JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Shad Khan is an entrepreneurial success story. A self-made multimillionaire with his auto parts company, Flex-N-Gate. Now he's spreading his wealth to help others with great ideas by partnering with a non-profit group called One Spark.
Spokesman Abel Harding said One Spark is, "For people who have new technology, a new medical device, art, something they want to showcase to the public."
He says One Spark is getting ready for its first festival, bringing scientists, inventors, engineers, and artists together, and allowing them an opportunity to show their skills. The ones with the best ideas could get up to $1 million capital investment courtesy of Khan.
"It gives them a chance to get equity funds that they can then take their product to market, make it available to the public at large," said Harding.
In a statement released by Khan, he said, "Jacksonville is the perfect host for this festival and I believe One Spark has the potential to inspire some really big thinking from the brightest minds in the area and beyond."
Harding said, "I think it says a lot about his commitment to Jacksonville. But I think it says a lot about this festival and what it's expected to do." He went on to say, "It's to grow innovation and entrepreneurship in Florida and grow jobs."
The One Spark event takes place in downtown Jacksonville from April 17 to April 21. Entrepreneurs and inventors can still register. Find out how at beonespark.com.
