GOLDEN, Colo., 22 March 2008. The 8th Continent Project, called the world's most comprehensive effort to integrate space technology and resources into the global economy, won a $150,000 grant from the Colorado Economic Development Commission to start Colorado's first-ever aerospace business incubator, helping the state maintain its national ranking as the second largest private aerospace employer.
The 8th Continent Project, an initiative of the Colorado School of Mines, includes a chamber of commerce, funding network, research center, and the business incubator. The Project is organizing "Space 2.0"--the emerging generation of entrepreneurial space-related business ventures--and working to define the next frontier and solve some of the world's biggest challenges, from global warming to resource and energy development.
"Government, industry, and academia have joined forces with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to forge the next frontier in commercializing space technology and resources," says Colorado governor Bill Ritter. "With our region's unique cluster of businesses, IT infrastructure, research institutions and aerospace workforce, the 8th Continent Project and Colorado's first aerospace incubator will position Colorado at the vortex of 'Space 2.0.'"
The incubator, which will provide services but no office space, will serve companies that are involved in space technology and resource development for everything from activities in space to immediate opportunities on Earth. The companies can include anything that is typically associated with the space program.
The 8th Continent incubator expects to serve 14 to 15 start-ups per year. Burke Fort, executive director of the 8th Continent Project, and John Metzger, CEO of Metzger Associates, will serve as co-directors of the incubator.
