CoMotion Labs, a multi-industry incubator program of CoMotion at the University of Washington, expanded its presence into Spokane three years ago with a pilot program whose goal was to contribute to the growth of the innovation community in eastern Washington by bringing UW resources, assets, tools and networks to the region to support economic growth.

During this time, CoMotion partnered with the entrepreneurial community, held innovation training events, included Spokane startups in CoMotion pitch events, and mentored and supported dozens of entrepreneurs and startups as part of the program.

CoMotion Labs also experimented with a number of different service programs and models over the last three years, yet none of them led to creating a self-sustaining financial model. As a result, we’ve had to rethink how we can continue to bring UW’s resources to Spokane. The good news is that a majority of CoMotion Labs programs and events will continue to be offered to the Spokane startup community from our Seattle base. They include:

• • “Fundamentals for Startups” speaker series streaming at Spokane Center on Fridays for CoMotion Labs members and other startups in the community
  • Access to the CoMotion Mentor Database for CoMotion Labs members
  • Inclusion in our twice a year DubPitch event for CoMotion Labs members looking to raise funds
  • Remote office hours for CoMotion Labs members

“While we are disappointed that we were not able to find a self-sustaining financial model for CoMotion Labs in Spokane, we are pleased to be able to continue offering a majority of our services to Labs members. We’re excited about what’s happening in the Spokane startup community and are committed to helping grow the Spokane innovation ecosystem through these programs and services.”

Brady Ryan, current manager of CoMotion Labs in Spokane, will relocate to the Seattle area as he takes a new role at CoMotion Labs developing a hardware prototyping facility on the UW campus in Fluke Hall, starting July 1. Brady will continue to devote a portion of his time in this new role to advising and mentoring the CoMotion Labs teams he has been working with in Spokane. Brady can be reached at bsryan@uw.edu.

The University of Washington has a strong presence in Spokane and eastern Washington, including through the construction of a new facility to house the UW School of Medicine in Spokane, in partnership with Gonzaga University. The UW also conducts dental training with Eastern Washington University through the RIDE program and the UW Spokane Center is a gateway for prospective students, alumni and community members to engage in a wide range of the University’s programs.