Research Park Seeks Support from Champaign City Council for Growth-Stage Wet Lab Project
LabWorks, which will offer turn-key wet lab and office suites for growth-stage startup companies in Research Park, will be available for occupancy in January. News Channel 20 recently featured the project as the City of Champaign deliberates providing additional funding.Executive Director Laura Appenzeller told News Channel 20/ FOX Illinois that the EnterpriseWorks building at Research Park helps startups launch, but they need more space and resources to scale.“The right facilities to allow them to grow and life science companies in particular need wet laboratory space,” Appenzeller said.
LabWorks will enable startups to establish roots and continue to grow in the Champaign-Urbana community, creating jobs and inspiring innovation.
The Champaign City Council conducted a study session on the project in early September. It will be reviewed again in October for a final vote.
The project has financial backing from both private and public sectors. In 2021, Research Park received a grant from the State of Illinois that propelled the project forward. It was then estimated to cost $1.1 million dollars, but the construction expenses rose to $1.3 Million due to inflation. Research Park is asking the city to provide $100,000 of the $200,000 difference.
To learn more, read the full article on the News Channel 20 website.