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F Cubed, a technology company which makes devices that detect dangerous substances in food and water, is about to move in to the old St. Joseph High School building. (WSBT/Ted Land / October 19, 2012) |
The old St. Joseph High School building won't sit empty for long. F Cubed, a technology company which makes devices that detect dangerous substances in food and water, is about to move in.
It’s the latest example of what many hope will be a growing source of jobs in South Bend, and the University of Notre Dame likes to think it has something to do with it.
“Innovation Park is just 3 years old and it’s very significant because in most other cities it typically takes 5 or more years to see this kind of success,” said David Brenner, executive director of Innovation Park, a technology incubator on the Notre Dame campus.
Executives from F Cubed and Data Realty, a company that stores and protects information for other businesses, joined university officials for a “graduation ceremony,” Friday. The two companies did exactly what Innovation Park hoped they’d do – grow, move out, and stay in South Bend.
Tech companies that leave Innovation Park don’t always stay in the community.
“They often times do keep to themselves, which is why we work closely with them to figure out ways that they can connect with existing businesses,” said Brenner.
Data Realty will soon move into a new building at Ignition Park, the huge chunk of land where Studebaker’s factory once drove the local economy.
“If Innovation Park hadn't been here it would've been more difficult for us to start our business,” said Les Ivie, F Cubed founder.
Innovation Park says it'll use the two companies as an example of what happens when you engage bright minds with a community in need of a bright future.
And there could be more good news to come, according to Brenner, who is expecting other companies to follow F Cubed and Data Realty into the community.
“We may see more I would say maybe the turn of this year or early in 2013,” he said.
