VIDEO: UC Celebrates Opening of App Incubator, Launch of Mobile Apps Suite

The University of Cincinnati launched a mobile app incubator and two new UC mobile apps Feb. 19, 2013, with a group of nearly 200 UC alumni, students, faculty, staff and representatives from several area businesses in attendance at the TUC Cinema.

A digital ribbon cutting ceremony served to open the doors to the UC App Lab on Main, which will share space with ResNet and the MobileCats wireless store. The App Lab is the only physical space at any university in the region dedicated to the development of mobile applications. Through the support of developers from UC Information Technologies, the incubator is a place for the UC community and regional businesses to come together in a collaborative and educational environment.

“We see the mobile apps incubator as a new place for real-world teaching and learning,” said Nelson Vincent, vice president of UC Information Technologies. “It is a place where app developers can work hand-in-hand with students on the next great mobile app development, spurring innovation and bringing new skills to students in almost any program or discipline.”

Alumni and local companies have already begun expressing interest in mentorship opportunities for students on campus. UCIT and the UC Foundation announced at the event the official release of two new mobile apps. UC Mobile connects students, faculty and staff to the UC community by making information – like shuttle schedules and athletics – available at their fingertips.

Kathy Wolf, vice president of marketing, communications and employee relations at the UC Foundation, said the UC Alumni app will be an effective tool for telling the UC story and keeping alumni connected. Both apps are available for download in the iTunes and Google Play app stores. They also provide the framework for students and alumni who wish to use the incubator to learn more about development.

Chris Wanstrath, former UC student and co-founder of the popular open source code sharing and publishing service GitHub, spoke to the audience about the importance of collaboration and dedication in the pursuit of innovation in the world of IT. His sentiments were echoed by the commitments made through partnerships with UCIT, the UC Foundation, Division of Governmental Relations & University Communications, Student Government and UC Bookstores.

“The University of Cincinnati and this incubator will make a difference in this community,” said UC President Santa Ono as he addressed the group at Tuesday’s event. “We will create more qualified and skilled students, so they can stimulate the workforce of this state, this region and this nation.”