Connecticut Innovations (CI), the state’s quasi-public authority responsible for technology-based economic development, today announced it has launched the Connecticut Innovation Ecosystem (Innovation Ecosystem) initiative and issued two requests for qualifications (RFQs) for entities to assist with implementation of this initiative. The Innovation Ecosystem is one of several new initiatives being launched by CI under its recently announced plan to deploy $250 million over the next five years, including $125 million in new funding from the State of Connecticut. The Innovation Ecosystem will be supported with $4.8 million in the first year from this pool of new State funding.
In the U.S., the majority of net job creation comes from young companies. The purpose of the Innovation Ecosystem is to help scalable young companies start and grow in Connecticut, improving the pipeline of potential investments for local investors, including CI.
“We want Connecticut’s entrepreneurship support system to function like an ecosystem—a dynamic, vibrant business environment where young ventures can grow and succeed,” said Catherine Smith, chair of CI and commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). “This effort seeks to help entrepreneurs and economic development leaders make Connecticut one of the best places in the country to start and grow a company.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Innovation Ecosystem Initiative Launched with Two RFQs
