The Rational Siting/Push-Pull Accelerator Project (RSPPA)

The Rational Siting/Push- Pull Accelerator project is a collaboration between Michigan State University (MSU), Dow Chemical, Dow Corning, North Coast Technology Ventures, MBI International, Michigan Molecular Institute, and Midland Tomorrow.  Launched in September, 2003, and funded by the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, RSPPA’s main goal is to develop and launch start-ups around common technology interests shared by the collaborators.  The university-corporate relationship encompasses joint research and development; complementary, co-existing incubation facilities; and supplier and customer connections.

Originally focused on life sciences technologies, the scope of the RSPPA was expanded, with the approval of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in April, 2004, to include all technologies within the Tri-Corridor priorities of the State of Michigan, including Life Sciences, Advanced Automotive Technologies, and Homeland Security. 

Please call OIP for information on how RSPPA can assist your entrepreneurship effort.

Strategic Plan and Goals

• To build on independent, established research momentum at MSU and Dow Chemical and Dow Corning

• To determine and assess the areas of common technology and market interest between MSU and Dow Chemical and Dow Corning

• To build relationships around these common areas, leading to joint commercialization through licensing and start-ups

• To successfully launch 12 start-ups by the conclusion of the initial 36 month period (the grant will end in September, 2006)

• To allocate $400,000 in loan funding (up to $50,000 per loan) for promising start-ups

• To locate start-ups in the Michigan geographic area of highest benefit. The expectation is that East Lansing/Lansing will be home to many start-ups during the formative research stages, while Midland may become optimum at a point of later commercialization.

• To more fully utilize existing incubation facilities in East Lansing/Lansing and Midland

• To improve retention of start-ups within Michigan

• To demonstrate the value of university-corporate collaboration on incubation as a successful model for commercialization and economic development

Partner Organizations:

Midland Tomorrow - http://www.midlandtomorrow.org/

Michigan Biotechnology Institute - http://www.mbi.org/

North Coast Technologies - http://www.northcoastvc.com/

Michigan Molecular Institute (MMI) - http://www.mmi.org/mmi/standard/main/index.html

Dow Corning - http://dowcorning.com/

Dow Chemical - http://dow.com/

RSPPA Related Start-Up Companies