Western Carolina University will receive $420,000 in federal funding over three years to develop a center that synergizes and expands efforts at WCU to help innovators and companies transform their ideas into marketable products

With the grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration University Center Program, which is designed to make the resources of universities available to economic development communities, WCU is establishing the EDA University Center for Rapid Product Realization. Clients will have access from one place to low-cost comprehensive engineering, technology, business and entrepreneurship services.

The EDA University Center will link clients to a range of services, including three-dimensional design and scanning, reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, and extensive mechanical and electrical testing at the Rapid Center; business assistance from the SBTDC; and consulting and entrepreneurial mentoring from the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

828.227.2435 or sanger@wcu.edu.