Tech Week Grand Rapids: College of Engineering launches Blue Spark, connects with entrepreneurs

Which type of companies create more jobs in a community? Those with 10-15 employees or those with 100+ employees?

The answer is small companies, according to Andria Romkema, senior vice president for business development for The Right Place. Romkema was among the speakers during a Tech Week Grand Rapids event Sept. 16 hosted by the Padnos College of Engineering and held at the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center.

"Small companies are our true economic engines in this region," Romkema said.

Romkema's remarks supported the college's launch of Blue Spark, space and resources for entrepreneurs to collaborate with Grand Valley students and faculty, test new technologies and gain access to new systems.

Bayo Ogundipe, dean of the Padnos College of Engineering, said Blue Spark is a natural next step for a college with a history rooted in its community.

"Blue Spark is our innovation sandbox," Ogundipe said. "It is a hub for igniting curiosity. This is where our faculty, our students, staff and members of the community can come together, solve problems and create value together. 

"We are trying to be much more intentional about value creation, looking for meaningful value that we can create for businesses. We are opening up our doors to the community."

Tom Kennedy is a Grand Valley graduate and the founder of Polar Medical, a small company that designs and produces surgical tools. As an entrepreneur, Kennedy said he understands firsthand how difficult it can be to take an idea from concept to production.

"That's what makes Blue Spark so exciting," Kennedy said. "By purposefully intermingling entrepreneurs, students, faculty and technology, all in the same space, we can create meaningful real-world experiences for students, help local innovators move forward and strengthen the unique spark that has driven West Michigan to be a place where great ideas become real solutions."

Ogundipe said collaborating with entrepreneurs will give engineering students practical experience as they participate in the creative process. "Everything about Blue Spark centers around the student learning experience. This will allow them to see the messy process of ideation," he said.