On Jan. 29, the University of Dayton Research Institute received $250,000 from Gov. Ted Strickland and the state of Ohio to help launch the state's newly designated Aerospace Hub for Innovation and Opportunity.

As a member of the Dayton area's five part coalition, UDRI will act as the hub's lead partner organization. This recent funding is based within the state's new hub program whose goal is to foster technological innovation and opportunity, as well as spur economic development across the state.

Funding did not come as a surprise to the university's top officials. John Leland, director of UDRI, said that the institute has been in talks with the state since 2008 regarding the state's new hub concept.

"The governor gave us the designation [in September] and the check was a follow up from getting that designation," Leland said. "We always knew the amount the state was contemplating was about $250,000."

With this new funding, the primary allocation will go toward hiring a hub director to get the program off the ground. This money will cover the salary, administrative teams and travel expenses that are incurred with the development of such a position. Once this position is filled, the director will begin coordinating the research efforts that focus specifically on industry development in Dayton.

This award from the state comes within the larger context of the Ohio Department of Development's recent economic growth strategy, the Ohio Hub of Innovation and Opportunity, which aims to underscore the specialized industries and economies of various Ohio regions. In September, the Dayton area was designated the Aerospace Hub because of its rich history in aviation and its continued commitment to aviation innovation and technology. This designation also acknowledges UDRI's past successes in aerospace-related research and technology-based economic development.

The Dayton Hub will be able to capitalize on the region's well-known, research based institutions, including UDRI and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base, which specialize in aerospace, sensor technologies and advanced materials. These advancements will then help to create an environment that will ultimately attract tomorrow's entrepreneurs and innovators.

Leland believes that Dayton's designation clearly illustrates the significance of the region's rich history of collaboration and innovation, as well as the reputation of UD and UDRI in research efforts.

"That the University of Dayton and its research institute were selected to lead the Aerospace Hub speaks volumes about our reputation in aerospace and materials research and development, and the confidence the state has in us and our partners to build on our region's assets to create a magnetic and inspiring environment that will be a hothouse for creating and growing aerospace industry," Leland said.