Corporate America, Meet the Maker Movement

Posted Dec 04, 2020

Otterbein University is partnering with leading organizations from the private and public sectors in central Ohio to create a new science, technology, engineering, arts and math innovation center.

The center will bring together educators, business, industry and regional economic planning and development partners all in one location, creating a unique resource for students, entrepreneurs and the Westerville community.

According to a feasibility study commissioned from Boyette Strategic Advisors, the project would be one-of-a-kind in the entire country, and follows a series of strategic objectives recently set forth by the Westerville Economic Development Plan.

The study conservatively estimates the direct impact of the project will result in the creation of 200 jobs in five years totaling $16 million in payroll. The state and local tax impact over five years is projected at $3.6 million.

“The center is a first-of-its-kind concept that offers the opportunity for dynamic integration of academic curriculum with the business community, while also serving as a catalyst for an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Westerville,” said Otterbein President Kathy Krendl. “This new center positions Otterbein as a leader among universities with strong liberal arts and sciences traditions.”

Located at 60 Collegeview Road in Westerville, The Point  is home to three resident companies and Otterbein academic departments, with lab space available to businesses and the broader community. The center’s first resident companies will be PolymerOhio, Ikove Capital Partners and Nikola Labs.

Gary Maul, director of Otterbein’s systems engineering program, said the The Point is unique in that it is a center not just for ideas, but also for action.

Visit The Point today, take a tour, become a member- join the maker generation!