Somerville has gained national recognition as an innovation hub, thanks to our local entrepreneurs and to smart growth technologies and companies who increasingly make Somerville their home.

With the city now poised for even more exciting growth and opportunity, Mayor Joseph Curtatone has established a new advisory committee that will take a broad approach to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Innovation and Opportunity Lab, which is currently seeking members, aims to advance Somerville’s local innovation economy and support budding entrepreneurs. Interested and qualified residents, as well as people working in Somerville, are encouraged to apply for a spot in the lab by Friday, September 22.

“Invention and innovation spur the creative economy, and contribute immensely to the fabric of Somerville,” said Mayor Curtatone. “We have already seen the far-reaching benefits a thriving local innovation economy can bring to our community. The new Innovation and Opportunity Lab will be charged with exploring partnerships, researching best practices, supporting entrepreneurs and existing businesses, and more to ensure that we’re creating and maintaining a diverse, representative, and prosperous local innovation ecosystem that serves the city.”

The Somerville Innovation and Opportunity Lab will be comprised of nine members, each with a two-year term and the option to serve an additional term upon mayoral approval. Lab members should possess a strong interest in assisting the City of Somerville establish and maintain partnerships with innovation-focused companies, local non-profits, academic institutions, and Somerville residents. A demonstrated track record of facilitating cross-domain or public-private partnerships is required.

The Innovation and Opportunity Lab is expected to hold monthly meetings with the first one convening in October 2017. Each year the Lab will produce an annual report detailing the state of innovation in Somerville.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested and qualified persons who wish to apply for lab membership should submit their name, address, telephone, email address, brief statement of interest, and a resume by Friday, September 22. Information can be submitted by emailing bsommer@somervillema.gov or by mail with a postmark by September 22 to Attn. Ben Sommer, Economic Development Specialist, City of Somerville, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143. This is a volunteer position.