Butch Otter
Governor Butch Otter plans to unveil a state-backed investment fund for startup companies on Jan. 9, part of a plan for new technologies and research to bolster Idaho’s economy.
The Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission, or “iGem,” also includes luring talented researchers to state universities and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies.
It’s modeled after a Utah program that’s gotten $73.5 million in state support since 2006, as well as $201 million in new facilities.
Documents obtained by The Associated Press show the Republican governor plans to direct resources to specific areas – energy, materials sciences, computer sciences, and biotechnology and agricultural science – to develop new products, found companies and lure more research money.
Convincing conservative Idaho lawmakers to back this proposal will be among Otter’s 2012 legislative priorities. (AP)
