High-tech Research Park On Campus...

On March 2, 2000, Governor George Ryan joined University of Illinois Trustees in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new research park on the Urbana-Champaign campus. The park represents a collaborative effort between the University, the State of Illinois, and local developers. It is designed to encourage research, development, and commercialization of the University’s intellectual assets, and to foster economic growth through the creation of jobs.

The University’s overall plan in this new venture includes two research park areas on the north and south ends of the campus. The parks will target tenants working in the areas of engineering, information technology, and biotechnology. An expanded Technology Commercialization Lab, or incubator, will be included to help high-tech start-up firms develop their ideas.

Chancellor Michael Aiken emphasized that the University must be aggressive and flexible in its transfer of new technology to the marketplace. He remarked, "The research park will aid us in attracting the very best new faculty. And our students will benefit from more chances to work with cutting-edge companies. In fact, the research park and the companies it attracts and grows will help to keep Illinois’ sharpest minds in Illinois."

The plans for the research park fit in with other capital priorities on campus, including the building of a new Post-Genomics Institute. The legislature approved $7.5 million in planning and initial construction support for this institute. These new capital priorities link the University to the state’s VentureTECH initiative, which seeks to strengthen Illinois’ standing in the high-technology sector.

President Stukel remarked, "The State of Illinois has taken a huge step toward its quest to become a leading high-technology state in the heartland."

Updated 12/06/00