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    Community Events News Research Park

    Mondelez International opens Innovation Center at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (April 9, 2025) – Mondelēz International, one of the world’s largest snack companies, has opened an innovation center at the University of Illinois Research Park, its first on a college campus.    Mondelēz FutureLab aims to leverage forward-thinking perspectives from students across multiple disciplines. By leveraging the abilities and unfiltered imagination of students, Mondelēz seeks to identify disruptive concepts, experiment with emerging technologies, and challenge conventional product development processes.   FutureLab provides interns with campus resources, flexible innovation processes, and support to help materialize their innovative ideas, and to test their magical hypotheses.  “By embracing unconventional collaborations, Mondelēz reinforces its position as leading the future of snacking, driving superior innovation that meets the evolving needs of consumers in a rapidly changing world ,” said Marylena Meza, SVP R&D Strategy & Excellence of Mondelēz. “This initiative not only strengthens Mondelēz’s commitment to fostering innovation, it also provides students with invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to see their ideas come to life.”    FutureLab opened with a small team of research and development professional leaders from within the company. When fully occupied, FutureLab will host a team of University of Illinois student interns working year-round.  “Mondelēz is eager to tap into student insights to develop products and experiences that resonate with emerging consumer preferences, and where better to do that than our land grant institution – a state focused on ag and food innovation,” said Dr. Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “With Mondelēz’s Chicago roots, there’s all the more reason to be optimistic about the future of the state’s booming bioeconomy.”   Students will have the opportunity to work on new and evolving research projects that will bring together traditional sciences and other disciplines such as music and arts, leveraging digital approaches. Interns will gain industry experience while making real contributions to internal corporate R&D programs, skills that will benefit students as they move forward in their careers.   The site is led by Michelle Firrell, who has over 17 years of progressive experience in leading scientific and technical teams, shaping research programs, and driving operations for global organizations.  About Mondelēz International Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2024 net revenues of approximately $36.4 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on LinkedIn at Mondelēz International: Overview | LinkedIn  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. 

    Mondelez International opens Innovation Center at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Read Post »

    Community Events News

    Nutrien Ag Solutions Opens Innovation Farm in Champaign County

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Nutrien Ag Solutions has opened a cutting-edge Innovation Farm in Champaign County. The farm celebrated its grand opening on March 20, showcasing the latest agricultural technology and sustainability practices. The new 250-acre state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve as a testing ground for advanced farming solutions, offering a hands-on space to explore real-world applications of agtech and data science. It is the newest addition to Nutrien’s Innovation Farm Network, and the fourth of its kind nationwide. The Tolono site is transitioning the company’s operations into the broader Champaign community, from its previous location in the University of Illinois Research Park. Nutrien Ag first entered the Research Park in 2018 after acquiring Agrible, a digital agriculture company specializing in advisory tools and data science for farmers. The EnterpriseWorks graduate’s growth from fewer than 10 employees to nearly 50 in under a year highlighted its growth, development, and outreach potential. Maintaining its presence at Research Park, post-acquisition, Nutrien Ag leveraged the university’s ecosystem and talent pipeline to further its sustainability, data science, and digital agronomy innovations. “We call this ‘research at the speed of farming,” Jeff Tarsi, Nutrien executive vice president and president of global retail, told the News-Gazette. “It’s our ability to do replications to fiscally sound experiments on real farms and in real farm environments to collect the data and allow our growers to replicate it on their own farms.” The Champaign Innovation Farm has a weather studio, a green screen, and media capabilities to deliver localized forecasts to growers through YouTube and social media. The site also has 10-mile panoramic views and can generate regionally relevant forecasts for global markets such as South America and Asia. The multi-purpose site will cover a range of focuses, including equipment testing, agronomic trials, environmental science, and hands-on demonstrations. “I think the whole idea about community, we could do this technology innovation anywhere, but you get the most value out of it when you’re in the same locations as where your products are going to actually provide value,” Kent McDaniel, Cornbelt regional manager, told the News-Gazette. In addition to supporting local farmers, the Champaign Innovation Farm aims to engage the broader community. Nutrien leaders have invited area schools, the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and the Illinois Soybean Growers Association to use the space for education and outreach. This transition marks a new beginning for the company and the broader Champaign County community, building on its legacy of innovation and growth at the Research Park.  Nutrien Ag Solutions In 2018, Nutrien Ag Solutions acquired EnterpriseWorks graduate Agrible. Agrible celebrated its grand opening in 2015. Agrible’s products include Morning Farm Report®, Spray Smart®, Nutrient Engine, and Find My Seed®, which are accompanied by numerous other complementary digital and mobile offerings. Nutrien Ag Solutions is committed to being the leading provider of agricultural inputs in each of its markets. Advancements in technology have allowed for more effective growing methods while minimizing environmental impacts. As they have welcomed more operations and expanded product and service offerings, their reach has extended globally.

    Nutrien Ag Solutions Opens Innovation Farm in Champaign County Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Features Research Park

    New Podcast Episode: Yummy Future

    In the November Innovations @ Research Park podcast episode, host Tanmay Shah talked to Yummy Future CEO Jack Cui about the company’s journey, Cui’s entrepreneurship journey, working with autonomous robots, and more. Jack Cui is the CEO and co-founder of Yummy Future, an autonomous coffee shop that offers a taste of the future by servicing customers through an autonomous robot.  The company also provides robotic solutions for food and beverage businesses, lowering costs and enhancing efficiency. “I couldn’t imagine a robot able to do such a delicate task. So I showed him [Garrett Yan, Yummy Future co-founder], and  I said, ‘Why don’t we start a business, a robots servicing business,’ Cui said when describing how the idea of Yummy Future started. 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).

    New Podcast Episode: Yummy Future Read Post »

    Community Research Park

    Research Park Seeks Rezoning to Meet Industry Needs and Capabilities

    CHAMPAIGN — In response to dynamic market conditions, the University of Illinois Research Park filed a rezoning application with the City of Champaign to reclassify two properties  currently zoned CO, Commercial Office to the I1, Light Industrial. The City of Champaign’s Plan Commission will meet on Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. to approve the request and forward it to the City Council. This reclassification will position UIRP to meet evolving industry needs through future land development, Research Park Executive Director Laura Appenzeller told The (Champaign) News-Gazette. “We want to be able to have the right type of development for our future to respond to both business attractions that is interested in being part of our tech community here in Champaign-Urbana, but also to be able to support our entrepreneurs,” she said.  The rezoning request covers two development parcels within the Research Park, encompassing areas east and west of Fourth Street between Hazelwood Drive and Gerty Drive. “Most of the growth of the research park has been office space and we are seeing a growth of new types of industries,” Appenzeller said. “And increasingly, these small businesses that we’re working with are looking to scale technologies to get closer to manufacturing.” The rezoning will enable the Research Park to support startups transitioning from incubator spaces to small-scale manufacturing and remove competitive disadvantages to attract new companies. “It does allow us to be more conducive to flexible users that might be in these new emerging technology areas,” Appenzeller said. “When you’re in multi-state competitions, you’re always trying to make sure that you’re prepared, and that was what led to this.” At the public hearing on Nov. 20, the commission will then forward its recommendation to the City Council, The City Council is tentatively scheduled to take final action on this rezoning at its Dec. 3 meeting.

    Research Park Seeks Rezoning to Meet Industry Needs and Capabilities Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Events Graduates Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Inaugural Founders Week at Research Park Celebrates Illinois Entrepreneurship 

    Inaugural Founders Week at Research Park Celebrates Illinois Entrepreneurship CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (October 21, 2024) – The inaugural Founders Week, held Oct. 17-19 at Research Park, was an inspiring celebration of innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “Entrepreneurship is a team sport,” said EnterpriseWorks Director of Entrepreneurship Gerald Wilson. “Founders Week is a recognition that we are all co-founders of the future of Illini Entrepreneurship.” Wilson was a key proponent in organizing the event, working closely with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Illinois Ventures, the Technology Entrepreneur Center, and more partners across campus. Founders Week highlighted the university’s role in fostering groundbreaking ventures, which consistently ranks in the top five nationally for number of companies founded, founders, and capital raised. The event brought together founders, Illini Angels, active investors, ecosystem leaders, faculty, and students interested in entrepreneurship. View the event booklet for more event highlights and relevant resources Thursday, October 17 The Founders Week celebration kicked off with a Summit on Capitalizing New Ventures on Thursday, Oct. 17. Speakers led discussions on capital formation, attraction, and allocation to fund companies. The Summit was followed by a Founders Sandbox at, including a pitch workshop. Simultaneously, a campus tour took attendees through spaces on campus that are inventing the future, including the Institute of Genomic Biology, the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab, and EnterpriseWorks. That evening, the first “live” TechRise pitch competition in central Illinois invited historically underrepresented founders to compete for a $25,000 cash prize. Finalists included. Finalist: Oscar Azofeifa, PowerBox Technology, CEO Finalist: Aryan Indarapu, AVEA Robotics, CEO Finalist: Shrikar Lekkala, MetaFrazo, CEO & Founder Finalist: Ohm Vyas, ShotHawk, Co-Founder Winner: Tessabella Magliochetti, AmnioAlert, President & Co-Founder Thursday’s events concluded with EnterpriseWorks’ 20th Anniversary Homecoming Dinner. Friday, October 18 On Friday morning, Illini Angels held its meeting to foster community for experienced entrepreneurs and investors who invest in and mentor Illini founders. If you are interested in learning more about or joining this group, contact Paul Magelli. Later that morning, the Founders Technology Showcase began. This all-day event included panels, fireside chats, and more highlighting the hottest technologies being spun out of university research labs. Following the Founders Technology Showcase, a networking reception and startup expo allowed participants to meet more companies and turn Illini pride into a connected community Saturday, October 19 The final day of Founders Week included an Illinois Football Tailgate at EnterpriseWorks preceding the Illinois football game against Michigan at 2:30 p.m. Find more event photography in the Founders Week media gallery.

    Inaugural Founders Week at Research Park Celebrates Illinois Entrepreneurship  Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Investments Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Illinois Ventures unveils Deep Tech Strategic Fund

    Illinois Ventures, an EnterpriseWorks tenant and the venture capital arm of the U of I System, recently unveiled a new fund, the Deep Tech Strategic Fund. The organization is focused on helping students achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and has previously supported Research Park companies including DeepWalk, EarthSense, Natrion, PSYONIC, and more. The Deep Tech Strategic Fund is Illinois Ventures’ largest fund to date, consisting of $48 million from investors including the University of Illinois, Carle Health, and the University of Illinois Foundation. The fund, which targets the next wave of startups, is designed to fuel ideas that come from the University of Illinois ecosystem and is a testament to Illinois Ventures’ commitment to push the boundaries of innovation. Learn more about this investment fund on the Illinois Ventures website, Crain’s Chicago Business website, or connect with Illinois Ventures on LinkedIn.

    Illinois Ventures unveils Deep Tech Strategic Fund Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Investments Recognition & Awards Research Park

    FAST Center at Illinois receives funding renewal from US SBA

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the Illinois FAST Center, hosted by Research Park, has received a five-year renewal of its funding. The FAST Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides one-on-one assistance, training, and workshops across the state to increase access to federal research funding for Illinois small businesses. From 2020 to 2023, the FAST Center at the University of Illinois served a total of 2,288 clients, 60% of which came from underserved populations. Clients were awarded a total of $67.2 million in SBIR and STTR funding. This award is one of 49 distributed by the SBA, which provide up to $200,000 to organizations supporting startups through specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. “FAST funding, which fuels innovation to keep America competitive globally, has doubled under the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA. “At a time when we are seeing historic highs in our entrepreneurial activity with a small business boom, investing in America’s innovative startups is a top priority. America’s Seed Fund, powered by the SBA and fueled by 11 federal agencies’ SBIR and STTR programs, is the largest source of early-stage funding in the world. With FAST, we have now expanded our entrepreneurial ecosystem to nearly every state so that entrepreneurs with great ideas can invent it, commercialize it, and build it with America’s Seed Fund in every corner of America.” The Illinois FAST Center hosted America’s Seed Fund Road Tour in Champaign on July 17, 2024, allowing innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and small technology startups to connect with federal funding opportunities. Read the official press release on the SBA website. About FAST FAST provides small businesses and startups, particularly those in underserved communities, with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance for research and development. FAST’s objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses and startups across the country, particularly those from underserved communities to help them benefit from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. Through FAST, the SBA continues to play a critical role in creating inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and helping American entrepreneurs grow their networks and revenue opportunities with new capital. Learn more about FAST on the SBIR website. About the FAST Center at the University of Illinois The FAST Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is led by EnterpriseWorks and provides free resources, support, and expertise necessary to submit a highly competitive proposal to help startups and companies bridge the gap between research and commercialization. It has helped companies acquire millions of dollars in federal SBIR/STTR funding at no cost to them.

    FAST Center at Illinois receives funding renewal from US SBA Read Post »

    Community Features Partnerships & Acquisitions

    PowerBox Technology joins POETS at Research Park

    PowerBox Technology is officially a member of The Center for Power Optimization of Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS) at Research Park. The POETS facility will enable PowerBox to optimize factory operations and drive renewable energy system innovation. PowerBox Technology utilizes simulation software to provide cutting-edge power and energy modeling services, working to minimize renewable energy costs and maximize energy security. PowerBox was founded by University of Illinois alumnus Oscar Azofeifa, who currently serves as the company’s CEO. “Joining forces with top-tier corporations and government institutions, we aim to accelerate the commercialization of our cutting-edge technologies while contributing to groundbreaking research,” said Azofeifa. Industry and Innoation Director at POETS Owen Doyle welcomed PowerBox to the team in a recent LinkedIn post, saying that PowerBox’s “work is a great addition to [their] center.” POETS is an initiative of the Grainger College of Enginnering at the University of Illinois and is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Its ambitious approach to improving the power density of next-generation electro-thermal systems involves integrating traditionally separate research efforts in mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering across different technical domains. Learn more on LinkedIn.

    PowerBox Technology joins POETS at Research Park Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Features Graduates Media Mentions

    Cast21 Founder Ashley Moy Featured by New York Stock Exchange

    EnterpriseWorks startup graduate Cast21 was recently featured in a video by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Host Judy Khan Shaw sat down with co-founder and CEO Ashley Moy on NYSE’s Floor Talk. Moy shared what inspired her to start Cast21 and discussed the technology behind Cast21’s innovative products. Cast21 is introducing a medical cast for treating broken bones to increase patient comfort and decrease medical complications. This product is completely waterproof, giving patients the freedom to shower, and its open design enables doctors to see the break site and dress accompanying wounds. Taking advantage of the company’s patent-pending technology, physicians can benefit from the adaptable-fit device they can grab off the shelf. University of Illinois alumna Ashley Moy co-founded Cast21 in 2016 to change the utilization of technology in healthcare biologics. Watch the full video on LinkedIn.

    Cast21 Founder Ashley Moy Featured by New York Stock Exchange Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Features Investments Partnerships & Acquisitions

    Eleuthra Photonics provides expertise to MarginDx project

    EnterpriseWorks startup Eleuthra Photonics will provide industry and translation expertise for the Margin Diagnostics (MarginDx) project. Funded through the ARPA-H Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program, MarginDx combines optical imaging technologies with AI screening tools to ensure, in real-time, that tumor tissue and cells are completely removed during surgery. A large team of researchers and clinicians from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Mayo Clinic, Eleuthra Photonics, and other industry and clinical collaborators are working to find an end-to-end solution that will drastically improve surgical outcomes for cancer tumor removal. Eleuthra Photonics was founded in 2023 and was admitted to the I-Start program at EnterpriseWorks. Eleuthra Photonics specializes in developing and producing rapid image-based diagnostic tools for analyzing tissue and cell samples, with a primary focus on cancer and other disease diagnoses. Learn more on the University of Illinois Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute website.

    Eleuthra Photonics provides expertise to MarginDx project Read Post »

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