2018-2019 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Report

Macomb-Oakland University Incubator
located in

2018-2019

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Report

DEPLOYING ASSETS OF THE UNIVERSITY

1

TABTLAEBOLEF OCFOCNOTNENTETNS TS Accelerate

2 3 4 5 6

Chief of Where Our Message Macomb-OU Student
Research Organization from the Incubator Intern
Director Staff Spotlight
Note Fits

8 10 11 12 14 |

New Product Accelerated Center of New Client Accessing Innovate
Development Cyber Security Academic Development SBDC’S
Professional Excellence Tech Team
VA Program Programs

15 16 17 18 20

Client Cumulative OU Incubator’s Criminal Justice
Spotlight: Output Engagements: Outreach Student
Security Vitals Metrics HBS Systems Start-ups
Efforts

|

Incubate

Aspire
to

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NOTE FROM THE CHIEF OF RESEARCH

DR. DAVID STONE O ver the last 40 years, knowledge has come to
power our economy, and more and more our
Chief Research Officer society, in ways that steam and electricity once
did. In a world driven and dominated by knowledge,
universities are core to our prosperity and our well-being.
Why? Because universities do three things: we transmit
knowledge (we teach); we create knowledge (we conduct
research); and we mobilize knowledge (we take the
knowledge we have and that we create out into the world
in order to make a positive difference in people’s lives).

In recognition of the importance of this fact, Oakland
University (OU) launched the Mobilization Zone (MZ) in
2016. The MZ develops and supports platforms that allow
students, faculty, staff, and alumni to take their knowledge,
their expertise, and their energy out into the world in
ways that make a difference. By bringing the Macomb-
OU Incubator (Mac-OU Inc) into the MZ, we have greatly
expanded the engagement of students, faculty, staff, and
alumni into the work they do with entrepreneurs and
young companies.

Over the last six years, the Mac-OU Inc has done a
remarkable job of serving the entrepreneurial community
in Sterling Heights and its neighboring region, having
assisted their start-up clients in garnering over
$100,000,000 in direct support and follow-on funding.
As described in this report, with support from the MZ
and new efforts like the R&D Accelerator program, we
expect to see the incubator expand its footprint in the
community, better support existing businesses and the
region’s innovation ecosystem, and expand the number
of students and faculty who are directly engaged in
supporting the Macomb community.

T he newly-developed Mobilization Zone focuses on mobilizing university knowledge into the
public domain for economic and community development. It integrates faculty, students,
business engagement, OU’s incubators, and Southeast Michigan government organizations
into a single collaborative entity. The economic development arm of the MZ provides an
innovative solution to increasing jobs and prosperity in the region. Specifically, MZ programs
address educating the future workforce, creating an entrepreneurial culture, advancing innovation
and company formation, and promoting the region’s resources, workforce, and businesses. The
community engagement arm of MZ hosts programs to support faculty, staff, and students, by
sharing their knowledge, skills, and expertise outside the university.

3

Research
Office

Mobilization
Zone
Economic
Development

Business
Incubators

Macomb-OU
Incubator

OU INC

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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LARRY HERRIMAN L ast year, we constructed our first report referred
to as the “2017 Comprehensive Report.” The
Executive Director report covered beneficial economic activities that
transpired since the inception of the Mac-OU Inc. The
Comprehensive Report acknowledged our partners
(City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County Government,
and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation),
the generous support granted to us by foundations,
government, volunteers, and the successful programs
utilized to assist our early-stage, tech entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the report further highlighted real data,
reflecting the cumulative economic impact that our high-
tech companies report to the State of Michigan.

We strive to fulfill our purpose of supporting economic
development in Southeast Michigan by accelerating
high-tech business, cultivating academic innovation and
encouraging research and development. As a result of
the incubator’s recent alignment within the University’s
Research Office, we have been empowered to reach
deeper into the university while connecting with the
university’s unique assets and well-established expertise.
The Mac-OU Inc is pleased to be integrated as part of the
newly created OU Mobilization Zone (MZ). The MZ, its
intended purpose, and cutting-edge programs are further
exemplified in this report.

While the Comprehensive Report covered over five-
years of activity, this report, in contrast, is intended to
underscore our more current achievements and lay the
groundwork for our robust evolution into working beyond
early-stage, high-tech startups. The well-conceived
components and programs of the OU Research Office
align well with our incubator’s competencies and enable
us to engage local enterprise at a higher level. We are
honored to be rooted in Oakland University, and through
this business accelerator’s public outreach, we are proud
to continue to affect the community in a positive way.

Sincerely,

5

Incubator Staff

JOHN EATON ANDREA CHOM

Client Strategist Business Manager

Seasoned
Professionals

MATTHEW MCMURRAY SOUHEIL EID
Cyber Range Coordinator Cyber Penetration Tester

(Former Intern) (Intern)

SAIF SIDDIQUI SON PHAN OU Student
Network Specialist Business Systems Support

(Former Intern) (Former Intern)

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Student Veteran Inspires, While Trailblazing Cyber-Security Program for Vets

T he lights of the Velocity Hub of the immediately after graduation. He became Shortly after a successful launch of his
Michigan Cyber Range laboratory a motor trans operator (88m) in the Army business, the United States experienced
danced in a variety of different which led to a civilian career as a truck the terrorist attacks of September 11th,
colors as Matthew McMurray manipulated driver. 2001. Economic fears led to a decrease
them with an app on his phone. This in construction spending nationally
is just one of the projects Matthew has While out on a delivery one day, Matthew and Matthew’s business suffered.
completed while working as a student met a Vietnam Veteran who offered to Simultaneously, the attacks spawned
intern with the Mac-OU Inc. teach him about construction. He went an immediate need for National Guard
on to learn a variety of trades and started and Army Reserve troops to assist in
Matthew’s story is one filled with his own construction business in 1999. securing local critical infrastructure
extreme highs and lows. After enduring During this same period Matthew took and key resources. The decrease in
a traumatic and abusive childhood, steps to become an Army carpentry business allowed Matthew to volunteer for
Matthew eventually landed in the foster and masonry specialist (21w) because temporary duty assignment with the Army
care system and thrived in its structured it reflected his civilian occupation and and he spent several months guarding an
environment. It was his love of structure created a pathway to promotions. Army Reserve Center in Southfield, MI.
that led him to join the Army at age 17,

“If we can save
one veteran, just one,
then we’ve already done
something pretty amazing.”

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“Many veterans are considered ‘at risk’ and we Student Spotlight
have a responsibility to ensure that participants

leave with an opportunity to improve their
employment situation which can ultimately

improve their quality of life.”

In February of 2003, he was College where he pursued an reconfiguring the VOIP phone Hired by
deployed to Iraq as part of an Associate degree in Liberal Arts. system, and networking all the lab’s Client
expeditionary force and found Upon completion he was accepted computers to his administrative
himself back in the driver’s seat to OU where he studied Criminal terminal for a more effective Career
as part of the liberation effort for Justice with minors in both classroom learning experience. Transition
Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his Informational Security Management
service in Iraq he sustained several and Sociology; and graduated cum Due in part to his work at the Student
injuries in the line of duty leading laud with both degree in just 2 ½ Velocity Hub, Matthew was offered Veteran
to weeks in various Army and Navy years. One insightful professor, a full-time job by an incubator client.
hospitals across the world. Matthew Kimberly Byrd, led Matthew to his Matthew now works for Pontiac-
was honorably discharged and able senior internship experience at the based Security Vitals, a NIST800-
to return home in the fall of 2005, Mac-OU Inc in the field of cyber 171 Compliance as a Service
after 12 years of dedicated service. security. (CaaS) firm, where he is a security
analyst, providing clients with
After years of construction work, Matthew graduated in December vulnerability management and risk
the impact of Matthew’s injuries 2017 and took a job with the mitigation services. He is proud of
surfaced. Matthew needed a change Mac-OU Inc as the Cyber Range his accomplishments and happy he
and turned to the Department Coordinator. In this role he oversaw chose OU and Mac-OU Inc as the
of Veteran Affairs Vocational the building’s technology, monitored vessel for his newly acquired skill
Rehabilitation and Employment the facility’s cyber security, handled set. He routinely received job offers
program. The program, designed repairs in the lab, and helped with in LinkedIn due to his work at OU
specifically for disabled veterans, special projects. He completed and with the incubator.
allowed Matthew to return to college projects like installing and
and find a more suitable career. He programming the light show in the
decided on Oakland Community lab, networking the facility’s printers,

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Process Expertise Provided by New Product Development Professional

P roviding comprehensive entrepreneur comes to the incubator at John is one of only 2000 professionals
development and support services to a particular stage of their product and worldwide to have the NPDP certification
startup and emerging businesses is business development life cycle. Working and the only person supporting an
a pivotal part of the Mac-OU Inc’s mission. with around 5-6 active clients at a time, incubator in the Southeast Michigan
But how do you add value when every John said he feels responsible to do his region. At a recent PDMA conference,
client company is in a different stage of best to help them move on to the next step John also discovered that he was the only
growth and development? in their business journey. NPDP professional in attendance who
actively works with startups. This is unique
Meet John Eaton, Client Strategist at His largely visual process helps because most people who are involved
the Mac-OU Inc. John was recently re- entrepreneurs in many different areas with PDMA work with larger companies
certified and received the New Product such as legal, marketing, talent, capital, and universities, such as the Research
Development Professional (NPDP) research and more. Because each client’s Triangle, Silicon Valley, Route 128, Petco,
certification from the Product Development needs vary, the first line of support comes Amway, IBM, and others.
and Management Association from the incubator’s network of mentors
(PDMA). PDMA is an international and Experts-in-Residence. John and John is using his unique perspective
organization focusing on training for the incubator also rely heavily on local, to help PDMA make changes to their
product development, innovation, and regional, and statewide resources that certification program. He is currently
management. have been made available to various working with a PDMA committee to create
SmartZones, which includes the Mac-OU a subset certification that includes tools
The NPDP certification demonstrates Inc. and methods that align with the unique
mastery of the elements involved in needs of startups.
commercializing new products including John, however, wasn’t always on this side
Strategy, Portfolio Management, New of the desk. He helped run a FinTech With John’s background in startups and
Product Development Processes, startup for several years and became an his NPDP certification and involvement
Life Cycle Management, Metrics and incubator client in 2013, getting support with PDMA, he brings a unique strategy to
Tools, Market Research, and Culture, primarily with capital strategy and market the Mac-OU Inc to help entrepreneurs in
Organization and Teams. development. Michigan.

John believes that by using the knowledge “It is humbling to work with our clients And it’s not just the solo-entrepreneurs
gained from his involvement with the because I know how they feel,” says John that need help building and validating new
PDMA, he brings structure to support about the process. ideas. Because the Mac-OU Inc has the
his client’s differentiated needs. Every tools and resources to assist start-ups of
many types, John also encourages local
firms seeking to develop new products or
innovate outside their corporate structure
to contact him for more information on how
the Mac-OU Inc can assist them in their
innovation initiatives.

John can be reached at
586-884-9334, or by using the
Mac-OU Inc inquiry form link at
www.oakland.edu/macombouinc

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“Every client has a different Product Development
mission and set of business
challenges. Finding ways
to help them reach their
milestones is what makes
this job so satisfying.”

Adding
Value

PDMA
Certified

“Entrepreneurs have to step through the same John
stages as an established company, just at a different Eaton

pace and urgency. PDMA offers a great framework
for product commercialization, so why not spin it for

the unique world of startups.”

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Macomb-OU Incubator’s Velocity Hub of the Michigan Cyber Range is
Set to Launch the Accelerated Career Program for Veterans

T he Mac-OU Inc’s Velocity Hub, an extension of the Merit At the conclusion of the instructional program, students participate
Network’s Michigan Cyber Range, is set to launch the in an internship in order to obtain real-world experience. These
Accelerated Career Program for Veterans (ACPV) in internships have the potential to increase the number of
conjunction with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), the partnerships with business and corporations while also resulting in
Cyberworld Institute (CWI), and Oakland University Professional a job offer. The ACPV offering is in its final stages of VA review and
and Continuing Education (PACE). This new program will increase approval and is expected to be piloted in 2019.
student internship and experiential learning activities by preparing
veterans for entry-level occupations as cyber-security computer Accelerated Career Program for Veterans (ACPV)
support specialists through funding provided by their veterans’ Timeline and Offerings
benefits.

Over an 18-month period, participants will move along a charted
path of courses and certification exams in order to become
successful in the workforce. Basic courses include Foundations
of the Workforce and Project Management Principles, while
certification-granting CWI courses include: basic computer
technician on hardware and operating systems, or CompTIA A+;
network concepts and principles, or CompTIA Network+; network
and IT security, or CompTIA Security+; and Windows administrative
skills.

O akland University Professional
and Continuing Education (PACE)
provides access to innovative and
flexible educational programming opportunities
in response to individual, community, and
professional needs. By developing partnerships
across the university community, PACE is able to
provide enrichment and professional educational
opportunities to both individuals and businesses.

For more information, visit the PACE website at
www.oakland.edu/pace

The Velocity Hub,
Macomb-OU Inc’s
Advanced Computer Lab

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National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

T he United States National Security Agency (NSA) and the Center of Excellence
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently designated
Oakland University a National Center of Academic Excellence Pictured left to right: Anyi Liu, Ph.D., OU Associate Professor MI-Public
in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The CAE-CD, valid for five years, is of Computer Science, Larry Herriman, Huirong Fu, Ph. D., OU Universities
part of a national initiative to reduce vulnerability in U.S. information Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and
infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber Lori Crose, Director of OU Professional and Continuing Education
defense and producing a growing number of professionals with cyber
defense expertise in various disciplines.

CAE-CD institutions receive formal recognition from the U.S.
Government for participating in the program. Two- and four-year
colleges and universities receive the Cyber Defense designation based
on their robust degree programs and close alignment to specific cyber
security-related Knowledge Units (KUs), validated by top subject
matter experts in the field. The program has also been incorporated
into various non-Cyber Defense courses and degree programs and
research. NSA and DHS do not provide funding to CAE-CD schools but
funding opportunities may be available from other sources such as the
National Science Foundation. The schools are designated after meeting
stringent criteria, and may elect to specialize in several possible focus
areas. Currently, there are only five other institutions in Michigan with
the credential.

“This recognition is a testament to the expertise of faculty and staff
who contribute to OU’s standing as a leader in the field of Cyber
Defense Education,” said Professor Huirong Fu, program director of
the M.S. program in Cyber Security and founding director of the OU
Center of Cyber Security. “We are honored to provide our students
and community partners with high-quality Cyber Defense Education,
while being part of a collective effort to address the nation’s information
security priorities.”

Oakland University Center for Cyber Security Workgroup

One of
Only Three

Valued
Credential

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Featured Tool #1: I2B PROGRAM

T he Oakland University Ideas to Business (I2B) program offers assistance to early-stage companies
in evaluating the critical next step(s) in their progress toward commercialization. I2B utilizes teams
consisting of a company representative, a business mentor, and both undergraduate and/or graduate
students. Over a six-week period of time, the students research and develop solutions to the critical business
need while mentors assist I2B teams by overseeing progress, providing advice, and contributing needed
expertise.
Regional companies, faculty, students, or other individuals who have a company can apply to I2B. If
accepted into the program, companies will be matched with student teams. The I2B runs groups of four to six
companies at a time and requires three team meetings held during each program iteration.

Featured Tool #2: MCRN

O akland University is a member of the Michigan Corporate Relations Network (MCRN), a statewide
university network designed to create partnerships that will connect Michigan's corporations to critical
university assets to help promote innovative research and grow Michigan's economy.
In addition to enhancing comprehensive business engagement offices and providing access to experts on
campuses, MCRN has developed two signature program activities. For small companies, MCRN offers a
Small Company Innovation Program (SCIP) to provide access to research and a Small Company Internship
Award (SCIA) to provide access to talent.

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Featured Tool #3: R&D ACCELERATOR New Programs

O akland University’s Research Office has developed the Research and Development (R&D)
Accelerator program intended to foster mutually-beneficial partnerships with industry on defined
projects.

The Oakland University R&D Accelerator can provide companies with flexible, short-term, off-site, space for
“Skunk Works” programs. This allows for explorative, collaborative engagements while assisting companies in
unlocking employees’ ideas, potential innovations, and business efficiencies. Additionally, the accelerator has
outside industry experts to complement a companies development efforts. Specialized-university services
are also available Including:

• Intellectual expertise of OU faculty
• Physical university assets: tools, equipment, software, databases and laboratories
• Internal and external commercialization programs
• Access to student talent for engagements on projects

Undergrad
Research

Featured Tool #4: SECS SENIOR DESIGN LAB Corporate
Engagements
T he Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) Senior Design Laboratory
(SDL), located in OU’s Engineering Center, is a unique and highly flexible facility that provides SECS Experiential
undergraduate students the space and resources to design, model, simulate, optimize, fabricate, test Learning
and deliver multidisciplinary engineering projects.

The modular facility allows several projects to be carried out simultaneously. Its close proximity to the SECS
Machine Shop, with modern manufacturing capabilities such as EDM machining, laser and water-jet cutting,
3D printing, and CNC machining, provides an ideal location to support the design and fabrication needs of a
diverse set of projects.

Complete multidisciplinary projects - those involving system design, analysis, simulation and prototyping - are
the specialty of the SDL. Other engineering design projects are always welcome. Teams of senior computer,
electrical and/or mechanical engineering students will be assigned to address the specific needs and
requirements of each project.

Photo: Senior Design Lab Team
working with Macomb-OU Inc

client Logicoul Solutions

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Michigan Small Business Development Centers Expands Programs at
Macomb-OU Incubator

I n conjunction with our internal entrepreneurship- provides Mac-OU Inc clients
development offerings, the Mac-OU Inc is pleased to a fast and effective method of
provide our clients access to the support of the Michigan researching ideas and concepts
Small Business Development Centers (MI-SBDC). The MI- for intellectual property (IP)
SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic well-being by providing development. The new software
consulting, training and market research for new ventures, does not replace the need for
existing small businesses, and advanced-technology an IP attorney, but can be helpful in making time spent with
companies. an attorney more efficient and effective. The software and
service further assists entrepreneurs with assessing changing
For many years, the Mac-OU Inc businesses have utilized markets, conducting competitive intelligence and uncovering
the “traditional” counseling programs made available by the product-development insights.
MI-SBDC. However, over the past twelve to eighteen months,
the Mac-OU Inc has increased its MI-SBDC engagement level Beyond the above mentioned tools, entrepreneurs engaged
to more extensively include the non-traditional “Tech Team.” with the Mac-OU Inc are also able to access many of the
The Tech Team is a group of nine specialized consultants service-support programs administered by the MI-SBDC.
with proven industry track records who enable entrepreneurs These programs are typically funded by the Michigan
to bridge the gap between technology development and full Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and include
commercialization. early-stage, technology support tools like the Business
Accelerator Fund (BAF) and Emerging Technologies Fund
A prime example of the Tech Team’s outstanding assistance (ETF). Mac-OU Inc clients often utilize these successfully-
offered, is a new patent-
analytics software and operated programs while
consulting service that accomplishing milestones along
the growth of their enterprise.

One-on-One Business Strategy Development Consulting

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Macomb-OU Incubator Client, Security Vitals, Partners with Duo Client Spotlight
Security to Assist Manufacturers with NIST 800-171 Compliance

M acomb-­OU Incubator client company Security Vitals has wisdom is to assess
recently partnered with Ann Arbor-based Duo Security
to enhance their Compliance as a Service (CaaS) the environment and
offering, helping manufacturers retain government contracts by
complying with the looming National Institute of Standards & identify gaps in current
Technology (NIST) 800-171 cyber-security standard.
security programs. With
Duo Security’s two-factor authentication (2FA) technology
enhances Security Vitals’ NIST 800-171 services, making the tight time-frame for
implementation and use of 2FA easier for IT administrators
and end-users alike. This joint program will help protect addressing compliance
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from being accessed
by unauthorized individuals and organizations, thus making requirements, Security
the process of becoming NIST compliant for Security Vitals
customers as smooth as possible. Vitals offers a results-

NIST 800-171 is a collection of technical and process controls driven solution. The
designed to protect Department of Defense (DoD) product
data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals and company provides a
organizations. This CUI data must be secured using a blend of
security technologies and policies. subscription-based Rob Cote, President, Security Vitals
program that delivers
Manufacturers that produce parts or assemblies which fall
under the CUI designation, including those working with the the hardware, software, and consulting services necessary to
DoD, General Services Administration (GSA) or NASA, must
comply with the NIST 800-171 standard. If non-compliant, achieve compliance.
companies are at risk of losing government contracts and jobs.
For many of these manufacturing companies, conventional Industry estimates indicate there are between 800-1300 Cyber
Michigan-based manufacturing firms that need to meet the Security
requirements and organizations that do not comply risk losing
their government contracts. Lost contracts could have a
significant impact on the economy as companies may be forced
to cut expenses and employees to make up for the loss of
revenue.
___________________________________________
On August 2, 2018, Duo Security was purchased by CISCO for
$2.35 Billion.

“We are really excited about the partnership
with a recognized industry leader like Duo and

the continued support from Mac-OU Inc. It’s
great to have reliable resources to help drive

the success of our program,” said Rob Cote,
Chief Executive Officer of Security Vitals.

New
Product

Security
Vitals

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CUMULATIVE OUTPUT METRICS

298 HIGH-TECH JOBS
Created

478 HIGH-TECH JOBS
Retained

141 NEW PATENTS
Filed

$793 THOUSAND
Business Accelerator Fund
grant dollars awarded

94 STUDENTS
Engaged with incubator
and clients

$104 MILLION
in follow-on funding

Expert-in-Residence Volunteer, Shaniece Bennett, MBA, CPA

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Macomb-OU Incubator Client Utilizes University Students and Research OU Elevating Business
Talent for Product Design and Validation

(From) M acomb-OU Incubator client Human Balance &
INCUBATOR Stability Systems (HBS Systems) of Warren,
Michigan, developed the StandRite-ProTM (SRP),
(To) a shin support to reduce the pain and fatigue in core
muscles that develops from standing while performing
tasks. HBS Systems provided two models (HBS1000
and HBS1001) to the University’s School of Engineering
and Computer Science (SECS) for use as an innovation
project to study future design considerations, including
weight, various configurations, cost reduction, and other
mechanical design possibilities.

Pictured left to right: Olivia McIntee, Don Burns, Spencer Jones,
Jerry Sitek, Cathy Sitek, Antonio Moraccini, Yu Xie, and Joe Ivanaj

SECS The design project was conducted over 14-weeks by SECS Senior Design LAB (SDL) students.
DESIGN LAB The SDL, a requirement for OU senior-level engineering students, brings together mechanical,
electrical, and computer engineering students to work on real-world projects that demand the
skills and knowledge of each of their disciplines. A State of Michigan Business Accelerator Fund
(BAF) grant award allowed Mac-OU Inc to fund the cost of the entire SDL effort.

(To)

PHYSICAL Furthermore, SDL information and findings for the product designs were parlayed
THERAPY in a subsequent study with the OU Department of Physical Therapy (PT). The
DEPARTMENT PT study entitled, Effects of the Human Balance and Stability System’s Stand-
Rite Pro on Neck and Back Movement and in Overall Torque: A Pilot Validation,
Utilization and Reliability Study, was also funded by an additional Michigan Faculty
BAF award through the Mac-OU Inc. The PT study concluded that using the Validation
SRP during movements at a prototype machine significantly reduced the overall
forces of the body in study participants by 18.87 ft-lbs. These reductions support
the validity and utility of the SRP for individuals who stand and work in machine
operations.

“Not only did the OU students (To) Student
provide some interesting considerations SMALL Re-design
for mechanical design, such as future BUSINESS
portability concepts and weight AWARD
reduction, they provided some
unexpected data on the ergonomics
of our product such as the effects on
postural sway and alleviation of body
weight of the user when in use,” said
Jerry Sitek, co-founder, HBS Systems.

C ompleting product-design research and development (R&D) for Jerry and Cathy Sitek, Co-Founders of HBS Systems, HBS
this startup company includes the following faculty and students: along with Client Strategist, John Eaton, at the Systems
Dr. Michael Latcha, PhD, ME, Director, SECS Senior Design 14th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business
Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Mohamed held in Lansing on May 3, 2018. HBS Systems was
A. Zohdy, PhD, ME, ECE, Department of Electrical and Computer recognized on the list of “SmartZone Best Businesses”
Engineering; Oakland University Senior Engineering Students: Olivia for 2018.
McIntee, Mechanical Engineering, Team Manager; Don Burns, Electrical
Engineering; Joe Ivanaj, Mechanical Engineering; Spencer Jones,
Mechanical Engineering; Antonio Moraccini, Mechanical Engineering;
Yu Xie, Mechanical Engineering. The Physical Therapy Research Team
consisted of Jacqueline S. Drouin, PT PhD; John Palazzolo, MS; Kelly
Sylvia Turczynski, SPT; Sara Roy, SPT

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REACHING: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

D emystifying popular careers through
real-world experience is the main objective
behind OU’s Summer Career Camps for
college-bound teens. The Mac-OU Inc hosted the
Criminal Justice Camp to investigate the juvenile justice
and probation systems, law enforcement, homeland security
and criminal forensic sciences.

During camp, students visit a courthouse, interact with border
patrol agents, police officers and detectives. Since 2012,
nearly 700 high school teens have attended a career camp
in Macomb County.

OU’s Summer Camps offer students a glimpse into emerging and
in-demand careers. Dana Carreon-Glinsey, OU’s manager of student
success and community engagement, explained that career camps
allow students to either confirm the desirability of their dream career – or
to discover early on that it’s not quite what they envisioned.

REACHING: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

L eadership Macomb is a unique program that seeks to produce
a network of informed community leaders who understand the
roles and relationships of people and systems that support and
sustain our community; enables graduates and others to engage in civic
leadership; and strengthens organizational and community relationships.

The program strives to create a cohort of approximately 50 individuals
that represent a myriad of industries in and around Macomb County.
The cohort then meets for 11 full-day sessions between September and
May. During these sessions, the systems that make up a community
are explored in depth. The systems include government, education and
workforce development, health and human services, the arts, cultures,
defense, business, justice, community service and the environment.
Sessions meet in various locations throughout the County and are led
by subject experts. Each March, Leadership Macomb spends the day at
Mac-OU Inc while exploring the “Business Day” segment of the program.

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SABIT International Outreach

Georgia Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Moldova Russia Tajikistan Ukraine

O n November 2, 2017, the Mac-OU Inc welcomed the Special American
Business Internship Training (SABIT) program which builds partnerships and
provides technical assistance by training Eurasian business leaders in
U.S. business practices. These training programs directly support Eurasian
economic and civil society development by encouraging market-based
reforms, while generating valuable export and investment opportunities for
U.S. industry.

GERMAN AMERICAN CHAMBER

With the German Industry 4.0 Trade Asian
Mission in Michigan in early December Delegation
2017, the Michigan Chapter of the
German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) of
the Midwest hosted a Business Conference focusing on
technologies driving the manufacturing industries.

The conference was part of a trade mission
composed of 13 German companies offering
advanced manufacturing technologies that
automate and accelerate business processes and
decisions, and save companies time and cost
through e.g. work-flow optimization, predictive
maintenance, and automated inventory management, as well as technology providers of AI, mixed
reality software solutions, sensor technologies and information and network security.

The Michigan Chapter of the GACC is dedicated to encouraging, extending and promoting trade, commerce
and investment between the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Michigan.

MICHIGAN ISRAEL BUSINESS BRIDGE

A first-of-its-kind delegation of Israeli defense leaders came to Michigan in April German
2017 for a defense industry mission that included Israeli dignitaries and 13 Commerce
leading defense companies from the Middle Eastern country. The four-day trip
included business-to-business meetings and a half-day program featuring Gov. Rick Israel
Snyder, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. Business

The trip focus was on sub systems for armed vehicles, robotics, autonomous systems
and various solutions for homeland security. It was hosted in collaboration with the
Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, the
Israel Ministry of Defense, and Macomb County.

Under the Obama Administration, the U.S. pledged to grant Israel $33 billion in foreign military financing from fiscal years 2019-28, the
largest single pledge of military assistance in the country's history, according to the government.

As part of the current memorandum of understanding, Israel must spend about 74 percent of that aid on weaponry and resources produced
in the U.S., and the new memorandum mandates a greater percentage — as much as $1.2 billion a year — be spent in the country.

20

Pilot Program Combines Entrepreneurship and Cyber Security while
Exposing Criminal Justice Students to the Emerging Gig Economy

L everaging the entrepreneurial expertise and resources of the not have proper business structures (i.e. DBA or LLC) established
incubator, inclusive of its advanced computer lab (the Velocity to accept paid assignments.
Hub of the Michigan Cyber Range), has led to a unique
opportunity to expose criminal justice students to the world of cyber Demand for these skills exposed a need that the incubator was
security. well-positioned to fulfill. Utilizing a combination of access to
students interns, the cyber-security lab assets and its small-
Over the past few years, the incubator has provided criminal business development
justice majors with experiential learning through the CRJ 4950 - expertise, the AECS
Internship in Criminal Justice. Prior projects completed by students pilot program was
entailed: assisting with proposal development for the computer devised.
lab, establishing fiber-optic connectivity and setting up the network,
along with assessing cyber security test-preparation offerings for The initial cohort with
credentials. OU students is being
held in the Fall 2018
While these experiences were beneficial to the student, the semester. The AECS
incubator staff felt through its resources and network, it could offer program consists of
a more robust and structured program. As a result, the incubator 14-weeks of content wherein each week features relative topics,
staff constructed a new program titled: Applied Entrepreneurship in guest speakers and hands-on experiences.
Cyber Security (AECS).
The purpose of the AECS is to expose students to the world of
Since the Velocity Hub was launched in 2016, staff noted the cyber security from an entrepreneur’s perspective. The next
frequency of requests for cyber-security workforce talent by its generation will not always view full-time work in the same manner
own startups, governmental agencies and established businesses. as it was in the past. As the workforce of the future is changing, the
However, the inquiries were not limited to full-time positions. Often AECS program demonstrates to students how to be enterprising
the organizations were requesting assistance for defined projects and adaptive while gaining experience through small assignments
and short-term assignments (the emerging gig economy). This fit in and independent work. Should they desire to do so, the students
well with the student’s schedules and some were willing to accept will be positioned to pursue jobs thorough web-based, gig economy
these gigs. However, students typically did not understand, and did platforms.

TOPICS EXPLORED

- Introduction to Cyber Security as a Potential Career Option
- Exploring Cyber Security from an Entrepreneur's Perspective
- Identifying, Configuring and Adding Cyber-Security Assets
- Understanding Types of Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems
- Assessing Network Devices, Protocols,and Architecture
- Cyber Security Threats And Malicious Intentions
- Conducting Vulnerability Scans and Penetration Tests
- Choosing Security Software Tools and Suites
- Becoming Acquainted with Virtual Environments and Installing Appliance
- Comprehending Cyber-Security Forensics and Alert Investigations
- Understanding Standards and Making Recommendations
- Marketing Your Cyber-Security Skills and Offerings in the Gig Economy

21Recap and Conclusion

THE MACOMB-OU INCUBATOR Executing OU’s
Strategic Plan
...serves a purpose of MOBILIZING UNIVERSITY KNOWLEDGE (Page 2)
...is an asset within the Mobilization Zone of the Research Office (Page 3)
...EXPANDS UNIVERSITY VISIBILITY while making a factual-based economic impact on our community (Page 4)
...utilizes a team of seasoned professional and talented student interns (Page 5)
...employs NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS and empowers career transitions (Pages 6-7)
...provides certified, professional, product-development expertise (Pages 8-9)
...partnered with OU Professional and Continuing Education to develop a NON-CREDIT, CYBER-SECURITY

PROGRAM FOR VETERANS to use their benefits (Page 10)
...contributed to the university's ability to OBTAIN NATIONAL ACCREDITATION in cyber security (Page 11)
...is a significant pipeline for connecting business opportunities to REAL-WORLD STUDENT EXPERIENCES

(Pages 12-13)
...partners with state-sponsored, small-business technical experts and programs (Page 14)
...obtains startup capital that funds high-tech and innovative business solutions (Page 15)

...accumulated significant economic outputs and metrics (Page 16)
...ASSISTS LOCAL ENTERPRISES in research through students, faculty and labs (Page 17)
...reaches, inspires and engages NEXT GENERATION STUDENTS and professionals (Page 18)
...PROMOTES GLOBAL AWARENESS while building connections with international businesses (Page 19)

...exposes students to entrepreneurship and high-demand careers (Page 20)
Evidence-Based
Progress

Macomb-OU Incubator

Velocity Collaboration Center
6633 Eighteen Mile Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48314

oakland.edu/macombouinc