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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

    Kaleb Medina

    Community News Research Park

    Synchrony and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Celebrate Major Expansion as Emerging Technology Center Surpasses 400 Internships, Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators 

    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

    Synchrony and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Celebrate Major Expansion as Emerging Technology Center Surpasses 400 Internships, Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators  Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Investments News Recognition & Awards

    EnterpriseWorks Receives $3 Million Grant to Support Growth-Stage Incubator

    Chicago Business Journal – Illinois invests $7 million in tech incubators to boost startup ecosystem (July 15, 2025) WCIA – U of I getting $3M from state for tech incubator project (July 15, 2025) WAND-TV – U of I receives $3 million grant to expand startup incubation hub (July 17, 2025)   EnterpriseWorks Receives $3 Million Grant to Support Growth-Stage Incubator State of Illinois Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants Program Funding to Launch Building Project CHAMPAIGN, Il. (July 15, 2025) – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has awarded EnterpriseWorks, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s tech incubator, $3 million through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant Program to support entrepreneurship and innovation in key growth industries around the state. The $3 million award will enable the University of Illinois to move forward with a second incubator to support growth-stage startup companies. The $20 million project has been scoped to align with growing opportunities in bioprocessing and light manufacturing across the region within the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub. EnterpriseWorks 2.0 will facilitate the transition of advanced startups with specialized lab and manufacturing needs to space not available at the existing incubator. It features facilities for early-stage manufacturing of high-tech products and high bay space for bioprocessing and fermentation equipment. “We are thrilled to be working with our iFAB Tech Hub partners to support bioprocessing, agriculture technology, and new manufacturing in Central Illinois with this facility design and purpose,” said Laura Appenzeller, executive director of Research Park. “This capital project has been in development and planning for many years to grow the capacity of EnterpriseWorks.” Strategically situated steps from the existing EnterpriseWorks incubator at the corner of Hazelwood Drive and First Street in Research Park, the facility will house laboratories, offices, and shared spaces, including meeting rooms, gathering areas, and a break room. Since opening in 2003, companies launched at EnterpriseWorks have raised over $1.4 billion in venture capital and $200 million in Small Business Innovation Research federal grant funding. “The original EnterpriseWorks incubator consistently has a waiting list for labs and offices. Demand for space outpaces supply,” said Gerald Wilson, Director of Entrepreneurship and a former startup CEO. “Few existing facilities in Illinois can meet the needs and adequately support scaling scientific and manufacturing startups. Physical product and agricultural biotech companies require more complex facilities not widely available for commercial lease.” EnterpriseWorks supports University of Illinois-affiliated entrepreneurs including alumni, faculty and graduate students, contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in East Central Illinois. “Illinois has an unmatched spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants Program is helping channel that into world-changing advancements and sustainable economic growth,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our technology incubators and startup ecosystem are positioning our state as a powerhouse in the economy of tomorrow, and I am proud to be strengthening our investment in that future.” About EnterpriseWorks at University of Illinois Research Park EnterpriseWorks is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s technology incubator. Its mission is to launch, support, and advance successful science-based startups that are commercializing disruptive technologies. EnterpriseWorks is located at University of Illinois Research Park, an innovation hub for technology commercialization with a unique environment that cultivates startups and increases capabilities for established. Located on campus, Research Park has more than 120 companies and growing, employing over 2,100 people in high-technology careers. 

    EnterpriseWorks Receives $3 Million Grant to Support Growth-Stage Incubator Read Post »

    Team Members

    Sabrina Chang

    Sabrina Chang Data Management and Engagment Coordinator Email : smchang3@illinois.eduPhone : 217-333-2023 Sabrina is an alumnus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, graduating with her B.S. in Operations Management with a minor in Hospitality Management. Previously, Sabrina was the Senior Events Coordination Intern for Research Park and worked with Motorola Solutions as their Logistics and Community Intern.  Sabrina is a Bloomington, Illinois native. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at the Champaign County Humane Society, cooking and baking, and watching Fighting Illini football and basketball. 

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    Team Members

    Ji Eun Kim

    Ji Eun Kim Assistant Director of the Illinois FAST Center Email: jkim622@illinois.eduPhone : 217-333-4168  Ji Eun Kim, Assistant Director at the Illinois FAST Center, plays a pivotal role in driving the commercialization of innovative ideas and technologies by providing strategic support to startups and small businesses. She leads initiatives to help entrepreneurs secure SBIR/STTR funding, guiding them through the development of competitive proposals that bridge the gap between academic research and market applications. Dr. Kim also organizes training sessions with internal and external experts and collaborates with other incubators and university partners to refine and support commercialization strategies that meet their needs. Additionally, she connects entrepreneurs with relevant subject matter experts and services to accelerate business growth and commercialization efforts. Before joining the FAST Center, Dr. Kim served as a commercialization manager at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she led comprehensive due diligence and market analysis efforts, supporting the translation of research discoveries and scientific findings into commercial opportunities. She played a key role in helping university startups secure funding and form strategic partnerships, fostering innovation across various life science sectors. Dr. Kim earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where her research focused on cancer biology and cell stress response mechanisms. Her scientific expertise, combined with her commercialization experience, uniquely positions her to support the FAST Center’s mission of advancing groundbreaking technologies and nurturing a thriving innovation ecosystem.

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    Uncategorized

    EnterpriseWorks Historical Gallery

    Take a step back in time to explore the construction of the 43,000 square foot EnterpriseWorks incubator. EnterpriseWorks opened in June of 2003 and has since incubated many science and technology startups. Now there are over 100 tenants within EnterpriseWorks, several conferences, and hundreds of interns working across Research Park.  Alumni of EnterpriseWorks also created successful technology companies recognized by top businesses.  EnterpriseWorks is still gaining popularity and supporting more technology start-ups in the Champaign Urbana area.

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    Uncategorized

    Research Park Historical Development

    The creation Research Park in 2001 was the first step into one of the many technological programs at the Research Park. Ever since the first tenants moved into EnterpriseWorks in 2003, the funding, development, and commercialization of the companies and product gained nationwide recognition. “The mission of the Research Park is much in collaboration with the mission of the University of Illinois,” said Ed McMillan, chairman of the Board of Managers for the Research Park and a University of Illinois trustee. “In addition to teaching – in addition to research and outreach – it’s also commercialization of technology.”

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    EnterpriseWorks Events Investments News Research Park

    Calling AgTech Startups: Apply Now to Pitch at Champaign’s Agriculture and Food Startup World Cup Regional

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A regional qualifier for the global finale of the Startup World Cup will take place as part of the 10th Annual AgTech Innovation Summit on March 6 in Champaign. The pitch competition will give 10 entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their ideas at the AgTech Summit, one of the region’s largest and most recognized agtech conferences. The winner will receive travel expenses to compete for a chance to win a $1 million investment at the Startup World Cup competition in October. The application platform will be open until Wednesday, Feb. 5. Startups selected to participate in the regional event will be notified no later than Feb. 12. The Champaign Agriculture and Food Regional is a partnership between Serra Ventures, Gener8tor, the University of Illinois Research Park, Pegasus Tech Ventures and Startup World Cup. Click here to Apply!   About the AgTech Summit The AgTech Innovation Summit brings together leaders in agriculture technology, entrepreneurship, investment, and academia to address pressing agricultural challenges and explore emerging solutions. This interactive conference, occurring March 6, 2025, features dynamic panel discussions, keynote presentations, and valuable networking opportunities. Participants will gain insights into current agricultural technology trends while exploring future innovations that will shape the sector. To register for the 10th Annual AgTech Innovation Summit visit the Research Park website. About the Startup World Cup The Startup World Cup is a global series of startup competitions and conferences, powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures. With over 100 regional events across 60+ countries, the competition culminates in a Grand Finale in Silicon Valley on October 17, 2025, where the top startups from each region will compete for a $1 million investment prize. For a complete list of regional events, visit: Startup World Cup. About Pegasus Tech Ventures Pegasus Tech Ventures is a leading global venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, with over $2 billion in assets under management. Pegasus supports emerging technology companies worldwide by providing both intellectual and financial capital. They also offer a unique Venture Capital-as-a-Service (VCaaS) model for large corporations looking to partner with cutting-edge startups. Learn more at Pegasus Tech Ventures.

    Calling AgTech Startups: Apply Now to Pitch at Champaign’s Agriculture and Food Startup World Cup Regional Read Post »

    Media Gallery

    Founders Week 2024

    Founders Week 2024 Research Park hosted its inaugural Founders Week celebration from October 17-19, 2024. This event celebrated our collective achievements in entrepreneurship, highlighting innovative ecosystems that foster groundbreaking ventures, empower countless entrepreneurs, and define the future of Illini Entrepreneurship. Participants included Illini Angels (alumni in angel investing and venture capital), angel groups, investors actively supporting startups in Illinois, entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders, faculty, and students interested in entrepreneurship.

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    News

    Caterpillar Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Champaign, Illinois (Sept. 3, 2024) – Caterpillar Inc. today marked a significant milestone at the University of Illinois Research Park – 25 years of the Champaign Innovation Center. Caterpillar first opened an office at the Urbana-Champaign campus in 1999 to work with Caterpillar product groups, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) and University departments. Since that time, the Champaign Innovation Center has developed into a leading engineering hub for virtual product development, advanced simulation, data analytics and design solutions, while simultaneously contributing to Caterpillar’s recruiting efforts and talent pipeline building. “We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Research Park,” said Otto Breitschwerdt, Caterpillar Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President. “The Champaign Innovation Center is a place where academia and industry meet, and these diverse perspectives result in the development of new and exciting technologies.” Caterpillar has engaged students across campus to tackle the company’s core innovation challenges, providing experiential learning opportunities through an apprenticeship approach. Students learn and grow alongside full-time Caterpillar professionals in Champaign and on site at other company locations. The model has provided a blueprint replicated by many other corporate innovation centers at Research Park. “This milestone anniversary signifies the deeply intentional and impactful relationship between Caterpillar and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, truly one of our cornerstone industry partners,” said Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “As we look ahead to the future of innovation, we are confident that, together, we can provide opportunities for the next generation of talent and technology.”The company marked the anniversary with a celebration at its Research Park offices, bringing back past interns and company alumni. About Caterpillar Inc. With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html. About the Research Park at the University of Illinois The Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a technology hub that cultivates startups and advances corporate innovation. Within the Research Park there are 120 companies employing both students and full-time technology professionals. Learn more on the Research Park website. 

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    EnterpriseWorks News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Hypercell Technologies Wins 2024 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize 

    Champaign, Illinois (March 5, 2024) – Hypercell Technologies, a startup company developing new methods to control infectious diseases, has been named the 2024 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize winner. The award, generously funded by a family of University of Illinois alumni, rewards University of Illinois entrepreneurs focusing on agricultural innovations.  The Research Park and the Moore family presented the award to Hypercell’s  CEO Bruno Jactel during the 2024 AgTech Innovation Summit at the Illinois Conference Center on Tuesday, March 5. The company operates out of an office at EnterpriseWorks, the technology incubator in the Research Park.  Hypercell Technologies has developed novel biological solutions to control infectious diseases in production animals that cause major economic losses and present potential threats to human health. The Hypercell approach revolutionizes the control of infectious diseases by bringing two innovative technologies: rapid, easy-to-use molecular diagnostics on the farm and biotherapeutic treatments to reduce the spread of a virus. Hypercell believes the best chance to stop a future pandemic in humans is to proactively control viruses in animal reservoirs. Dr. Alex Prokup, Senior Scientist at Hypercell says, “The first lab for Hypercell started here at the University in this incubator at EnterpriseWorks, and it’s really been a great experience for us. We have a lot of the University resources in terms of hiring our first lab technician, as well as getting supplies from the local store rooms and collaborating with some of the researchers on campus.” The Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize’s goal is to encourage startup companies engaged in developing new innovative technologies that may lead to increased productivity and efficiency in farming, or to create new agricultural opportunities, including new processes, crops, and food production systems.  Hypercell’s story with regard to this award was also featured in a recent News-Gazette article. Previous Edwin Moore Agriculture Innovation Fund Winners Include:  HarvestIQ, formerly known as Farmers Risk, 2023 FrostDefense Envirotech, 2022 Epivara, 2021 Habiterre (formerly Aspiring Universe), 2020 TellTail, 2019 EarthSense, 2018 Soil Diagnostics, 2017  About the Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize  The Edwin Moore Agriculture Innovation Fund was established in 2016 with a generous gift to EnterpriseWorks, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s technology incubator. The award honors the legacy of Edwin E. Moore (1924), who graduated from the University of Illinois College of Agriculture and began farming in Will County. Throughout his agricultural career, he and his wife, Iva, used innovative farming practices for crop production and livestock management. Two of their four children became farmers, Edwin and Thomas (1953, College of Agriculture), and continued use of innovative farm practices. Subsequent generations of Edwin Moore’s family have continued to pursue farming and ag-related careers capturing the same innovative spirit.  About the Research Park at the University of Illinois  The Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a technology hub for startup companies and corporate research and development operations. Within the Research Park, there are over 100 companies employing students and full-time technology professionals. More information can be found on the Research Park website.

    Hypercell Technologies Wins 2024 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize  Read Post »