ANN ARBOR ? The University of Michigan is partnering with Ardesta, Washtenaw County as well as entrepreneurial groups to create an economic and marketing organization called SPARK. The group has already raised $2 million of a proposed $3 million three-year operating budget.

SPARK, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, will attempt to raise the visibility of Ann Arbor in the tech world to attract much needed tech talent to Washtenaw County to double the number of tech companies by 2010. Tech segments targeted include biotech, IT, small tech, energy, advanced manufacturing and security. SPARK?s working title for the past six months has been Ann Arbor TechCentral. An early stage fund also is part of the mix, but no details have been released yet.

University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman has said the U-M will pledge $600,000 for three years, and if the effort shows progress, would be willing to continue funding at the same rate for at least two years after that. Ardesta President Rick Snyder also has pledged an undisclosed sum. Some $250,000 a year earmarked for the Ann Arbor Smart Zone also will be rolled into the projected $1 million annual operating costs.

The SPARK launch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday at the former Ann Arbor IT Zone Launchpad, now renamed SPARK Central. The Launchpad has been going through a major face lift for the past several weeks in preparation for the SPARK Central coming out party. Dignitaries scheduled to attend include Michigan Lt. Governor John Cherry, Ardesta?s Snyder and U-M?s Coleman.

The impetus for SPARK grew out of a discussion held last year by U-M?s Tech Transfer National Advisory Board. The board members advised Coleman that for the university?s tech transfer efforts to reach full potential, the greater Ann Arbor region needed to become a more fertile ground for innovation and business creation, with a matching reputation to attract additional talent and resources. Ardesta, trying to build more small tech companies, also wanted to attract tech talent. Snyder is a U-M alumni and major supporter of the University.

?We decided to establish this region?s national identity as a hot spot for innovation and entrepreneurial energy and the development of technology talent,? Coleman said in a press release. ?I?m delighted at the progress we have made since we launched this project in November. Now, with our new name, Ann Arbor SPARK, an impressive set of collaborative partners and an exciting mission, we have accelerated our path to innovation and success.?

U-M and applied research at Eastern Michigan University have put this area on the map and are seen as the source of the ideas and people that will drive the 21st century economy, said Snyder, who is now chairman of SPARK.

?SPARK will enhance our business environment to enable people to bring their ideas to market, build new enterprises and create jobs here in Michigan,? Spark said.

For more information or to register for the May 26 event, click on AnnArborSpark.Org