IDEAS Center Grand Opening

Published on Mar 9, 2020

We are postponing the IDEAS Center grand opening. A new date will be forthcoming.

Middlesboro, KY – Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) has announced that the college will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a later date for the new Maker’s Space on the Middlesboro Campus.

The innovative space has been named the IDEAS center—Innovation, Design, & Entrepreneurship at Southeast. It is equipped with 3-D printers, laser printers, and other tools to help bring the ideas of aspiring entrepreneurs to reality.

According to Southeast President Vic Adams, “Someone may have an idea for a new tool or a widget that could be used in business or industry, but that person cannot afford the cost of producing a prototype. Our 3-D printers will allow these future visionaries to create a prototype free of charge.”

The space has been made possible by a generous contribution from Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. “We are grateful to our friends at Toyota Tsusho,” said Dr. Adams. “Strong partnerships allow us to stay ahead of the curve, and this one is no different.”

Southeast’s partnership with Toyota Tsusho is unique in that the company will provide mentors to consult with entrepreneurs about getting a patent, introducing the product into wider markets, and guidance with legal considerations.  The IDEAS center will be available to members of the community during weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays.

“Southeast strives to provide our communities with quality, affordable educational and work force opportunities here in our own backyard,” said Dr. Adams. “This space will be an additional way that we can fulfill this mission. We are excited about the possibilities that it will bring into our community.”

 

The IDEAS center will provide a workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs.