Asheville Collider network announces initiative encouraging private investment on climate action

Press release:

NEW ASHEVILLE INITIATIVE ANSWERS OBAMA’S CHALLENGE FOR PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN CLIMATE ACTION

Goal of business and education facility in downtown ‘Climate City’ is to fast-track an emerging climate resilient economy

(ASHEVILLE, N.C. – January 12, 2016): During last night’s State of the Union address, President Obama reiterated his commitment to climate action. His support of investments in climate resilience and adaptation provide the opportunity for increased collaboration in the private and public sectors to advance the climate goals of The Collider and the U.S.

“Tonight, the President’s speech highlighted the private sector’s innovators and investors as key players in the fight against climate change. We concur with this sentiment,” says Bill Dean, chief executive officer of The Collider, an Asheville, N.C. facility where businesses, scientists and innovators can develop high-tech solutions for environmental and climate change adaptation and resilience.

“The Collider is pleased to take on the President’s call to action. We are uniquely positioned not only to enhance these efforts, but also to drive them forward,” says Dean, a veteran science and research park executive.

“We’re creating what we call a ‘climate technology ecosystem,’ bringing together teams, talent and technology to transform raw climate and environmental data into usable products and services. The goal is to fast-track an emerging climate resilient economy.”

Scheduled for opening in February, The Collider offers co-working, office, meeting, workshop and event space where knowledge-based entrepreneurs and companies focus on innovative products, services, support and solutions around environmental and climate change adaptation and resilience.

The 6,000-square foot, top-floor business center is located in downtown Asheville – what is quickly becoming known as “Climate City” – just steps away the National Centers for Environmental Information, a division of the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the world’s largest repository of environmental and climate data.

“Through our growing network of students, scientists, engineers, businesses, investors, and suppliers, The Collider stands ready to help produce real world adaptations that can be used to help the U.S. reach the goals outlined in the Paris agreement,” Dean says.

“We look forward to continuing to develop communication and collaboration with the Obama Administration and among the federal government, universities, and businesses to deliver real solutions for all communities impacted by climate change. At The Collider, there will be no boundaries to expand scientific development to meet societal demands.”