In the hopes of technology becoming a catalyst to Columbus’ economy, Columbus City Council member Michael Mentel and other leaders have developed a plan.
The goal of Mentel’s program, Strategic Technology Advancement Relationships, is to bring technological and economic growth to central Ohio.
STAR is designed to attract, develop and grow technology-based businesses, develop and commercialize new technologies, nurture creativity and train knowledgeable workers.
“I hope STAR will facilitate the private business sector and encourage small and medium sized businesses to expand goods and technology exchanges,” he said.
STAR plans to get better acquainted with areas of the world which are experiencing the fastest technological growth.
One of these areas is the southwest region of Ireland.
“A small group will soon be heading to Ireland to begin the process of developing relationships,” Mentel said.
Previously, a group from Ireland came to Columbus to experience what it has to offer and see where the city ranks in terms of being able to develop relationships on an international level.
Attention should be paid to businesses based in the life sciences, Mentel said.
Katy Delaney, a Battelle Memorial Institute spokesperson, said any boost to the life sciences community will be beneficial to Battelle and Columbus.
“There will be more opportunities for jobs in the area and students will be able to participate in more research,” she said. “Battelle is currently working with OSU on a life sciences initiative that will enable the two to work together.”
Delaney also said Battelle makes trips to other areas of the country to aid regions in starting life science programs.
“This is a highly competitive area,” she said.
An example of the STAR program in action is Scitech, a company intensely involved in commercializing new technologies.
“We essentially are the STAR program in the works,” said Ora Smith, president of Scitech. “We are host to 30 start-up companies and 300 jobs. We are doing our part in contributing to the economy.”
Smith said he has hopes the economy will work its magic and intermediaries, like Scitech, will not be needed to bring jobs and innovations to Columbus.
“We are a work in progress, but our ultimate objective is to be not necessary,” he said.
