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RIT launches MAGIC Spell Studios
RIT launches MAGIC Spell Studios
Rochester Institute of Technology has launched MAGIC Spell Studios, a program and new building that will combine the school’s digital media disciplines under one roof, officials announced Tuesday.
MAGIC Spell Studios is the first commercialization studio of its kind in the Northeast, university said.
The building is slated to open in fall 2018.
“It really is very gratifying to see how the idea for MAGIC Spell Studios is being realized thanks to the efforts and tremendous support of many of you here today,” said William Destler, RIT president. “I do believe that this initiative will contribute to the continuing transformation of our regional economy thanks to a culture of innovation and technological expertise that has enabled this community to continually reinvent itself.”
The building and initiative were created through $13.5 million in funding from New York State, $12.4 million from Cisco Systems Inc., $3 million from Dell Inc. and $1.5 million from The Wegman Family Charitable Foundation, RIT said.
The new 43,000-square-foot building will be located adjacent to Frank E. Gannett Hall, RIT said.
“MAGIC Spell Studios is about being fluid and truly multidisciplinary, and it is revolutionary,” said Andrew Phelps, director. “Through the use of academic programs as a springboard to launch into very different experiences, MAGIC Spell Studios helps students grow their ideas into products and companies and engages students and faculty across disciplines to build these things together from proof-of-concept to refined prototypes that demonstrate commercial viability, and uses the studio at MAGIC to ship them on major channels and storefronts.”
Follow Kerry Feltner on Twitter: @KerryFeltner
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