IDEAS Center
Contact
Matthew Warren
- Middlesboro Campus
- 606-248-0679
- MWarren0043@kctcs.edu
- Open Monday-Friday, from 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
About
The innovative space has been named the IDEAS center鈥擨nnovation, Design, & Entrepreneurship at Southeast. It is equipped with 3-D printers, laser printers, and other tools to help bring the ideas of aspiring entrepreneurs to reality.
According to Southeast President Vic Adams, 鈥淪omeone may have an idea for a new tool
or a widget that could be used in business or industry, but that person cannot afford
the cost of producing a prototype. Our 3-D printers will allow these future visionaries
to create a prototype free of charge.鈥
The space has been made possible by a generous contribution from Toyota Tsusho America,
Inc. 鈥淲e are grateful to our friends at Toyota Tsusho,鈥 said Dr. Adams. 鈥淪trong partnerships
allow us to stay ahead of the curve, and this one is no different.鈥
Southeast鈥檚 partnership with Toyota Tsusho is unique in that the company will provide
mentors to consult with entrepreneurs about getting a patent, introducing the product
into wider markets, and guidance with legal considerations. The IDEAS center will
be available to members of the community during weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays.
鈥淪outheast strives to provide our communities with quality, affordable educational
and work force opportunities here in our own backyard,鈥 said Dr. Adams. 鈥淭his space
will be an additional way that we can fulfill this mission. We are excited about the
possibilities that it will bring into our community.鈥