McKinstry setting up new clean tech 'incubator' in Seattle |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Paul Allen's Vulcan wants taller South Lake Union buildings
- Apple seen unveiling iPad 3 in first week of March
- Microsoft, Apple speak out on patents amid mobile-technology wars
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- UW opens New Ventures Facility for startups
- Pioneer Square: a little fiber to go with all that brick
- 'Fast Pitch Forum' to debut May 27 with some familiar names
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
Mass High Tech
McKinstry setting up new clean tech 'incubator' in Seattle
This totally slipped under my radar last week, but the Seattle construction giant McKinstry announced that it plans to open a new 24,000 square foot facility next Spring to jumpstart new clean tech businesses. The facility -- designed by architects NBBJ -- will be developed in an "neo-industrial" style.
Xconomy's Greg Huang gathered some reaction on the new facility today, chatting with folks like Rick LeFaivre of OVP Venture Partners and Michael Butler of Cascadia Capital.
Business incubators are a tough business, as many folks found out during the dot-com bust. And while we've seen the idea revisited more recently in the Internet realm in the forms of Y Combinator, TechStars and The Founder Institute, we haven't seen as much energy going into the idea of a clean tech incubator.
“We are on the forefront of creating some of the most innovative solutions to eliminate energy waste in the built environment,” said Dean Allen, CEO of McKinstry. “Now with the Innovation Center we will have the opportunity to quickly advance new technologies that are working toward that goal, as well as partnering with innovative entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to market.”
I haven't visited the McKinstry offices in Georgetown, but I've heard there nothing short of amazing. McKinstry -- founded in 1960 -- employs over 1,600 people and had revenue of $400 million last year.
Entrepreneurs who are accepted into the innovation center will work on projects in sustainable biofuels, wind manufacturing, solar energy, energy efficiency and smart grid technology, with participants able to tap into the "brain trust" at McKinstry.
It is unclear what requirements it will take for those entrepreneurs to be accepted into the incubator.
But the establishment of the Innovation Center provides a much needed spark for the Seattle area clean tech industry, which lost some luster after the blow up of Imperium Renewables.
But things are starting to pick up. For example, tonight 12 semifinalist companies (from a field of 56 companies) will gather for the 2009 Clean Tech Open.
Maybe some of them will find a future home at McKinstry.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
