SkySong helps students with business ideas
Leslie Philp
SkySong is the new 1.2 million square feet of office, retail and research space as well as a hotel/conference center located in Scottsdale, developed by Plaza Companies.This new building also has resources for Arizona State University and will serve the needs of businesses, the research and technology industries and academics.
“The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center is the place where Arizona State University brings together technology innovation and knowledge-driven industries,” Derek Sarley, Public Relations manager of the SkySong said.
Sarley also illustrated three consecutive points of interest for the SkySong. “Accelerate the market application of research breakthroughs; support student, faculty, regional and global entrepreneurship and promote economic development for Greater Phoenix and Arizona,” Sarley said.
Arizona State University has also located its technology program, entrepreneurial units and select engineering research programs at the SkySong.
“SkySong helps ASU fulfill its commitment to fostering the economic and social well-being of Metropolitan Phoenix,” Julia Rosen, Vice President for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said, “SkySong operates as both a doorway and a magnet for global innovation-based companies looking to enter the U.S. market. Tenant companies benefit by having access to the unmatchable resources of the largest university under one administration in the United States.”
The original grand opening for the SkySong Innovation Center was in March 2008 but the two buildings have just recently reached an 85 percent occupancy.
“The master plan for the 37-acre site was created by design architect Pei Cobb Freed and Partners of New York City along with the Phoenix office DMJM (Daniel, Mann, Johnson and Mendenhall)” Sarley said, “[DMJM] was the architect-of-record on the project.”
As well as the preeminent engineering and research programs offered at the SkySong through ASU, SkySong offers a number of clubs for students to participate in.
“[SkySong] is home to the Edson Student Entrepreneurial Initiative, which provides $200,000 in seed annually to student entrepreneurs,” Sarley said, “We also offer a wide range of events. and even entrepreneur office hours where students can come in and talk to an experienced mentor about how they can turn their idea into a business.
