A Youngstown based program designed to transform ideas into a commercial success is being called the best of its type the in world.


The Youngstown Business Incubator has been ranked number one in its field among 300 other similar programs located in more than 60 countries.


Officials from the University Business Incubator Index made the announcement Tuesday morning at the YBI office on Federal Plaza in downtown Youngstown. The media event was streamed live around the world on the UBII website.


Creating commercial success starts somewhere, and 32 portfolio companies today are working with the valley's internationally recognized program to grow into profitable businesses.


"When you get this kind of global publicity, it's going to bring just a whole slew of great new resources, not only to YBI, but to Youngstown, to Youngstown State and to our portfolio companies," said YBI CEO Jim Cossler.


Cossler said the incubator focuses on business to business software application companies. Having a narrow focus and a strong university partnership are the ingredients that he says make up its recent success.


Youngstown State University students work side by side with incubator professionals. They are opportunities that YSU President Tressel wants for his students, so they can be prepared to compete.


"The bonus is being around people who are doing it and to be here with YBI. It's a value that you can't even put a price tag on," said Tressel.


The downtown campus is also home to a federally funded research and development center America Makes, the Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, which has garnered national attention.