About
About the Innovation Center
Founded by Microsoft and three of its partners – Ascentium, Centerlogic and Netdesk – the Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) at Portland
State University is dedicated to driving the expansion of Oregon’s economic development through technology education. Microsoft and its
partners have leveraged the MIC as an industry focal point, allowing the MIC to engage with an array of organizations and groups to discover
new and innovative ways of addressing technology challenges.
In partnering with three of its top companies and in choosing Portland State University as its location, Microsoft has given the MIC a
unique insight into several diversified businesses as well as the educational sector. As a result the MIC has become the ideal center for
networking, education, IT skills training, and innovative ideas.
The MIC is located at Portland State University’s Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science. The MIC will provide a unique
environment for engineering and information technology students at the Maseeh College to work directly with local Microsoft partners to
explore innovative technology and software solutions.
"Portland is already on the map when it comes to regions that are changing the way the world thinks about technology," said
Dean of Portland State University, Dr. Robert D. Dryden at the September 7, 2006, opening of the Microsoft Innovation Center. "By launching
the Microsoft Innovation Center here at PSU, we are creating a facility enabling us not only to attract and retain the best talent here in
Oregon, but also to facilitate the development of innovative new technology on the Microsoft platform.”
Microsoft, its partners, and Portland State University believe the MIC will become an economic engine for software developers in the
region and better position the state to attract and retain top engineering and computer science talent. This investment will help develop
solutions to meet the needs of local government, education, non-profits and businesses.
Some forms of engagement the Microsoft Innovation Center is currently exploring with Portland State University students and faculty
members are:
- Scholarships
- Internships
- User groups
- Research groups
- Microsoft technology sessions and briefings
There are also a variety of MIC activities designed to support local organizations. The goal is to expand economic development efforts
by empowering local organizations. Microsoft and its partners will also align to work with small and medium-size businesses, state and local
government, non-profits, and IT professionals on a number of projects. With this year’s anticipated launch of Vista, SharePoint 2007 and
Windows 2007, the MIC will be the ideal place for these organizations to understand what these software solutions can bring to their
organizations.
Through their commitment and dedication to Oregon and its future, Microsoft and its partners will lead the charge in economic development
through technology education and innovation. At the Microsoft Innovation Center opening, Microsoft Senior Vice Presidnet Jon DeVaan was quoted
as saying, "Technology, both as an industry and as a strategic business asset, has become the primary driver of the global economy." He later
went on to say, "Microsoft's goal is to help communities like Portland be better positioned to influence the industry on a global basis and
capitalize on the economic opportunities that it will create locally."