News Release

Sept. 20, 2006

Boise State University TECenter Marks Three years Helping Treasure Valley Technology Startups

Ryan Woodings, self-proclaimed “chief geek” for his company, MetaGeek, was working from his back deck and his couch before moving into Boise State University’s Technology and Entrepreneurial Center (TECenter) a few weeks ago.

As a resident client, he now has office space and resources, ready access to experts on a variety of business issues and a seemingly bright future for his company. His product Wi-Spy is a small, inexpensive device that troubleshoots wireless network problems for homes and businesses. It is currently being distributed in Europe and Canada, along with the U.S., and being sold through the company Web site, www.metageek.net.

MetaGeek is one of numerous young technology businesses that are finding success with help from the TECenter, whose job it is to nurture high-tech startups with high potential. Located on the Boise State West campus in Nampa, the center celebrates three years in the Treasure Valley this month.

Woodings has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in computer science and was working for a company on wireless mice and keyboard technology when he came up with the idea for Wi-Spy. Like many entrepreneurs, he had a great idea but not all of the knowledge necessary to grow a business from the ground up. During the past three years, TECenter experts have had discussions with more than 500 entrepreneurs in the valley, done formal assessments with more than 100 and engaged with more than 50 resident and non-resident clients like Woodings.

“There is definitely a demand in the valley for what we are doing,” said TECenter director John Glerum. “We have developed strong momentum in terms of our clients’ ability to generate sales, increase employment and get funding for their products and services.”

The TECenter currently serves 35 companies, including resident and non-resident client companies, as well as anchor tenants. The center also has six pre-incubation clients and three graduate companies. Current clients represent 65 self-employed people and approximately $6 million in annual revenues. Client funding from various sources exceeds $4 million.

The TECenter’s finished space is fully occupied. An additional 14,000 square-feet of space needs to be finished to accommodate more resident clients, Glerum said.

For more information about the TECenter, call 562-3636 or visit www.bsutecenter.com.

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Contact: John Glerum, TECenter, (208) 562-3600, jglerum@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Sherry Squires, University Communications, (208) 426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu

Where you see blue, we see the largest institution of higher education in Idaho. For the ninth time in the last 10 years, Boise State University has set an all-time state record with a fall enrollment of 18,876 students. Since 1996, Boise State’s student population has increased 25 percent.

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Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007