Rev3 Innovation Center Launching in DuPage County

LISLE, IL, October 1, 2013 — Choose DuPage, an economic development agency dedicated to the attraction and retention of businesses to DuPage County, today announced plans for a new innovation center, Rev3. Named for the third revolution of digital technology, Rev3 provides a space for emerging companies and entrepreneurs to manufacture products, software and technology. The center will also act as a host for networking opportunities, including seminars and training sessions, in order to stimulate the local economy and allow business leaders to connect with other like-minded individuals. 

“Rev3 will tap into the diverse business community located in DuPage County, with major companies residing in the technology, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and healthcare space,” said Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of Choose DuPage. “Our vision is to allow entrepreneurs and business leaders to connect with like-minded individuals while manufacturing their products and developing software locally, thus stimulating the economy.”

The center, to be located in DuPage County, just 20 miles west of Chicago, will provide affordable access to a range of equipment and expertise that does not exist anywhere else in Illinois. With innovations like 3D printing, cloud computing and the open source movement, technology continues to evolve rapidly and Rev3 will help today’s technology pioneers find new ways to innovate in these and many other areas.

“The development of a center like Rev3 has been a long time coming in an area where there are already so many unique startups and innovators,” said Nic Zito, Business Services Director for Choose DuPage. “We are thrilled to highlight DuPage County’s talent and provide them with an environment to take their products from dream to reality.”

Participating businesses will have the ability to prototype, build and assemble small and moderate scale volumes of physical products at Rev3. The center’s amenities will include a machine shop, wood shop, 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics equipment, hand tools, and more. By developing partnerships with local manufacturers, businesses will also be able to move on to higher-volume production including printed circuit board assembly, casting, injection molding, and product assembly while building their businesses in DuPage County.

Rev3 will also host ongoing events and programs, providing both introductory and advanced lectures and seminars on topics relevant to starting and growing a technology business. The facility will coalesce around passionate entrepreneurs, whether they are developing businesses on their own or commercializing technology invented at one of the area’s many universities, federal laboratories, or established companies.

“The success of Rev3 will have a lasting impact on DuPage County and will serve to further the growth of local businesses, create jobs, increase exports and generate wealth. Our focus is on building and retaining financially viable businesses,” added Bedalov.

Rev3 is currently seeking prospective tenants for Rev3’s planning team. The team will help select the incubator’s location, develop the overall vision of the center and review design, equipment purchases and services offered. The center will be organized as a not-for-profit and encourages volunteerism and community support.