While their product on the court can generously be described as work in progress, off the field the 76ers seem willing and able to push the envelope when it comes to brand, community and partnership building, evidenced by its becoming the first major pro team to sport sponsored jerseys, and now working in conjunction with Kimball Office to create the Sixers Innovation Lab in South Jersey.
With the help of $82 million in state tax incentives, at their forthcoming 120,000-square-foot practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, the team will house a 10,000 square foot startup incubator.
"As part of a large-scale marketing partnership, the Philadelphia 76ers and Kimball Office have created an Innovation Lab located at the 76ers Training Complex in Camden, NJ. The Innovation Lab is aimed at cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit while supporting, energizing and connecting the new business communities in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia, by attracting and retaining top-tier entrepreneurial talent to the region.With partner and academic support, the program will provide office space and essential services for start-up businesses to foster innovation and lay the groundwork for future success, while tapping into the vast network of resources that the Philadelphia 76ers management team, ownership, partners, and the Innovation Lab’s advisors will provide."
Application deadline is September 20, with selected companies to be notified December 15. You can apply at sixersinnovationlab.com.