SmartZones are areas of collaboration between universities, industry, research organizations, government, and other community institutions. The goal of SmartZones is to stimulate the growth of technology-based businesses and jobs by aiding in the creation of recognized clusters of new and emerging businesses. In particular, SmartZones support enterprises focused on commercializing ideas, patents and other opportunities surrounding corporate, university, or private research institute R&D efforts.
The purpose of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone is to provide capital needed for the facilitation of the commercialization of research products being developed at University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University and the development of private high technology enterprises that, but for this organization, would be deferred, or located outside of the SmartZone area. The Smart Zone is the home of Ann Arbor SPARK and SPARK East. The Ypsilanti portion of the Smart Zone does not currently collect a tax increment.
For more information contact Brian Vosburg, DDA Director at 734-482-1410 or e-mail him at brian@ypsilantidda.org.
