The University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Merrimack Valley Sandbox are working together to support the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the industrial mill cities of Lowell and Lawrence, Massachusetts. Each partner brings a different perspective to the collaboration. The university’’s economic development efforts have traditionally focused on research, technology incubation and service learning, while the Sandbox is committed to encouraging community entrepreneurship across the Merrimack Valley. When the Sandbox first introduced its Campus Catalyst pitch contests to the region, it was unclear how these rapid-fire events and incentive awards would contribute to the development of an entrepreneurial culture. However, three years later, these two partners and several other key organizations have committed to the development of a continuum of services and activities that are now growing the region’’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This panel will examine this process, the challenges and the success of the effort.

Download PPT