Dark Matter Robotics sales@dmrobotics.io 60 Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL 61820 Dark Matter Robotics is a robotics innovation company building the next generation of intelligent machines. The company develops advanced robotic systems that combine hardware precision, cutting-edge perception, and scalable software, enabling customers in industry, research, and emerging markets to unlock new levels of automation. https://dmrobotics.io/
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DapUp hello@dapup.com 60 Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL 61820 DapUp has invented the first automated NIL ad platform, enabling businesses to launch athlete-driven marketing campaigns with the touch of a finger — just like Meta Ads. By automating campaign creation, contracts, deliverables, and ROI tracking, DapUp transforms NIL from a manual process into a streamlined, performance-based ad channel. The platform integrates with tools like NIL GO to simplify compliance, making it easier for schools to manage and oversee NIL activity. DapUp was founded by Ayden Owens-Delerme — a Paris Olympian, 4x NCAA Champion, and MBA graduate — with a mission to modernize athlete marketing and unlock opportunity for all sides of the NIL ecosystem. https://dapup.co/
Center for Networked Intelligent Components and Environments (C-NICE) pferreir@illinois.edu 2109 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL 61820 C-NICE is a collaboration between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Foxconn Interconnect Technologies (FIT), an innovative market leader of connectivity technologies within the data center, mobile, computing, and IoT environments. Researchers from FIT and the University of Illinois collaborate on projects that advance FIT’s computing, communication, and sensing infrastructure—the backbone of Internet of Things-enabled systems. Research spans precision components including electronic and optoelectronic connectors, antennas, sensors, and digital camera parts. Current work explores next-generation communications infrastructure, consumer electronics, and mobile devices for intelligent, safe environments. https://cnice.csl.illinois.edu/
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BlueMarble Weather awagener@mbaccess.com 60 Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL 61820 BlueMarble Weather develops comprehensive environmental monitoring systems specifically designed for agricultural applications. It features a high-density sensor network that captures microclimate variations across an entire farm, wireless mesh connectivity to eliminate the need for expensive cellular connections, and AI-powered analytics that transform raw data into actionable insights.
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Renee Hart Administrative Aide Email: rbhart@illinois.eduPhone : 217-300-4261 Renee Hart joined EnterpriseWorks at the beginning of 2026 and is pleased to support staff, tenants, and student interns. She helps ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly and serves as a welcoming point of connection for those engaging with EnterpriseWorks and the broader Research Park community. Prior to her role at EnterpriseWorks, Renee spent 12 years supporting programs centered on access, belonging, and community building—the principals of that work remain close to her heart. Outside of work, Renee enjoys listening to music, estate sales, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family. She especially enjoys spending time with her wife and their two cats, and has a deep appreciation for nature, whimsy, and fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging.
Erg Bio info@erbgio.com 60 Hazelwood Drive Building Energy Independence: Erg Bio transforms waste biomass into fermentable sugars, and intermediates for synthetic aviation fuels and cost-competitive chemicals — advancing national self-sufficiency and supply chain resilience. www.ergbio.com
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Research Park leaders Laura Appenzeller and Laura Bleill join the Innovations at Research Park podcast to reflect on a milestone year celebrating the Research Park’s 25th anniversary. This episode, hosted by Tanmay Shah, explores the achievements that made 2025 unforgettable and the plans that will shape the next quarter century. When discussing the Research Park’s 25-year legacy, Appenzeller highlighted its lasting impact on student careers and the broader innovation ecosystem. “We’ve been able to employ thousands of students. The impact is really many people that have had some time that they’ve spent at the Research Park, whether that’s a startup or an intern or an employee that goes on to a successful career elsewhere,” Appenzeller said. Looking to the future, Bleill discussed what’s ahead for Research Park, including plans for a new incubator facility and residential development. “We are at an inflection point. I think we have a lot of things that we are looking at as opportunities that could truly be transformational and, honestly, a generational opportunity for us looking forward,” Bleill said. To hear the full conversation about Research Park’s past, present and future, tune in to the Innovations at Research Park podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast network. The Innovations at Research Park podcast highlights Champaign’s thriving entrepreneurial and corporate innovation culture. It is hosted by Tanmay Shah, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus. 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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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Dec. 1, 2025) – Nominations are now being accepted for the sixth annual Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism, recognizing an Illinois farmer for their role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in the ag sector. View the nomination form here. The deadline for submission is Feb. 2, 2026. Established in 2021 to honor the memory of GB Brandt, a legendary figure in the field of Illinois agriculture, the $10,000 cash prize will be awarded to a nominee who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices, crop growing processes, or product usage. The prize is a partnership between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and The BRANDT Foundation. The winner will be announced and recognized at the AgTech Innovation Summit, an annual event produced by the University of Illinois Research Park on March 10, 2026. Those eligible for the prize include Illinois farmers, growers and producers or those engaged with Illinois farmers, growers and producers. Nominees should be connected with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and/or its affiliates, including University of Illinois Extension. A full list of eligibility criteria is available in the nomination form. Roger Bock, fifth-generation farmer and owner of Wolf Creek Farm in Williamsville, Illinois was the fifth annual recipient of the Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism. A University of Illinois alumnus, Bock works with the University of Illinois Extension and plant science department to optimize lesser growing areas by rotating in edible crops across his 1,200-acre operation of corn, soybeans, and specialty vegetables. Read the full story on the Research Park website. Past Brandt Prize Winners About The BRANDT Foundation The BRANDT Foundation was established in 2012 as a philanthropic extension of BRANDT, Inc. The Brandt family has always stood with their communities and as their company grew, so did the opportunities to give back. The BRANDT Foundation offers donations, grants, and support to the farms, charities, and organizations in the areas where the company does business. About the AgTech Innovation Summit Hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park, the AgTech Innovation Summit is an interactive conference where participants learn and share knowledge about the current state of AgTech and get a look into the future through dynamic panels, inspiring keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. One of the premier AgTech hubs in the nation, Champaign-Urbana is uniquely positioned to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry for learning, networking, and advancing this sector. Contacts Karl BarnhartThe BRANDT Foundation karl.barnhart@brandt.co Laura BleillResearch Parklwbleill@illinois.edu ###
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Founders Week 2025 Research Park hosted its second annual Founders Week celebration from Oct. 8-11, 2025. Founders Week celebrates our collective entrepreneurial successes and showcases the innovative ecosystem that fosters groundbreaking ventures. Together, we’re building a legacy of innovation and growth, empowering countless entrepreneurs while strengthening our shared commitment to shaping the future of Entrepreneurship at Illinois. Participants included investors actively supporting startups in Illinois, angel groups, entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders, faculty, and students interested in entrepreneurship.
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WCIA – Financial services company expanding operations at U of I (Sept. 18, 2025) PR Newswire- Synchrony and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Celebrate Major Expansion as Emerging Technology Center Surpasses 400 Internships, Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators (Sept. 18, 2025) Stock Titan- Synchrony and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Celebrate Major Expansion as Emerging Technology Center Surpasses 400 Internships, Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators (Sept. 18, 2025) University Leaders Join Ceremony to Unveil Expanded Center to Train Students in Tech Skills of the Future CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (September 18, 2025) – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.) and Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a premier consumer financial services company, this week celebrated a major milestone: more than 400 U. of I. students have gained hands-on technology experience through Synchrony’s internship program. At a ribbon cutting ceremony for the expanded Synchrony Emerging Technology Center in Research Park, university leaders, Synchrony executives, and students marked the opening of the nearly 11,000 square foot reimagined space dedicated to advancing innovation and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. First opened in 2018, Synchrony’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) serves as a hub for collaboration between Synchrony and U. of I., advancing the company’s finance and technology capabilities while equipping students with real-world skills in engineering, data science, analytics, human-centered design, and other emerging fields. The expansion doubles the center’s seat count and introduces new collaboration areas, including flexible huddle rooms, event spaces for town halls and networking, and a remodeled café. A commissioned mural from a local artist will pay tribute to both the state of Illinois and the university to uplift design in the heart of the space. Through the ETC, interns partner year-round with Synchrony employees from more than 60 teams on projects that fuel business growth and enhance the customer experience. The center is a key talent pipeline, with dozens of interns accepting full time roles in areas such as technology, credit, analytics and more at Synchrony since the program began. “The expansion of our Emerging Technology Center reflects the incredible talent of U. of I. students as well as the enduring strength of our partnership with the university,” said Tim Christensen, CIO, Synchrony. “Together, we’ve built a model that both enhances Synchrony’s innovation goals and provides students with opportunities to advance and grow technology skills. We are proud of the impact of this partnership and excited to grow this collaboration for years to come.” “Synchrony has been a tremendous launchpad for students pursuing technological and analytical careers in consumer finance,” said Dr. Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at U. of I., “The company demonstrates how to bridge academic research with industry applications, which is a win-win for our campus that puts so much emphasis on the value of experiential learning. We are so grateful for Synchrony’s unwavering investment in our students and engagement in many campus programs.” Beyond internships, Synchrony and UIUC co-host events including hackathons, Datathons targeting students interested in the field of Data Science, and in-class lectures around topics like Generative AI, engineering, and credit modeling, strengthening a culture of innovation that benefits students, the university, and the company. This milestone builds on Synchrony’s broader education initiatives worldwide, which aim to build pathways to financial credit access and financial mobility for Americans. For more information about Synchrony’s impact in Illinois and beyond, visit: https://synchronyimpact.com. About Synchrony Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a leading consumer financing company at the heart of American commerce and opportunity. From health to home, auto to retail, our Synchrony products have been serving the needs of people and businesses for nearly 100 years. We provide responsible access to credit and banking products to support healthier financial lives for tens of millions of people, enabling them to access the things that matter to them. Additionally, through our innovative products and experiences, we support the growth and operations of some of the country’s most respected brands, as well as more than 400,000 small and midsize businesses and health and wellness providers that Americans rely on. Synchrony is proud to be ranked as the country’s #2 Best Company to Work For® by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work®. For more information, visit www.synchrony.com. About the Research Park at the University of Illinois The Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a technology hub for startup companies and corporate research and development operations. Within the Research Park there are 120 companies employing students and full-time technology professionals. More information at researchpark.illinois.edu. Follow the company on LinkedIn at UIResearchPark. Media Contact Tyler Allen Synchrony Tyler.Allen@syf.com Laura Weisskopf Bleill University of Illinois Research Park lwbleill@illinois.edu
