Iowa City’s MERGE opens to innovators

IOWA CITY - A space tucked away in the heart of downtown Iowa City aims to bring together passionate innovators and support local business start-ups.

The new space, called MERGE, is an expansion of the Iowa City CoLab and was designed as a place where entrepreneurs and start-ups can have access to resources that will help them successfully create, launch and grow their ideas.

MERGE, at 136 S. Dubuque St., held its grand opening June 15 and has begun taking members for the space.

MERGE is run by Iowa City Area Development in partnership with the city of Iowa City and the University of Iowa's Office of Research and Economic Development and John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

'MERGE is the physical manifestation of support for those who want to make an idea a reality,” Mark Nolte, president of Iowa City Area Development, said in an email. 'MERGE offers a low-cost environment rich in support, resources and mentorship to help new companies chart their course.”

Nolte said the hope is that MERGE becomes the 'clubhouse of the start-up community” offering programming and activities. 'Our goal is to have something educational always going on at MERGE,” he said.

Entrepreneurs and start-ups can become members of MERGE and gain access to its resources. The workspace offers members open workspace benches, dedicated offices, conference rooms, a large training room, business resources, community events, 3D printing, Wi-Fi and more. ProtoStudios, a rapid-prototyping facility, is also in MERGE.

Memberships cost between $15 and $600 a month. Visit mergeic.com for details.

For entrepreneur Anamika Chandel, the space has been inspiring. She is in the process of developing her business, BeesKneesDrive, a child ride service.

'I wanted a place where I could work on my business and I like the idea of being downtown where everything is accessible,” Chandel said. 'It's just a great location to work.”

Chandel enjoys working in the space with other entrepreneurs.

'You meet a lot of people who are doing the same thing as you, start-ups and what not,” Chandel said. 'You can get ideas here and the staff helps you with every little thing from setting up to getting funding for your business. They help every step of the way. It's just a great place for an entrepreneur.”

l Comments: (319) 368-8538; elianna.novitch@thegazette.com