1. In order to foster the growth of Missouri’s economy and to stimulate the creation of new jobs in science and innovation-based industry for the state‘s work force, the Missouri technology corporation, in accordance with the provisions of this section and within the limits of appropriations therefor, is authorized to contract with Missouri not-for-profit corporations for the operation of innovation centers within the state. The primary emphasis of some, if not of all, innovation centers, shall be in the areas of science and innovation-based business ventures. Such assistance may include the provision of facilities, equipment, administrative and managerial support, planning assistance, and such other services and programs that enhance the development of such ventures and such assistance may be provided for fees or other consideration.

2. The innovation centers operated under this section shall counsel and assist the new science and innovation-based business ventures in finding a suitable site in the state of Missouri for location of the business upon its graduation from the innovation program. Each innovation center shall annually submit a report of its activities to the department of economic development and the Missouri technology corporation which shall include, but not be limited to, the success rate of the businesses graduating from the center, the progress and locations of businesses which have graduated from the center, the types of businesses which have graduated from the center, and the number of jobs created by the businesses involved in the center.

3. Any contract signed between the corporation and any not-for-profit organization to operate an innovation center in accordance with the provisions of this section shall require that the not-for-profit organization must provide at least a one hundred percent match for the funding received from the corporation pursuant to appropriation therefor.