Progress is being made in securing tenants in one of the last large industrial areas available for development in southwest Everett. Here’s a press release from Snohomish County announcing the latest.
Graphic provided by Soundview Innovation Campus
“Snohomish County is an emerging leader in clean tech for the State of Washington. By working with private partners and non-profits, this partnership is a strong step forward in the creation of the first physical accelerator space for our state. It will provide the type of support and assistance needed to help entrepreneurs and businesses succeed,” said County Executive Dave Somers. “I’ve made it a priority to encourage innovation and the diversification of our economy, particularly with this kind of job-creating opportunity.”
With a pledge of a space donation by Soundview Innovation Campus and generous support from the Toyota Mobility Foundation this year, the Accelerator will seek opportunities to utilize the Soundview Innovation Campus Collaboration Center in Everett in the delivery of its program supporting cleantech startups that have technical expertise but require support in business creation. Building on the foundation of the CleanTech Alliance and an existing virtual CleanTech Accelerator, this space will offer physical tools, collaboration zones and events for early stage entrepreneurs within the county and region.
“As a company known for its innovation, the Toyota Mobility Foundation is proud to support and be a partner in the early stage of establishing the first physical cleantech accelerator space in the State of Washington, and we look forward to the great innovation that will come,” said Ryan Klem, Toyota Mobility Foundation Director of Programs and Partnerships. This year, TMF provided an initial grant for the Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator to target and recruit mobility focused startups into the virtual program. This new collaborative space will also help to attract entrepreneurs and innovators solving problems in the mobility and transportation sectors.
“With the State of Washington leading the pack in cleantech innovation, the establishment of this accelerator space in Snohomish County helps advance our expanding energy and sustainability sectors. I applaud the private sector and government partners who are working to make this vision a reality,” said J. Thomas Ranken, President/CEO of CleanTech Alliance.
“Soundview truly has a unique space and it is grounded in the drive for new innovation. This is the foundation of our company’s vision. We see this center as a hub for innovation and collaboration for the county and the region. We are excited by the possibilities and that we are able to be a partner in helping many entrepreneurs and companies take their ideas to the next step and beyond,” said Ali Nathoo of Soundview.
“I appreciate the leadership of Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and our private sector partners to boost the state’s economy and protect our environment,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “This type of work will help us build a sustainable economy for generations to come.”
“I am proud to support this cleantech accelerator space,” said County Councilmember and CleanTech Alliance board member Stephanie Wright. “There is a significant need for this type of resource, and I look forward to seeing the job-creating innovation that comes from this.”
The clean tech industry employs nearly 90,000 workers across Washington State and is supported by more than $1 billion in venture capital and many world class research institutions, including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington State University, and the University of Washington.
About Snohomish County
Snohomish County is the third largest and one of the fastest growing counties in the State of Washington. Snohomish County is home to the largest manufacturing facility in the world and is one of the top tourist destinations in the region. From the waves of Puget Sound to the ice fields of Glacier Peak, Snohomish County has diverse ecosystems, while also being home to a thriving agriculture industry and dynamic urban centers. www.snohomishcountywa.gov
About CleanTech Alliance
CleanTech Alliance represents over 400 companies spanning ten U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. Founded in 2007 by business and cleantech leaders, the Alliance facilitates the generation and growth of cleantech companies and jobs through a variety of educational programs, research, products and services. www.cleantechalliance.org/
About the Toyota Mobility Foundation
The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, government, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Programs include resolving transportation problems, expanding the utilization of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next generation mobility. www.toyotamobilityfoundation.org
About Soundview Innovation Campus
The Soundview Innovation Campus promotes innovation as a primary driver for enhancing the future of humanity by creating a platform for world class innovators and provides affordable place to scale innovations and businesses for diverse businesses. https://soundviewinnovationcampus.com/
January 5, 2020
Everett Economy