University Advancement

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CSUN Innovation Center Receives $23,500 Grant to Help
Engineering Students Develop Prototypes for Their Entrepreneurial Ideas

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2007) Cal State Northridge has received a $23,500 grant from the National Collegiate Innovators and Inventors Alliance (NCIIA) that will provide seed money to student entrepreneurs and faculty members to develop prototypes of their ideas.

The NCIIA grant to the Ernie Schaeffer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship also will help institute a new course in product development and entrepreneurship and fund basic materials, supplies and travel expenses.

"The grant recognizes the potential the center has and the importance of the work we are doing to inspire our students faculty and community members to think outside the box and pursue their innovative and entrepreneurial ideas," said Nhut Tan Ho, director of the Schaeffer Center and an assistant professor of mechanical engineering.

The Schaeffer Center was established a year ago in CSUN’s College of Engineering and Computer Science to promote the development of innovation and entrepreneurship-related knowledge and skills among CSUN students, faculty, alumni and the community at large. It was created with a $2-million pledge by pioneering inventor and entrepreneur Ernie Schaeffer.

In addition to serving as a conduit between students and real-world inventors and entrepreneurs, the center also strengthens faculty professional development, holds seminars, lectures and panel discussions and conducts other activities consistent with its mission and resources.

The NCIIA is an initiative of The Lemelson Foundation and provides grant support to colleges around the country for the creation of E-Team courses, projects, networking opportunities and resources for faculty and student innovators. In this instance, "E" stands for excellence and entrepreneurship.

Based in Portland, Oregon, The Lemelson Foundation uses its resources to inspire, encourage and recognize inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs, with a growing emphasis on those who harness invention for sustainable development where the needs are greatest. The foundation has donated or committed more than $110 million in support of its mission in the U.S. and developing countries.

CSUN’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is home to several nationally recognized programs where students gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside faculty members and industry professionals on cutting-edge research.