Color-Variation-Orange-Block-I-Blue-Background-1

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

    EnterpriseWorks

    EnterpriseWorks Events News Research Park

    Research Park Hosts 2025 AgTech Innovation Showcase

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (July 16, 2025) — The 2025 AgTech Innovation Showcase brought together innovators, farmers and industry stakeholders to get a firsthand look at emerging AgTech solutions tailored to farming challenges. The event was hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park in collaboration with BioSTL, a St. Louis nonprofit that invests in bioscience startups, and the Illinois Farm Bureau, a nonprofit that advocates for farmers and Illinois agriculture. “We are excited to welcome everyone to Champaign to showcase AgTech innovation,” said Laura Bleill, director of external engagement of the University of Illinois Research Park. “Gathering real feedback from potential customers is important for all startups, and especially significant in the AgTech sector. This collaboration between Illinois Farm Bureau, BioSTL and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a win for our region.” The showcase featured rapid-fire presentations from nine startup companies offering cutting-edge, on-farm solutions including cost-saving equipment technologies, soil and biological innovations, AI-powered decision tools and streamlined farm management platforms. Attendees rotated through sessions to connect directly with each innovator and provide real-time feedback on emerging ag tech solutions designed for farmers in the region. “On our farm, innovations and technologies such as these are things we continually evaluate to see how we can produce more with less, increase our sustainability footprint and really just be the best stewards of our land that we possibly can be as new solutions and innovations make their way forward,” said Evan Hultine, vice president of the ILFB. Innovators in attendance included: View photos from the event here. Illinois Farmer Today — Ag companies show off latest tech (July 31, 2025) FarmWeek — Farmer feedback meets startup ingenuity at AgTech Showcase (July 21, 2025) WCIA — From the Farm: Ag geneticist creates new product to increase crop yields (July 17, 2025) Morning AgClips — Ag Innovators to Bring Emerging Technologies to Farmers During Startup Showcase (July 1, 2025) About BioSTL: Founded in 2001, BioSTL has been a cornerstone of St. Louis’ innovation landscape, fostering a dynamic economy through convening stakeholders, engaging in public policy, and delivering targeted programs. Our mission is to cement the city’s position as a hub for addressing global challenges in agriculture, food, biopharma, and healthcare. About Illinois Farm Bureau Founded in 1916, Illinois Farm Bureau – originally known as the Illinois Agricultural Association – is a nonprofit, grassroots membership organization. Illinois Farm Bureau and a statewide network of county Farm Bureaus give members an advantage through impactful advocacy, trusted information, and meaningful development to support their careers and Illinois farm families. About University of Illinois Research Park The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Research Park is an innovation hub for technology commercialization with a unique environment that cultivates startups and increases capabilities for established companies. Located on campus, Research Park has more than 120 companies and growing, employing over 2,100 people in high-technology careers.

    Research Park Hosts 2025 AgTech Innovation Showcase 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 »

    EnterpriseWorks Features Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards

    EnterpriseWorks Startups Meet with Venture Investors in Silicon valley

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Crain’s Business Chicago highlighted EnterpriseWorks startups Cache Energy, Natrion Inc., Photon Queue and EarthSense, Inc. as they visited San Francisco for Deep Tech Demo Day, offering the opportunity to pitch to 200+ venture investors. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also joined startup teams from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University for this collaborative pitch event. Industries represented at the event included quantum, space, energy, materials science and artificial intelligence. The event aptly took place during San Francisco’s Deep Tech Week.  EnterpriseWorks Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Executive Director of the Technology Entrepreneur Center, Jed Taylor, stated “We’re hoping to get our teams in front of venture capitalists and result in some meetings and get some teams funded…If we get one or two of the teams funded, that would be a huge win for us.” Read the full article on Crain’s Chicago Business.

    EnterpriseWorks Startups Meet with Venture Investors in Silicon valley Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Events Investments Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards

    Eight Cozad New Venture Challenge Startups Receive Awards from EnterpriseWorks

    Eight student startups who competed in the 2025 Cozad New Venture Challenge received awards from Research Park and EnterpriseWorks. The 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.  EnterpriseWorks Catapult Award: includes up to $5,000 in professional support services to assist in new venture formation, in addition to student startup tenancy. Catapult recipients are:  Instinfo, a website where attendees can press a single button to get more information about a live presentation in real time Pinata Diagnostics, a startup that is using proximity aptamers for point-of-care ultrasensitive protein detection, allowing for rapid testing for traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and more The Student Startup Tenancy award, which includes access to EnterpriseWorks entrepreneurship resources including professional consulting, co-working space, and more, was awarded to: Earlynosis, an AI-powered wearable biosensor for real-time sepsis detection Sensiboo is building the future of human development with a playtime planning app and wearable device that empowers parents to optimize early brain growth through personalized, enriching, real-world experiences Sprout, the first balloon-expandable RV-PA conduit that will replace right ventricular outflow tracts for congenital heart disease patients Tandemn, a software company that combines idle GPUs into a high-performance network for AI compute YoTally, a startup that is developing a smart stitch counter to prevent miscounting stitches while crocheting   Research Park is proud to be of the sponsors of the newly launched Dr. P. Street College Innovation Prize. The Dr. P Street College Innovation Prize was created to honor the memory of Dr. William Patterson, a beloved member of the University of Illinois innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem who passed away in 2024. This prize recognizes student entrepreneurs using technology and education to empower the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship of under-resourced communities. EnterpriseWorks contributed $2,500 of in-kind business incorporation professional services. Strand Logic is the winner of the inaugural Dr. P Innovation Prize. Strand is revolutionizing Black hair care with innovative technology, automating synthetic hair separation to eliminate prep time.     EnterpriseWorks Student Memberships Available  EnterpriseWorks is pleased to offer student memberships to select Cozad teams who are continuing to work on their businesses and are interested in being part of the broader Champaign-Urbana startup community. Interested teams are encouraged to apply by filling out this form, mentioning participation in CNVC. Past participants of the program include EnterpriseWorks graduates Cast21, DeepWalk, Mesh++, Prenosis, Psyonic, and Serionix, in addition to current EnterpriseWorks startups Natrion and ZiteAI. Learn more about Cozad on the TEC website.

    Eight Cozad New Venture Challenge Startups Receive Awards from EnterpriseWorks Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Boston Bioprocess Wins 2025 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (March 6, 2025) – Boston Bioprocess, a biotechnology services company specializing in precision fermentation process development and scale-up, has been named the 2025 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 together presented the award to Boston Bioprocess CEO and co-founder, Michael Tai, during the 2025 AgTech Innovation Summit at the Illinois Conference Center. The company operates out of offices and labs at EnterpriseWorks, the technology incubator in the Research Park and the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory. Boston Bioprocess helps fermentation-based manufacturers navigate the challenging transition from laboratory to commercial production. The biotechnology services company specializes in developing, scaling up, and optimizing fermentation and downstream processing operations. By addressing critical knowledge and capacity bottlenecks, it streamlines the path to market for companies developing fermentation-based products. “We wouldn’t be where we are without the sponsorship or the support from the university,” said Tai. Boston Bioprocess was founded in Boston in 2022. Since relocating to Champaign in early 2023, it has experienced steady growth. “Our growth could be potentially unlimited,” said CFO and co-founder Ted Netland. “We sit on top of the industry as a B2B provider and we enable companies to grow as quickly and efficiently as they can.”  The Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize’s goal is to encourage startup companies engaged in the development of new innovative technologies that may lead to increased productivity and/or efficiency in farming, or to create new agricultural opportunities, including new processes, new crops, and new food production systems. Previous Edwin Moore Agriculture Innovation Fund winners include: Hypercell Technologies, 2024 HarvestIQ, 2023 FrostDefense Envirotech, 2022 Epivara, 2021 Habiterre (formerly Aspiring Universe), 2020 TellTail, 2019 EarthSense, 2018 Soil Diagnostics, 2017 For more information about Boston Bioprocess, visit its website: bostonbioprocess.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRpUj_62EkE 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 both 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 120 companies employing students and full-time technology professionals. More information at researchpark.illinois.edu.

    Boston Bioprocess Wins 2025 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Events Investments News Research Park

    Finalists announced for Startup World Cup: Agriculture and Food Regional

    UPDATE: Congratulations to Champaign-based EarthSense for winning the 2025 Startup World Cup Agriculture and Food Regional!  CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (February 26, 2025) – Today the University of Illinois Research Park, in partnership with Serra Ventures, gener8tor, and Pegasus Tech Ventures, announced the 10 startups selected as finalists in the inaugural Startup World Cup: Agriculture and Food Regional pitch competition. The Startup World Cup: Agriculture and Food Regional will take place as part of the 10th Annual AgTech Summit on March 6 in Champaign. The startups will present their business ideas and models to a judging panel of investors. The winner will move on to the Startup World Cup Finale in October, where it will have an opportunity to compete with other regional winners for a $1 million investment. This is the first time the Startup World Cup has included a regional round focused on agriculture and food technology. The following startups have been selected to compete at the Startup World Cup Agriculture and Food Regional: AGTECHLOGIC INC. — Developed Agtellio, an AI solution helping farms reduce chemical use by up to 90%, lowering costs and improving yields while providing actionable insights for asset efficiency. Cattle Care — Uses computer vision with existing security cameras to measure employee efficiency on dairy farms, enabling performance-based compensation and improving workforce productivity. EarthSense, Inc. — Creates AI-powered farming robots targeting labor shortages and rising costs, initially serving oil palm companies in Asia that manage over 10 million hectares. Re-Nuble — Converts vegetative food byproducts into biological fertilizers and peat replacements, helping commercial farms reduce costs and mitigate pathogen risks through lab-tested products. Vivid Machines — Offers tractor-mountable AI cameras providing real-time, per-plant fruit predictions, enabling precise tree-level decisions to increase fruit size and reduce labor costs. Earnest Agriculture — Produces Prairie Power, a probiotic seed coating that improves soil health, delivering a proven 6 percent yield increase for row crop farmers with measurable ROI. Oaken — Building asset management software to streamline farmland management and financing, automating payments, lease management, and relationship tracking. Good Agriculture — Provides AI-powered farm business management that automates back-office tasks, saving farmers 5-10 hours weekly while improving profitability. Integrated Dynamics, Inc. — Developing high-selectivity waste-to-value technology using synthetic biology and high-temperature microbes to convert organic waste into commodity chemicals. UfarmX — Africa’s largest farmer data and procurement platform connecting smallholder farmers to agribusinesses and financial institutions, eliminating middlemen and enhancing supply chain efficiency.   About the AgTech Summit The AgTech Innovation Summit brings together leaders in industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics to address pressing agricultural challenges and explore emerging solutions. Hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park, 2025 marks the 10th  edition of this annual event. AgTech is the fastest growing industry cluster in the Research Park, which has 120 companies across 19 buildings on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. To learn more about the AgTech 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.

    Finalists announced for Startup World Cup: Agriculture and Food Regional Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Investments Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards

    Research Park startups awarded Illinois Innovation Voucher funding for tech advancements

    CHAMPAIGN, ILL. — Several University of Illinois Research Park startups and graduates have been awarded funding through the state’s Innovation Voucher Program, reinforcing the park’s role as a hub for innovation. Cache Energy, Eleuthra Photonics Inc., Epivara, Shothawk and TearDx are among the 35 recipients sharing $2.3 million in grants to advance cutting-edge research and development. “Through this grant program, we’re strengthening Illinois’ global status as an innovation hub and driving small business growth statewide,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By partnering with our higher education institutions, these small businesses will transform groundbreaking ideas into tangible products and services.” The program aims to foster collaboration by supporting the exchange of technologies, knowledge, facilities, and equipment between Illinois Universities and businesses. This will ultimately boost the production of Illinois-based goods and services and drive economic growth across the state. The awarded companies are working on breakthrough technologies, from medical devices and energy storage to agricultural advancements. These collaborations leverage university resources to drive commercialization and economic growth.

    Research Park startups awarded Illinois Innovation Voucher funding for tech advancements Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Research Park

    New Podcast Episode: 2024 Year In Review

    Research Park leaders Laura Appenzeller and Laura Bleill join the Innovations @ Research Park podcast to reflect on an incredible year of groundbreaking innovation and growth. This episode, hosted by Tanmay Shah, explores the key milestones and exciting advancements that made 2024 unforgettable. “This place [Research Park] is kind of like a family for a lot of people. We mentioned the international nature and flavor of the Research Park. For many people, Champaign-Urbana is a destination of people who didn’t grow up here, so this is a place where people find their ‘framily’ and we strive to provide opportunities for people to meet that way, Bleill said, when discussing the events within the Research Park. The Innovations @ 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. 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: 2024 Year In Review Read Post »

    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 »

    EnterpriseWorks Graduates News Recognition & Awards

    EnterpriseWorks Graduate Ascent Integrated Tech Wins at the 23rd Annual Chicago Innovation Awards

    EnterpriseWorks graduate Ascent Integrated Tech was named one of the winners of the 23rd Annual Chicago Innovation Awards, a celebration of the most innovative products and services in the Chicago region. The Chicago Innovation Awards recognize winners across all industries, including startups, corporations, not-for-profit, and more to demonstrate the breadth of innovation thriving in Illinois.  Winners were celebrated on Thursday, November 14, 2024, during a ceremony held at the University of Illinois: Chicago Forum. As a winner, Ascent Integrated Tech will be celebrated on a global stage next summer when they ring the Nasdaq Bell in New York City.  The top 100 finalists will also be awarded a scholarship to “The Practical Innovator” at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, an executive education course with a $2,500 value. Ascent Integrated Tech was founded at EnterpriseWorks in the Research Park by Paul Couston and Alex Gorsuch. Couston and Gorsuch designed a software program for first responders, including firefighters, special forces, and SWAT teams. The platform optimizes 3D tracking technology, placed inside helmets and bracelets, to provide commanders with critical information, such as their team’s location. These tracking sensors provide details about the team members’ health and environment, such as CO2 levels, humidity, and airborne metal oxide. Read a full news story about this on Ascent’s website, or view the full list of winners on the Chicago Innovation Awards website.

    EnterpriseWorks Graduate Ascent Integrated Tech Wins at the 23rd Annual Chicago Innovation Awards Read Post »