Weber State University will be one of five satellite sites for the Utah Science, Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative.

The Ogden school will host a Technology Innovation Center to bring together local businesses and industry to spark new economic development. WSU's center will be one of five locations in addition to the two central USTAR centers at Utah State University and the University of Utah. The first Technology Innovation Center will serve Box Elder, Davis, Morgan and Weber counties.

"This center is great news for Weber State and exciting news for the community because it will stimulate economic development opportunities in the region," said WSU President Ann Millner. "The innovation center will connect the expertise of our faculty with the needs of local businesses, entrepreneurs and agencies interested in developing and launching new products. It's a significant state investment in the economic future of this region."

The new center will be at the intersection of Hill Air Force Base and WSU's Davis campus and is expected to open March 1.

In addition to the northern Utah center at WSU, others are planned for Salt Lake City, Uintah Basin, Utah County and the Cedar City/St. George region. The satellites will support the USTAR initiative, which was created this year to use academic research to create local spin-off companies.

"The Technology Outreach Program is a critical component of the USTAR legislation," said Ted McAleer, executive director of the USTAR Governing Authority.