inspiration and creativity is launching at the University of Oklahoma with the opening of the Innovation Hub during the week of Sept. 19. This cutting-edge facility is designed to foster the creation, refinement and implementation of innovative ideas. 

The Innovation Hub features multiple zones that can be utilized by students, faculty and staff. The digital fabrication lab brings ideas to tangible reality through 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC milling machines, a woodshop and on-site experts. The data visualization zone utilizes virtual reality to immerse users in the world of informatics. The collaboration zone has customizable spaces for students to meet and work together on their projects and ideas, including initiating new technology-based business and jobs for Oklahoma’s future economy.

The Innovation Hub works across the university to support the innovation ecosystem. Events, training and mentoring are just a few of the services the Innovation Hub will provide to students, faculty and staff who are interested in maturing ideas and beginning companies. To provide even more resources for start-up companies, the university has co-located its Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth and the Price College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship in the Innovation Hub. 

“We want students to be able to express their ideas and have the support to make them happen,” said Erin Wolfe, executive director of OU’s Office of Strategic Initiatives. “The Innovation Hub aims to help everyone to be inspired, regardless of academic program.” 

The facility also includes a technology-enhanced active learning classroom, a café and an outdoor seating area.

During opening week, the Innovation Hub will feature food, entertainment and talks from industry leaders. A complete list of events is available on the Innovation Hub website at innovation.ou.edu.

The Innovation Hub also welcomes its new executive director, Tom Wavering, the week of the opening. Wavering has led the research, development and commercialization of innovative products for almost 20 years, most recently as an executive with Intelligent Automation Inc. in Rockville, Maryland.

“The Innovation Hub is an exciting opportunity to nurture ideas and grow them into amazing potential,” Wavering said. “I am honored to join the University of Oklahoma and collaborate with OU’s incredible students, faculty and staff as well as the broader community.”

The Innovation Hub is an interactive learning facility that encourages innovation, product development, training, mentoring and entrepreneurship. The Innovation Hub is located at 201 David L. Boren Blvd., Three Partners Place, First Floor, Norman, OK 73109. For more information, please visit  innovation.ou.edu.