CNN reporter Matt McFarland writes that MIT is launching a new entity aimed at providing space, funding and support for startups focused on tackling the world’s biggest challenges. "This is putting a piece in the puzzle that is missing," explains Executive Vice President and Treasurer Israel Ruiz. "There's a deficiency in the ecosystem to support these startups."
President L. Rafael Reif writes for The Boston Globe about The Engine, a new venture built by MIT to support startups tackling the world’s pressing challenges. Reif writes that The Engine will provide a model of support that nurtures “high-impact ideas and speeds them into the world while helping our regional innovation ecosystem flourish.”
Zeninjor Enwemeka reports for WBUR that MIT is launching an effort aimed at helping startups bring scientific inventions from the lab to the marketplace. Enwemeka notes that in addition to providing space, funding and support for startups, The Engine “will tap into the region's innovation hubs and aims to create an innovation network across the area.”
MIT’s new enterprise, called The Engine, is aimed at supporting startups in research-heavy fields, writes Curt Woodward for The Boston Globe. “We see the opportunity for MIT to start this process and really make a huge difference in driving down the cost of innovation in hard technology and science,” notes Israel Ruiz, MIT’s executive vice president and treasurer.
David Harris reports for the Boston Business Journal on MIT’s new venture that will provide space, funding and support to startups focused on developing “‘tough’ technologies — big ideas that require time and long-term capital to commercialize — in a range of sectors including biotechnology, robotics, manufacturing, medical devices and energy.”
Writing for The Boston Globe, Sonia Rao spotlights the second annual HUBweek - a festival founded by MIT, MGH, Harvard and The Boston Globe – aimed at showcasing work from across the Boston area and inspiring “creativity among industry leaders and attendees.”
In a New York Times travel guide to Cambridge, Mass., Ethan Gilsdorf recommends that visitors explore the MIT campus, spotlighting the Ray and Maria Stata Center, the List Visual Arts Center and MIT’s collection of outdoor art. He also writes that “to study Cambridge’s innovative, D.I.Y. spirit, look no further than the MIT Museum.”
Paola Cigui highlights how the MIT Museum offers free admission on the last Sunday of the month, from September through June, in Boston Magazine’s list of free things to in Boston. “Take a look at some of their current exhibitions involving photography, artificial intelligence, holography, and many other scientific fields,” Cigui suggests.
Sophia Haigney writes for The Boston Globe that students in the URBANFRAME program, based out of MIT’s architecture department, are exploring design solutions for Cambridge’s Central Square, including sidewalk lanes to help smartphone users avoid collisions. Haigney notes that the program is aimed at designing “for under-represented groups in the community — people whom designers might typically ignore.”
MIT will be offering employees free MBTA passes for local bus and subway service to encourage more people to use public transportation and reduce the environmental impact of commuting, Inside Higher Ed reports.
In an article for The Boston Globe, Steve Annear writes that MIT is rolling out several new benefits for faculty and staff commuting to campus, including free, unlimited subway and local bus usage. “By providing employees with the pass, the school hopes to ease the demand for parking near campus and help reduce carbon emissions,” Annear writes.
In a Boston Magazine article about six city squares in Boston, Joseph Mendolia writes that MIT’s plan for Kendall Square, “which is slated to bring 740 apartments—not to mention additional office, retail, and research space—to the square,” could help bring a neighborhood feel to the the area.
Tim Logan writes for The Boston Globe that MIT has received approval to develop new buildings, open spaces, restaurants, research and commercial spaces in Kendall Square. “We want to create a greater sense of place,” says Provost Martin Schmidt. “A greater place to live and learn, not only for our community, but also for our neighbors.”
MIT celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Institute’s move from Boston to Cambridge with an innovative parade by land and water, the Boston Herald reports. “MIT alumnus Oliver Smoot, class of ’62 — of the “smoot” unit of measurement — led the parade over the bridge as Grand Marshal, and Car Talk’s Ray Magliozzi, class of ’73, was on hand.”
FOX 25’s Kerry Kavanaugh reports on MIT’s Moving Day parade, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Institute’s move from Boston to Cambridge. “More than 50 boats, floats and vehicles designed by students, faculty and alumni took part,” Kavanaugh reports.