Universities are known for launching startups, but a couple of schools are really getting into the act. This week the University of Tennessee opened a $2.5 million, 15,000-square-foot business incubator that will give new high-tech companies in the region both a home base and financial support. The incubator is a partnership between the UT Research Foundation, the University itself, Knox County, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Knoxville Utilities Board, the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The groups helped launch the incubator to promote company creation and expansion in the 16-county "Innovation Valley." Last year alone, the Innovation Valley announced more than $227 million in new capital investment, creating 2,400 new jobs.

Then on Thursday, Southeast Missouri State University was scheduled to hold a grand opening for its new business incubator offices, with Gov. Matt Blunt scheduled to participate in the ceremony. This facility includes 11 offices totaling 4,200 square feet. The school expects startups to stay an average of three years, and it hopes to attract businesses in research, light manufacturing, technology and service. Some of the companies already housed in the building are Cyber Nanny Surveillance and River City Biologicals Inc. —Cheryl Meyer

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