The Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZ) program was created in 2007 by Governor Gregoire and the Washington State Legislature, through SHB 1091.  It is one of many efforts to stimulate the growth of industry clusters and to build regional economies. 

 

Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZs) bring together research, workforce training and globally-competitive companies in close geographic proximity for a cooperative, research-based effort that will lead to new commercially viable products and jobs.

 

Innovation Partnership Zones must have small, geographically-distinct boundaries, which result in settings that can develop into a research park environment.

 

On October 1, 2009, the Central Washington Resource Energy Collaborative (CWREC) was designated as the state's newest zone.  The IPZ is a partnership to advance low-carbon technology through leveraging alternative energy sources, wind and solar, in Kittitas County.  The IPZ will research and develop new wind, solar, and other renewable technologies. 

 

 

$1.5 million in capital grant funding has been allocated for the 2009-2011 biennium.  The goal of the capital projects is to enhance the environment for innovation and collaboration.

 

Please feel free to contact IPZ staff at IPZ@cted.wa.gov with your questions about the IPZ program.