Duquesne’s Urban Innovation21 Finalist for Economic Development Award

The University Economic Development Association selected Duquesne’s Urban Innovation21 as a finalist in the Place + Innovation in Economic Development category at its annual summit in Virginia this fall.

Duquesne was selected based on the University’s leadership in the founding and support of Urban Innovation21 and the program’s work to spur economic development in underserved communities in our region.

Urban Innovation21, formerly known as the Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone (PCKIZ), is a consortium of higher education institutions, businesses, government agencies and community organizations collaborating to grow our region’s innovation economy while simultaneously bridging the gap between communities and populations.

Urban Innovation21 orchestrates a combination of tax incentives, entrepreneurial resources, educational and internship programs, and networking events with the goal of increasing technology and economic sustainability.

Dr. Alan Seadler, associate academic vice president for research and the Edward V. Fritzky Chair in Biotechnology Leadership, attended the annual summit with William Generett, chief executive officer of Urban Innovation21; James Myers, Urban Innovation 21 director of community affairs and development; and Alyssa Boehring, director of the internship programs at PCKIZ.