The Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission Council — which will develop a statewide plan to foster innovation that could turn into business opportunities — holds its first meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

IGEM is the brainchild of the Idaho Technology Council and was backed by Gov. Butch Otter. It was created by the Idaho Legislature last session at Otter's requestand given $5 million to start work.

IGEM's goal is to help create job opportunities in Idaho by looking to the state's universities and elsewhere for development of projects that could be commercialized in the private sector. The council will oversee a $950,000 grant fund to strengthen Idaho's economy.

Jessie Speck, who had worked on the Idaho Department of Commerce's business-attraction team, was appointed to lead the IGEM effort by department Director Jeff Sayer. Speck is a University of Idaho graduate and is involved with the Boise Young Professionals.

The council will meet at 10 a.m. at the Idaho Department of Commerce office, 700 W. State St.