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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

    2024

    Events News Research Park

    LabWorks Opens, Epivara First Startup to Move into Growth-Stage Life Sciences Suites

    Research Park is now home to a new address for growth-stage life sciences startups. The University marked the opening of LabWorks and its first tenant, a graduate from the EnterpriseWorks incubator, at a celebration and ribbon cutting on Tuesday, April 9. LabWorks offers turn-key wet lab and office suites for growth-stage startup companies in Research Park, enabling startups to establish roots and continue growing in the Champaign-Urbana community. “Things like this help this university stay relevant,” said Kim Kidwell, Associate Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives. Kidwell emphasized LabWorks’ key role in bridging the gap and enabling startups to get on the ground after their time in EnterpriseWorks. In 2021, Research Park was awarded $550,000 funding through the Rebuild Illinois Wet Lab Capital Program (via the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) to create turn-key lab spaces for growth-stage agriculture and life science companies, and shorter-term leasing to industry partners/collaborators. In addition to the state’s contribution, LabWorks is a partnership between the University of Illinois Research Park and building landlord GRE UIRP LLC. In November 2023, the Champaign City Council approved a $100,000 investment in LabWorks, providing resources to bring the project to completion. “We have done what many communities are trying to duplicate. But the heart is here, with the heart of the state, with the heart of the region, and because of this kind of innovative work, will be the heart of the nation,” said Illinois State Representative Carol Ammons. Epivara is the first company to relocate into LabWorks. Founded by College of Veterinary Medicine Professor Jay Ko, the move to LabWorks signifies Epivara’s growth plans following its graduation from EnterpriseWorks. Wilson acknowledged the milestone of Epivara’s graduation from the EnterpriseWorks incubator into a location that will facilitate additional growth as an important accomplishment for the Champaign-Urbana community. “If we want companies like Epivara to remain in our community, in our region, and in our state, we have to continue to invest in the facilities they need at every stage of their growth, said Gerald O. Wilson, PhD, MBA, director of entrepreneurship. “Representing the culmination of a partnership between the University of Illinois Research Park, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and City of Champaign, LabWorks is a symbol of an understanding that these kinds of investments are an imperative in our economic development efforts at the university, municipality, and state-wide levels.” Learn more about the LabWorks ribbon cutting and Epivara grand opening in a recent News-Gazette article. About Epivara Founded in 2016 by Dr. Jay Ko of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, Epivara is innovating better ways that pets are spayed and neutered worldwide. Epivara’s mission is to make life better for animals and humans through innovative science and compassionate care. The company has developed EpiFix, a low-cost injection to spay and neuter pets efficiently. Currently, this is the only alternative to spay and neuter surgery that works safely and permanently within seconds. Learn more at epivara.com. About LabWorks LabWorks provides affordable turn-key life science laboratory/office suites for growth-stage life science and agriculture companies in the Research Park. The $1.3 million build out was completed thanks to resources from the Rebuild Illinois Wet Lab Capital Program; the City of Champaign; the University of Illinois Research Park Board of Managers LLC; and landlord GRE UIRP LLC. See more pictures of the LabWorks space on the Research Park website.

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    Conferences

    Epivara Grand Opening

    Epivara Grand Opening The Epivara Grand Opening took place on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at the LabWorks space in Champaign, IL. Epivara is the first company to relocate into LabWorks. Founded by College of Veterinary Medicine Professor Jay Ko, the move to LabWorks signifies Epivara’s growth plans following its graduation from EnterpriseWorks. Share

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    Conferences

    GDM GRAND OPENING

    GDM GRAND OPENING The GDM Grand Opening took place on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at the Illinois Conference Center. This partnership deepens the collaborations between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and GDM – from talent pipeline, to scientific innovation, to uncovering new areas of partnerships across campus.

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    BioTech and Healthcare EnterpriseWorks Incubator Small to Midsize Business Tenant Directory

    Novark North America LLC

    Novark North America LLC winstonzhang@novark.com.cn Novark North America stands as a trusted leader in thermal management solutions, boasting over two decades of experience and a global presence spanning the USA, Asia, and Europe. The company’s expertise lies in delivering cutting-edge electronics cooling solutions tailored for high-performance computing across a spectrum of industries. Specializing in AI, electrification, data centers, medical equipment, industrial applications, LED lighting, consumer electronics, and telecommunications, Novark offers comprehensive thermal management solutions designed to optimize performance and reliability in demanding environments. In North America, Novark spearheads research and development initiatives, alongside dedicated efforts in marketing and customer service. The company’s commitment to innovation drives us to continuously push the boundaries of thermal management technology, ensuring that its clients remain at the forefront of their respective fields. Beyond business, Novark is deeply engaged in supporting scientific research endeavors at leading universities. Novark actively collaborates with researchers, providing crucial materials and prototypes to advance technology and drive progress in key areas of study. Novark North America blends expertise with innovation to deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations, driving success for its clients and advancing the frontiers of thermal management technology worldwide. novarktechnologies.com Stay Connected with Novark North America LLC

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    EnterpriseWorks Graduates Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    EnterpriseWorks Graduate Prenosis Receives FDA Clearance on Sepsis ImmunoScore

    EnterpriseWorks graduate Prenosis recently announced the approval of its artificial intelligence-powered diagnostic tool for sepsis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection, and it is often deadly. It is notoriously challenging to diagnose, but early detection is key since patients can deteriorate quickly. Prenosis’ diagnostic tool, called Sepsis ImmunoScore, uses 22 different parameters such as temperature, heart rate and cell counts to help clinicians assess a patient’s risk of sepsis. Prenosis was an EnterpriseWorks tenant from 2017 to 2018. Founder Rashid Bashir, Dean of Grainger College of Engineering, developed these technologies with his research group in the Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, along with Bobby Reddy. During its time at the Research Park, the Prenosis team earned a second-place prize in the 14th Annual Dale V. Cozad New Venture Competition. Now based in Chicago, Prenosis has been a longtime client of the Illinois FAST Center. Prenosis’ goal is to detect and prevent the majority of diseases before debilitating symptoms present themselves. By integrating biomarkers and clinical data, its diagnostics present real-time critical information, predicts future outcomes for patients, and expedites the delivery of optimal therapy. Prenosis’ approach stands out for its regulatory compliance and focus on safety and efficacy. The company plans to conduct further studies to demonstrate the tool’s accuracy and impact on clinical decision-making, with intentions to market it globally. “FDA authorization of a sepsis diagnostic tool with significant predictive power is a landmark event for people that could ever be at risk of sepsis at some point in their lives,” said Bobby Reddy, Jr, Ph.D. Read more on the CNBC newspage.

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    EnterpriseWorks Features News Research Park

    New Podcast Episode: Transforming Central Illinois into a Leading Biomanufacturing Tech Hub

    In a recent episode of the Innovations @ Research Park podcast, host Tanmay Shah talked to IBRL Associate Director of Business Development Beth Conerty about bioprocessing research and how the iFAB Tech Hub is transforming the Central Illinois Economy. Dr. Beth Conerty has been serving as the Regional Innovation Officer at the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Hub since it was selected as a 2023 Tech Hub Designee by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in October 2023. Conerty is working to apply her technical background to business by working in technology commercialization with a focus on entrepreneurship. “We are trying to invest in every step- from innovation here at the University of Illinois, and supporting the earliest-stage companies at Research Park and in EnterpriseWorks all the way up to manufacturing partners with ADM and Primient in Decatur,” said Conerty. “What’s really exciting about our lab-to-line approach is that all of those resources are available in a 51-mile radius between the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and in those bioprocessing behemoths in Decatur.” The Innovations @ Research Park podcast highlights the thriving entrepreneurial and corporate innovation culture in Champaign. It is hosted by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus Tanmay Shah. Subscribe to The Innovations @ Research Park to catch up on the latest innovations and news on Apple Podcasts,  Spotify, or your preferred podcast network. Is there something you want to know about Research Park? Do you have an idea for a guest for the show or a story we should pursue? Do you want to provide other feedback? Contact Laura Bleill (lwbleill@illinois.edu).

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    1901 S. First St. Tenant Directory University Affiliates

    University of Illinois Research Park, LLC

    University of Illinois Research Park, LLC research-park@illinois.edu (217) 333-8324 1901 S. First St. Champaign, IL The Research Park at the University of Illinois is a leading innovation hub for technology commercialization with a unique environment that cultivates startups and increases capabilities for established companies. The mixed-use composition promotes creative collisions and interdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening the bridge between campus and community. Located on campus, Research Park has more than 120 companies and growing, employing over 2,100 people in high-technology careers. At any given time more than 800 student interns are gaining valuable experiential learning and work experience while making real contributions to internal corporate R&D and product development programs. researchpark.illinois.edu Stay Connected with Research Park instagram.com/uiresearchpark facebook.com/uiresearchpark linkedin.com/company/university-of-illinois-research-park

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    1901 S. First St. Tenant Directory University Affiliates

    OVCRI Communications and Proposal Development

    OVCRI Communications and Proposal Development OVCRI@illinois.edu (217) 333-0034 1901 S. First St. Champaign, IL The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation (OVCRI) leads the university’s research strategy; manages regulatory, administrative, compliance, and research support activities; and develops policies that guide the conduct of research. The OVCRI invests in infrastructure and strategic, creative thinking to support a thriving research enterprise with global impact, including: Oversight of research safety, human subjects research, animal research, export control, and conflicts of interest Proposal submission and award management Research integrity and research misconduct Managing repatriation of human remains and sacred objects Research and project development Research infrastructure Innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development Research data, information, engagement, and outreach OVCRI’s Communications and Proposal Development activities include connecting scholars with opportunities to advance their research; sharing information about research-related policies, guidelines, and regulations; and telling stories of innovation of impact. research.illinois.edu

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    EnterpriseWorks Graduates News Recognition & Awards

    EnterpriseWorks Graduate Ascent Integrated Tech Wins Rising Star Award

    The Rising Star Award recognizes an early-stage startup for its innovation, creativity, and position as the next great hard-tech company to emerge in the region. Winners for the rest of the awards were announced at the March 13 Fourth Revolution Awards Reception, but the Rising Star Award finalists pitched live at the mHUB HardTech Summit the following day. The winner of the Rising Star award receives two three-month shared workspace memberships at mHUB, local and national recognition, and opportunities to network with leaders of the region’s growing innovation ecosystem. Ascent Integrated Tech was founded at Research Park by Paul Couston and Alex Gorsuch, where they created a software program for first responders, including firefighters, special forces, and SWAT teams. The platform optimizes 3D tracking technology, placed inside helmets and bracelets, to provide commanders with critical information, such as their team’s location. These tracking sensors provide details about the team members’ health and environment, such as CO2 levels, humidity, and airborne metal oxide. The Fourth Revolution Awards are sponsored by mHUB, a leading independent hard-tech and manufacturing innovation center that exists to convene the entrepreneurial ecosystem around physical product innovation to ensure that the manufacturing industry continues to accelerate, grow, and thrive. Learn more on the mHUB Chicago website.

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    News Research Park

    Welcoming the UI Foundation to the Research Park Neighborhood

    We are happy to welcome the University of Illinois Foundation to the Research Park neighborhood! After thirty years in Harker Hall, the UI Foundation moved into its newly built home at 303 St. Mary’s Road on February 19, 2024. The space has been designed with flexibility and growth in mind. “If people aren’t going to be here every day of the week, they might not need as much space,” Foundation president Jim Moore explained. “So we’ve been able to be more efficient with the design of the space and add in, perhaps, more spaces designed for collaboration and engagement and teamwork than we would’ve been able to in the previous world, where most people would’ve expected to be in a private office.” The building site is on the south side of the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign campus, where the old feed mill used to stand at the corner of Fourth Street and St. Mary’s Road. It sits next door to the I Hotel and Conference Center and across the street from State Farm Center and other Illini athletics facilities. The Foundation’s workforce has grown from 14 employees in 1974 to more than 170 employees today.  In addition to employee workspaces, the building includes facilities for hosting alumni and friends, including a third-floor space with a terrace with an excellent view of campus. The Foundation aims for a grand celebration of the building in Summer 2024. More information about the project can be found in photos and videos on the University of Illinois Foundation website. A more thorough article detailing the building’s completion can be found in the News-Gazette.

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