MTEC SmartZone is energizing high-tech business growth
in the Upper Peninsula. In just 5 years, the MTEC SmartZone has:
- Brought in two fortune 100 companies.
- Helped solidify the establishment of 12 new technology start-ups.
- Seen its charter member graduate to build its own corporate center.
- Is attributed as one of the key components of an economic surge in the Keweenaw
Peninsula.
Local city officials from Houghton and Hancock attribute over 500 spin off jobs to the
impact of core family sustaining jobs.
MTEC SmartZone is attracting big names like GE Aviation and Ford to the Keweenaw.
The advantage is the proximity of the local technology university – Michigan Technological
University – to MTEC SmartZone facilities. In this model, a strong supply of bright-minded
engineering students mean companies like GE Aviation can gain quality entry-level
engineering talent for an attractive rate. In turn, students gain invaluable job
experience and training.
Based on its potential, MTEC SmartZone was awarded a $3.4 million dollar grant
to revamp and upgrade its next facility, the former UPPCO building in Houghton.