Oakland University is home to a little known resource students and faculty do not know much about — the OU INCubator.

“OU INC is an organization that is directly tied to the school of engineering and computer science. It includes the smartzone business incubator, or accelerator and the Clean Energy Research Center,” Amy Butler, executive director of the OU INCubator, said.

The INCubator is partnered with the school of engineering and computer

science.

Louay Chamra, dean of the school of engineering and computer science said the partnership between OU INC and the school of engineering was a very natural relationship because they both do applied research and try to establish a technological transfer avenue for creative ideas.

Incubators are able to reduce the cost of running a business by providing reduced cost office space.

They are also able to provide businesses with advice from professionals who have experience in the business world.

All of this is designed to help get businesses off the ground and running.

“It gives them a third party looking at the technology and generating data on the performance of it. It also provides resources at a reduced rate and gives them an opportunity to work with talent,” Butler said.

Aside from helping businesses that are newly starting up, the OU INC also gives their aid to existing businesses.

Butler said, the OU INCubator allows them the chance to focus on building technology and the business framework together with mentors and coaches along the way.

The Clean Energy Research Center is currently working on achieving a 40 percent energy reduction in existing industrial, commercial and institutional buildings in the Southeast Michigan’s tri-county region.

A major feature at the OU INCubator is the Integrated Resource Center.

The Integrated Resource Center allows for a business team to meet and plan more efficiently.

It has a three-step process to guide a complete business meeting.

OU INC was also involved in the recent creation of the I2B program on Nov. 3.

The I2B program allows for students and staff from OU and Cooley Law School to get a hands-on experience in owning a business.

For more information on the OU INCubator visit oakland.edu/ouinc