Microsoft Innovation Center provides students, customers and partners with a comprehensive set of programs and services. The goal of these centers is to foster innovation and growth in local software economies. MIC provides access to world-class resources for students, software developers, IT professionals, academic researchers and entrepreneurs. Primary areas of focus include: A. Building skills and intellectual capital through training courses, employment programs and mentoring experiences. B. Fostering industry partnerships through programs on how to work successfully with Microsoft, as well as through the cultivation of local and regional industry alliances. C. Increasing innovation at the local through hands-on engagements, such as labs geared towards the interests of ISVs, startups, partners, students, entrepreneurs. MIC partners with local government, academic institutions, industry organizations and software vendors with the ultimate goal of fueling long-term economic growth in the IT industry.