Kogod’s AU Center for Innovation Moves to Larger Facility
The Kogod School of Businesses AU Center for Innovation (AUCI) will move into AU’s Don Meyers Technology and Innovation Building, according to a recent press release from the school. The move will expand the AUCI from 400 to 2,000 square feet, making for both a physical and curricular upgrade to the entrepreneurship programs.
“We didn’t have the same opportunities to work together in the smaller space,” said AUCI Director Siri Terjesen.
“It really feels like we’re part of the DC entrepreneurship ecosystem now. We have a space where students can create solutions to problems, and really make a difference.”
The AUCI currently has 400-plus students enrolled in classes. Following the move, the Center will offer three new courses: an independent study for students researching entrepreneurship; an independent study for start-up companies; and a Fed Tech Commercialization class.
The new space also features upgraded amenities, such as a new lounge and kitchenette. An entrepreneurship library will also be added in the near future.
The new AUCI is positioned close to the Technology and Innovation Building, which houses AU’s computer science, physics, math and statistics departments, as well as the university’s game design and persuasive play program. This close proximity is sure to lead to some interesting student partnerships at AUCI’s Incubator.
“The AUCI and the incubator provide a hub for entrepreneurship across the entire campus. Some of our most promising ventures include students from biology, computer science, public health, physics and SIS, in addition to Kogod,” says Bill Bellows, Co-Director of AUCI’s incubator. “By locating our center in the Myers building, we will have Kogod faculty in direct proximity to our colleagues so we can develop more frequent collaboration.”
This isn’t the only bit of press for the Center: AUCI was recently spotlighted by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) as one of the world’s top 20 entrepreneurship centers.
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Max Pulcini
Max Pulcini is a Philadelphia-based writer and reporter. He has an affinity for Philly sports teams, Super Smash Bros. and cured meats and cheeses. Max has written for Philadelphia-based publications such as Spirit News, Philadelphia City Paper, and Billy Penn, as well as national news outlets like The Daily Beast.
