Makerspace Profile


Overview

The Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Park is a 58 acre site that hosts STAR One,Texas State’s business incubator/collaboration facility dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of technologies. Construction on STAR One started in October, 2011 and the building became operational in July, 2013. This 20,000 square foot facility serves as a technology accelerator for start-up and early-stage businesses, and provides tenants access to secure wet labs, clean space, conference room and office space.

Access

There are university specific criteria for locating facilities in STAR Park. In general, companies seeking location in STAR One must meet the following criteria:

  • For profit entity
  • Bringing a proprietary product, process or service to market
  • Represent the opportunity for a scalable business within 3-5 years\
  • Compatible with an incubator collaboration environment
  • Undertaking mutually beneficial interactions with Texas State beyond leasing space

Established firms not seeking incubator services may be accepted upon a space available basis if they have significant research agreements with Texas State and it is mutually beneficial for them to have a location in STAR Park.

Research service centers providing core facilities supporting academic and industry R&D may be located within STAR Park as well.

Tools, Materials and Resources

 STAR Park currently provides access to specialized laboratory space for materials science and life science firms. A research service center has been established to support the development and commercialization of advanced polymers and nanomaterials,

An advanced prototyping research service center (advanced maker space) is planned for the STAR One expansion which is currently under construction. The Center is planned to open in late 2016.

Access & Usage Costs

Space in STAR One is provided at prevailing regional market rates. Use of equipment within research service centers is based upon an hourly rate calculated by including depreciation, operating cost, labor and indirect cost recovery plus consumables.

Management

Stephen Frayser is Executive Director for the STAR Park facility. 

Training

N/A

Use and Activity

Active research areas include material sciences (semiconductors, nanomaterials, advanced polymers), life sciences (drug delivery, diagnostics, advanced DNA analysis, medical devices, medical implants), advanced manufacturing (complex design and prototyping, microelectronics, lighting products, robotics), software platforms for a variety of applications and renewable energy.

Culture and Community


Challenges and Lessons Learned

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Advice to other Makerspaces

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