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    Research Park Honors Innovative Interns at 18th Annual Intern Awards Ceremony

    The 18th Annual Research Park Intern Awards Ceremony, which celebrates the contributions of exceptional student interns at Research Park corporate innovation centers and startups, took place on July 25, aptly coinciding with National Intern Day. The awards ceremony brings together interns representing diverse skill sets and industry sectors, as well as their managers and colleagues. It reflects the overall depth and breadth of excellence of intern work that occurs daily at Research Park. Awards were given in the following categories: Best Startup Intern Best Technical Innovation Best Business Innovation Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student Intern Most Outstanding Graduate Student Intern Most Competent and Collaborative Team Among the notable projects showcased was an intern who developed a prototype web software for Life Cycle Assessment calculations without prior experience in software development, improving company processes by approximately 90%. Another standout project involved a group of interns who developed an interactive, immersive boating simulator using a blend of computer graphic software development, UI/UX design, data integration, and hardware development. Shivani Birwadkar, who won the Best Technical Innovation award, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reflected on how the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects has significantly impacted her professional growth. “I am deeply honored to have been recognized with the Best Technical Innovation. My internship at ADM has been an incredible journey of learning and growth. From the groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of innovation to the supportive and inspiring team that constantly motivates each other, this experience has truly been one of the most rewarding of my career,” said Birwadkar, a Work Process Automation Intern at ADM Science and Technology Center. The ceremony and nominations highlighted the incredible talent within the Research Park community and underscored the vital role that internships play in fostering the next generation of industry leaders. “Winning an award is a testament to the exceptional skills and dedication of our interns,” said Laura Bleill, director of external engagement at the Research Park. “It’s not just about individual accomplishments but also about how these young professionals are shaping the future through their innovative projects and collaborative spirit.” Just being nominated for these awards is an accomplishment, said Bryan Goode, the Research Park talent manager. The judging process is intense. “Managers nominate individual interns or entire teams, and each nomination comes with a detailed essay highlighting their skills and achievements,” Goode said. “These essays are then reviewed by a diverse panel of judges who bring different expertise to the table. They look at everything from technical skills to soft skills to ensure each nomination receives a fair and thorough evaluation.” Best Startup Intern  Zoey Zhang | Boston Bioprocess | Bioprocess Development Intern | Masters in Bioprocessing and Bioenergy | Illinois Professional Science Master’s “She has been an integral part of our pilot plant team, leveraging her graduateeducation and prior experience to execute fermentation projects. She quickly adapted to our fast-paced culture, showing immense grit and dedication. Zoey demonstrated exceptional leadership by volunteering for late hours and weekends to meet deadlines. Her proactive approach allowed us to delegate tasks such as sampling, reactor setup, and data analysis, significantly boosting our team’s efficiency. Zoey optimized shake flask volumes and benchmarked fermenters’ oxygen transfer rates, providing valuable insights. Her proactive approach to personal and professional growth, combined with her dedication, resilience, and willingness to go above and beyond, makes her highly deserving of this award.” Finalists: Thanushree Ambati | Helixon | Bio-Tech Research Intern | Master in Cell and Developmental Biology | College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Luigi Passerotti | Hinetics | Mechanical Engineering Intern | Mechanical Engineering | Grainger College of Engineering Best Technical Innovation Shivani Birwadkar | ADM Science and Technology Center | Work Process Automation Intern | Masters in Information Management | School of Information Sciences “Shivani is an exceptional intern who demonstrated remarkable innovation by independently developing a web application for Life Cycle Assessment calculations using Python and JavaScript from scratch. Despite having no prior experience, her work improved process efficiency and reduced project execution time by approximately 90 percent, significantly streamlining operations. Shivani’s proactive approach and strong relationship-building earned the team’s trust, adding considerable value and enabling more simultaneous projects without compromising quality.” Finalists: Shubham More — Synchrony Emerging Technology Center — Emerging Technology Center Intern | Computer Science and Physics | Grainger College of Engineering Caleb Larson | AGCO Acceleration Center | Engineering Intern | Electrical & Computer Engineering | Grainger College of Engineering Best Business Innovation Yijin Wang | Synchrony Emerging Technology Center | Emerging Technology Center Intern | Master’s Concentration in Analytics-Statistics | College of Liberal Arts & Sciences “Yijin truly exemplifies what it means to be a team player, shifting her focus based on the team’s needs and leveraging her technical, analytical acumen across multiple projects. She developed a measurement framework for assessing the incremental dollar impact of our paid media acquisition campaigns and supported clients with campaign reporting using Adobe and SAS. Tracy also led reporting for personalization stakeholders, quickly learning tools like Dynamic Yield. Despite resource constraints, Yijin ensured our team met all deliverables. Her framework addressed enterprise-level gaps in measuring campaign efficacy, advancing our enterprise initiative.” Finalists: Khushboo Choudhary | Synchrony Emerging Technology Center | Emerging Technology Center Intern | Master’s in Predictive Analytics & Risk Management | College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Gabrielle Wilki | State Farm | RDC Intern | Computer Engineering | Grainger College of Engineering Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student Intern Mayank Dubey | Rivian | Electrical Hardware Development Intern | Mechanical Engineering | Grainger College of Engineering “Mayank’s summer project at Rivian was a masterstroke in accelerating mechanical design and development. He developed an innovative framework to automate PCB design exploration, previously a manual task, using self-learning Python scripts—this breakthrough streamlined the process, catalyzing rapid innovation. His scripts empower engineers to perform complex finite element analysis (FEA) models, significantly boosting efficiency and minimizing errors. Despite lacking direct automotive experience, Mayank quickly absorbed new information and applied it effectively, consistently delivering noteworthy results with minimal guidance. His resilience, adaptability, and commitment to advancing despite challenges underscore his exceptional work ethic and dedication.” Finalists:

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    Community Events News Research Park

    America’s Seed Fund Road Tour visits the Research Park

    The Research Park hosted America’s Seed Fund Road Tour, an opportunity for innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and small technology startups to explore over $4 billion in early-stage funding opportunities, on July 17. “We are on the front of cutting-edge breakthrough technologies,” said University of Illinois Chancellor Robert J. Jones, discussing the University of Illinois and the Research Park’s role in technology and economic development. U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski also spoke at the event, discussing the recent Illinois Fermentation and Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Hub funding. “This region has so many companies that leverage this federal funding, bringing the cutting edge of technology, research, and development right here to our backyard…We need to be making continued investment and partnership with [innovators].” Champaign was one of five cities on the Road Tour’s Midwest swing, and the only stop not in a major metropolitan area. The event’s panels featured representatives from 22 federal agencies, including the USDA, USPTO, the Army, and NASA, who also held one-on-one meetings with entrepreneurs and innovators. The Illinois stop was sponsored by the Illinois Innovation Network, the Illinois Federal and State Technologies (FAST) Center, and the University of Illinois Research Park. It attracted entrepreneurs and researchers from all across Illinois and beyond. America’s Seed Fund Road Tour is a national outreach effort that conveys the technology funding opportunities provided through the U.S. Small Business Administration, America’s Seed Fund, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. View the time-stamped agenda or keep reading for event highlights and relevant resources. The day opened with remarks from Laura Appenzeller, the Executive Director of the University of Illinois Research Park, and Dr. Gerald Wilson, the Director of EnterpriseWorks. Throughout the morning, organizations had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from federal agencies. Individuals could schedule 15-minute meetings in advance or walk-ins. “The one-on-one was amazing,” said Cezar Tondini, entrepreneur and founder of T-Sale Metals. “I had four meetings and everyone put me in the right direction. They gave me a lot of information…it was an amazing experience.” Government Agency Reverse Pitches included presentations on resources from the following agencies: One theme of the panel “Matching Your Project to an Agency” was the vast breadth of topics and projects that are eligible for government funding. “We have basically no topic limitations…the majority of our Phase I awards are to brand new companies in the SBIR world.” said Ben Schrag, panelist and SBIR/STTR Program Director and Policy Liaison at the NSF. He recommended these companies “think about the first user and the first value proposition” when submitting a proposal. “There are many ways to win, but no double dipping,” said moderator Nancy Kamei, SBIR Program Development Specialist. “You cannot take two awards for the same exact work.” This enables a vast array of companies to receive funding. Panelists also underscored the importance of reviewing feedback and trying again if a company’s application is denied. “You’ve done the hard work,” said panelist Jacki Gray, SBIR Program Manager of the Technology Partnerships Office at NIST. “You’re going to get feedback and that’s going to give you confidence to come back strong the next round.” “Inside the Head of an Evaluator” discussed project evaluation and was moderated by Elden Hawkes, Jr., SBA Partnership and Innovation Specialist, featuring panelists Shadi Azoum, Colleen Gibney, Gary Laier, and Bob Smith. Bob Smith, a National Program Leader at USDA explained that the USDA’s evaluators come from academia, industry, state governments, national and international experts, and more. These evaluators measure innovation when reviewing applications, looking for novel concepts with a combination of technology infusion potential and commercialization. To impress evaluators, companies should get to know the target audience, back up what they are promising with concrete knowledge, and plan ahead. “Don’t wait until the very last minute to submit your proposal,” said panelist Shadi Azoum, SBIR/STTR Program Manager at NAVWAR. Bob Smith also emphasized the importance of writing your application well in advance and then “give [it] to someone to review [and] make sure it flows well…You want to put your best foot forward.” “Finding Help and Support” moderator Katy Sly from the SBA and panelists Laura Appenzeller, Levi Kinnard, Molly Kocialski, and Ruth Shuman gave audience members help and support for the innovation journey. One critical area where innovators need support is intellectual property, a topic that presents lots of early risks. Molly Kocialski, the Regional Director at the Rocky Mountain USPTO said that “early risks have to do with disclosure.” There’s a one-year grace period for applying for patents, so it’s important to consider these things early on. Unlike other represented agencies, USPTO doesn’t offer funding, but it has lots of already paid-for services. Kocialski underscored the importance of asking for help by visiting an office or using USPTO’s free online IP Identifier. This panel recognized the challenges of an innovator’s journey and the features of federal programming that make it easier for entrepreneurs. “It’s a long timeline,” said panelist Ruth Shuman from the NSF I-Corps program. “Don’t give up because you got one rejection. Figure out what the next steps are, [and] be the person to plan…and work through a strategy that includes patents, capital, and SBIR support.” Several speakers shared about State of Illinois support programs, including: The event included two segments with four total breakout sessions, each moderated by Illinois FAST Center Consultants. Lightning presentations included: Thank you to the event sponsors: The Illinois Innovation Network, Illinois FAST (Federal and State Technologies) Center, and The University of Illinois Research Park. Thank you to the U.S. Small Business Administration and the event planning team, including Shelley Maves, Cheri Soliday, Illinois FAST Center leadership, and the Research Park team, for making this event possible.

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    Community EnterpriseWorks Features Graduates News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    EarthSense awarded patent for the use of AI-ML-based smart applications

    Research Park agtech startup EarthSense was awarded a patent from the United States Trade and Patent Office (USTPO) for the use of AI-ML-based smart application of treatments in plantations, orchards, vineyards, and other permanent cropping systems. This patent builds on EarthSense’s other patented innovations in robust autonomous navigation, multi-robot deployments, machine vision in challenging agricultural environments, and more. EarthSense is creating dramatic new possibilities for crop breeders, plant protection product developers, crop scientists, and field agronomists. The company joined EnterpriseWorks in 2016, where it operated until opening an office in the Atkins Building in 2021. EarthSense’s robots can work tirelessly and precisely around the clock in challenging environments. With edge-optimized AI, they will be deployed anywhere in the world without expensive communication infrastructure. This AI-enabled precise and intelligent application of fertilizers and chemicals will drive yield improvements and reduce environmental harm, leading to significant financial savings. For more information, visit the EarthSense website or connect with the company on LinkedIn.

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    Community Features Investments Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    iFAB awarded $51 million grant to propel Central Illinois as a biomanufacturing leader

    The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub has been awarded approximately $51 million from the Tech Hubs Program through the Department of Commerce‘s Economic Development Administration. This funding enables the iFAB consortium to position Central Illinois as a global leader in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation, supporting national security, economic growth, and job generation. Led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, iFAB seeks to scale precision fermentation to convert underutilized corn feedstocks into high-value, customized alternative proteins, food ingredients, materials, chemicals, and more. It was named an EDA Regional Innovation and Technology Hub in October 2023, opening the door to government support and funding. “Today’s EDA grant not only acknowledges but actively fuels our mission to establish Central Illinois as a pivotal biomanufacturing player on the global stage. With these new resources, we are equipped to accelerate our initiatives, ensuring that our region not only meets but sets the gold standard for biomanufacturing innovation,” said U. of I. Chancellor Robert J. Jones. “This partnership exemplifies how the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can leverage its expertise and resources to fuel progress and prosperity right in our backyard.” iFAB’s 30+ partners include the University of Illinois Research Park and others from industry, higher education, trades, workforce development agencies, agribusiness, and producers. Two of the private sector partners, ADM and Boston Bioprocess, have operations at Research Park. Gener8tor, the leader of the Illinois AgTech Accelerator, is also involved with iFAB. The iFAB leadership team includes Laura Appenzeller from the University of Illinois Research Park along with representatives from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, and Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County. iFAB seeks to scale precision fermentation to convert underutilized corn feedstocks into high-value, customized alternative proteins, food ingredients, materials, chemicals, and more. By leveraging this funding alongside regional assets in corn and soy feedstocks, food processing infrastructure, and research leadership, this Tech Hub will continue to provide a domestic biomanufacturing testbed through the development and deployment of multi-use pilot and demonstration capacity and equipment for biomanufacturing innovators. To learn more, visit the iFAB website.

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    Community EnterpriseWorks Features News Research Park

    Cache Energy Secures $8.5 Million in Seed Funding

    EnterpriseWorks startup Cache Energy has successfully secured a new investment, boosting its early funding to an impressive $8.5 million. Cache specializes in developing long-duration energy storage (LDES) technology utilizing low-cost materials capable of withstanding high temperatures. The recent investment was led by Voyager Ventures, a venture capital firm that “invests in early-stage climate technology companies, creating the foundation of a decarbonized global economy and livable future for all.” The funding supports the development and scaling of Cache’s thermal storage system. “The energy capacity cost is an order of magnitude cheaper than what we have seen anywhere in the market. The next alternative is at least 8-10 X more expensive,” said Arpit Dwivedi, founder and CEO of Cache Energy.Voyage Ventures believes Cache will revolutionize industries like manufacturing and chemicals, which rely on large amounts of heat energy and need affordable storage options. “With strong customer traction already from major utilities and industrial players, we are thrilled to support Arpit Dwivedi and his talented team as they scale this transformative technology to dramatically reduce emissions while saving customers money in these critical sectors,” said Leonardo Banchik of Voyager. Over the past year, Cache has also worked with Halliburton to speed up its scaling and operations. Cache has earned acknowledgment from the Department of Energy and won two awards: the DOE Energy Innovation Prize and a pitch competition at the White House.

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    Community EnterpriseWorks Events Investments Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards

    Nine Cozad New Venture Challenge Teams Receive Awards from EnterpriseWorks

    EnterpriseWorks and Research Park awarded the Student Startup Tenancy Prize to nine teams that competed in the 2024 Cozad New Venture Challenge. This prize, which was awarded to Pathlit, AVEA Robotics, Radiant Looms, AminoSense, ClimeCast, Provenance Security, SeriesFarm, Terravate Energy, and Med Terms, includes access to co-working space, conference rooms, common areas, support services, and entrepreneur assistance. Provenance Security and SeriesFarm received the Catapult Award of $5,000 to be used for startup professional services. ClimeCast, which joined EnterpriseWorks as a tenant earlier in the year, also won third place with a $25,000 investment. ClimeCast uses AI to optimize decarbonization strategy for commercial real estate. ClimeCast also won the Dr. Paul Magelli Innovation Award, Best Pitch at Finals, as well as the Student Startup Tenancy Prize. Cozad New Venture Challenge (CNVC) is a campus-wide program run by the Technology Entrepreneur Center that provides mentoring to teams through the phases of venture creation, and resources in idea validation, pitching skills, and customer development. Between the 200 registered teams, 11 campus colleges and 85 majors were represented. The 2024 CNVC kicked off with registration and kickoff events in January and continued throughout the spring semester with workshops, mentorship opportunities, and training for over 500 undergraduate and graduate students. Between the 200 registered teams, 11 campus colleges and 85 majors were represented. The Demo Day on Thursday, April 11, was held at the Illinois Conference Center and featured several members of EnterpriseWorks and Research Park judging student work. The program concluded on Wednesday, April 24, with a Year-End Celebration and Awards Ceremony at the Campus Instructional Facility. Past participants of the program include EnterpriseWorks graduates Cast21, DeepWalk, Mesh++, Prenosis, Psyonic, and Serionix, in addition to EnterpriseWorks startups Natrion and ZiteAI.

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    Community News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Sen. Tammy Duckworth Highlights Efforts to Promote Illinois Innovation at Research Park Visit

    U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth visited the Research Park on Friday, Sept. 8 for a lively fireside chat discussing innovation, global impact, and Illinois’s role in developing emerging technologies. The panel discussion featured Grainger College of Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir, Prof. Shaloo Rakheja, and moderator John Reid, a clinical faculty member at Illinois who has significant ties to two companies with deep roots at UIRP. “As a hub of agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and technology, Illinois is the ideal location for greater investment from international business, and I’m committed to helping bring home the kinds of investments that create good-paying jobs and strengthen our state’s economy,” Duckworth said. “As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am dedicated to promoting Illinois on a global level—which includes much of the groundbreaking research and innovation happening right here at U of I. Illinois is ready to help bring our world into the future—and I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure the whole world knows it.” Senator Duckworth encouraged students to “blur [their] boundaries.” The idea of blurring boundaries is integral to Research Park, where students from various disciplines work together on project teams. Senator Duckworth continued this advice: “Don’t think of a specific area as ‘my area’…If you allow yourself the opportunity to follow your own interest wherever it leads you, that space is where  you will be the most productive.” The event also included a meet-and-greet with the Senator and s’mores by the Atkins Building firepit. The University of Illinois is one of America’s leading research universities, and the Research Park plays an instrumental role in the research sphere. “From the farm of the future to the wheelchair of the future, our scientists and engineers are hard at work, imagining what’s next,” said Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Illinois and principal officer of the Research Park Board of Managers. To learn more about the event, read the full press release on Senator Tammy Duckworth’s website or the recap by the Grainger College of Engineering. See the photos on our media gallery. 

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    Community EnterpriseWorks Investments News Research Park

    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.

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    Community News Research Park

    Abandoned Kitten at Research Park Finds Fur-ever Home with Zite AI

    Monday started off a little hairy when Facility Operations Coordinator James Wells found a kitten roaming near the loading dock on the Research Park campus. Wells knew he had to stay pawsitive and immediately boxed up the frail creature. Then the black kitten found itself experiencing an immersive tour of the EnterpriseWorks incubator. It spent the day exploring the nearby halls, eating chicken donated from people’s salads, and entertaining its many curious visitors in the office of Operations Director and self-proclaimed cat-lover, Cynthia Faullin. “[He was a] sweet snuggly kitten who was not timid and quickly began to play with some improvised cat toys,” said Faullin. While there were several interested parties, ZITE AI CEO Joshua Love volunteered to give the orphan a home and promptly took him to the vet for a check-up. “When I walked into the Zite AI office this morning, I did not expect to come home with a kitten,” posted Joshua Love on LinkedIn. “Weighing in at just 2.5 pounds, the vet estimates he’s between 8 and 10 weeks old… While he had a minor flea issue, I’m happy to report that he received a clean bill of health otherwise.” Many congratulations to Love and his new kitten (now named Bob) in finding a furever home! We have a feline it’s going to be the start of a beautiful friendship.

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    Community Events News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    2023 Research Park Table Tennis Tournament

    The 12th Annual Research Park Table Tennis Tournament took place Tuesday, June 27, and Wednesday, June 28, 2023. It was a great success, with 64 participants from 17 companies across the Research Park playing in 3 categories (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) in a competition for the coveted Golden Paddle.   Here is the full list of winners from each individual bracket:  Beginner  1st: Suneeth Sathyanathan, Graybar  2nd: Bandhuli Maity, Synchrony  3rd: Tarun Bathini, Synchrony, and Linyao Li, Yahoo!  Intermediate  1st: Manav Das, Caterpillar  2nd: Pranav Gaka, Capital One   3rd: Hitesh Vijan, Country Financial, and Ryan Biju Sebastian, Country Financial  Advanced  1st: Fei Deng, Yahoo! 2nd: David Lomiashvili, Identomat  3rd: Neelan Coleman, Yahoo!, and Asim Chitre, Synchrony  The results of Round-Robin games on day one were used to seed participants for the single-elimination tournament played on day two. In these games, companies were awarded points based on the placing of their players. First-place winners received five points; second-place winners received three points; third-place winners received one point. Yahoo!, having received the highest number of points across all brackets, won the Golden Paddle for the 9th time.  More photos from the event can be viewed in our media gallery. Learn more about this event on the Table Tennis Tournament page.

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