The Midwest Research University Network (MRUN) - Transparent, Systematic and Connected
Regional Cooperation for Local Startup Development
We are about Midwest Startups. We bring together the people behind the ideas, the talent and the capital that drive research and technology commercialization. Bringing university researchers, entrepreneurs, management talent, and early-stage investors together at the right time and with the right chemistry remains a critical challenge in the Midwest. The Midwest University Research Network (MRUN) is a Midwest-wide network focused on connecting those who create, fund and grow high tech ventures. MRUN fosters regional cooperation to facilitate local startup development by:
We are about Midwest Startups. We bring together the people behind the ideas, the talent and the capital that drive research and technology commercialization. Bringing university researchers, entrepreneurs, management talent, and early-stage investors together at the right time and with the right chemistry remains a critical challenge in the Midwest. The Midwest University Research Network (MRUN) is a Midwest-wide network focused on connecting those who create, fund and grow high tech ventures. MRUN fosters regional cooperation to facilitate local startup development by:
- Focusing on the commercialization of IP based scientific inventions into products and services
- Providing conferences and programs on education and training on commercialization and related key areas
- Supporting the commercialization efforts of our members through integrated networks to leverage and establish development and investment opportunities
- Integrating common interests and needs for regional programming and funding support
Origins
MRUN originated in 2002 as an informal working committee of university technology transfer managers from across the region. All faced common problems in commercializing university research through startup formation. In the Midwest, information about sources of financing, identification of management talent, and opportunities for collaboration have been limited by under-developed networks and sub-optimal critical mass in even the most robust of Midwest high-tech communities.
In the last several years ecosystems that provide startup life-support have evolved in many cities across the region but without communication across the numerous geographically dispersed nodes of high-tech startups concentration, innovation does not scale. MRUN serves as a venue where those engaged in building startups could exchange ideas and apply them in the context of their own institutional practices, constraints and cultures.
MRUN’s top priority is relationship building to improve Midwest connectivity among those who create fund and grow university and high tech startups. A life support system for startups is about people connecting with people to provide access to mentoring, management talent, capital, suppliers and customers. MRUN believes individual action by those involved day to day in creating and funding technology ventures will produce better startups in a shorter time.
In the last several years ecosystems that provide startup life-support have evolved in many cities across the region but without communication across the numerous geographically dispersed nodes of high-tech startups concentration, innovation does not scale. MRUN serves as a venue where those engaged in building startups could exchange ideas and apply them in the context of their own institutional practices, constraints and cultures.
MRUN’s top priority is relationship building to improve Midwest connectivity among those who create fund and grow university and high tech startups. A life support system for startups is about people connecting with people to provide access to mentoring, management talent, capital, suppliers and customers. MRUN believes individual action by those involved day to day in creating and funding technology ventures will produce better startups in a shorter time.