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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

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    EnterpriseWorks News Recognition & Awards

    Epivara Awarded 2021 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize

    Champaign, Illinois (March 10, 2021) – Epivara, a company developing more humane, natural sterilization methods for livestock and companion animals, is the recipient of the 2021 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize. The award, generously funded by University of Illinois alumni and their families, rewards University of Illinois entrepreneurs focusing on agricultural innovations. The Research Park together with the Moore family presented the award to Epivara Co-Founder Dr. Jay Ko and Director of Science Dr. Rex Hess during the Agriculture Technology Innovation Summit. The event was held on Zoom webinar with more than 900 participants from around the world. “We found a major problem in agriculture, which is surgical removal of gonads from healthy animals,” said Ko, a faculty member in the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, reflecting on the origins of the company. “We thought, let’s do something to make it more humane and at the same time, economical.” “Now we have funding coming from many different sources and we are using the funds to test our products in pigs at university farms, and some other species. It’s an exciting moment, me as a basic scientist reaching a place where we have a product that can impact industry.” The company’s scientists work out of a lab and office at EnterpriseWorks, the technology incubator in the Research Park. The Edwin Moore Agriculture Innovation Fund was established in 2016 with a generous gift to EnterpriseWorks, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s technology incubator. Its goal is to encourage startup companies engaged in 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 winners include Aspiring Universe (2020), TellTail (2019), EarthSense (2018) and Soil Diagnostics (2017). About the Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize 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 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. 

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    Community Events News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Farmer Will Glazik Awarded 2021 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism

    Champaign, Illinois (March 10, 2021) — Fifth generation Illinois farmer Will Glazik was named the inaugural recipient of the Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism, an award that honors an individual who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices. The award was presented at the 2021 AgTech Innovation Summit, hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park. Glazik’s nominations highlighted these qualities as a farmer, researcher, public speaker, distillery owner, and entrepreneur.  “Will is blazing a trail for a new generation of farmers in Illinois who want to be active managers and marketers for a diverse array of products,” said nominator Dr. Adam Davis,  head of the Department of Crop Sciences in the UI College of ACES.  “He is creative and fearless in trying out new innovations in production methods, marketing and new product creation. He is generous with sharing his knowledge, reaching and teaching hundreds of other growers through his work with the IDEA Farm Network.” The Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism was established in 2021 in honor of Glen “GB” Brandt, a legendary figure in the field of Illinois agriculture, who passed away in late 2020. The BRANDT Foundation partnered with the University of Illinois to provide the winner a $10,000 prize.  Glazik manages Cow Creek Organics Farms in Paxton, Ill., where he has diversified the farming system, moving from producing grain to an integrated crop-livestock operation selling high-quality organic meats, grains, and seeds. His business ventures use modern technology to innovate more efficient processes and minimize the carbon footprint of farming, with the end goal of all being carbon negative. Together with his two brothers Clayton and Dallas, the family founded Silver Tree Beer and Spirits in 2017. Silver Tree is a carbon-negative farm distillery taking the organic grains they grow on their home farm to distill into spirits.  Silver Tree Spirits is currently working with the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab to research flavor profiles in bourbon. “I am honored and very excited to be awarded this grant,” Glazik said. “It comes at a very exciting time as our farm diversifies, and Silver Tree is transitioning from having our grain custom distilled, to now owning our own still, and will soon be doing everything in Paxton. “ Glazik also helped co-found the IDEA Farm Network, a peer-to-peer information exchange network for farmers in Illinois and beyond interested in innovative farm management that balances productivity, profitability and environmental health. The group is active through online discussion groups, webinars and on-farm field days. It has blossomed from 45 people to more than 400 members across the Midwest. A proud alumnus from the University of Illinois College of ACES, Glazik graduated in 2013 with a degree in crop science. About The BRANDT Foundation The BRANDT Foundation was established in 2012 as a philanthropic extension of BRANDT, Inc. The Brandt family has always stood with their communities and as their company grew, so did the opportunities to give back. The BRANDT Foundation offers donations, grants, and support to the charities, organizations, and communities that reside in the same area of the company; geographically and industry-related. About the AgTech Innovation Summit The AgTech Innovation Summit is an interactive conference where participants learn and share knowledge about the current state of agtech and get a looking into the future through dynamic panels, inspiring keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. It is produced by the University of Illinois Research Park in partnership with the College of ACES and the Office of Corporate Relations. One of the premier AgTech hubs in the nation, Champaign-Urbana is uniquely positioned to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry for learning, networking, and advancing this sector.

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    Community News Research Park

    Research Park Launches Innovations @ Research Park Podcast

    Champaign —  The University of Illinois Research Park celebrated the launch of its new “Innovations @ Research Park” podcast, designed to give voice to the stories of innovation across its high tech community. The podcast will highlight the thriving entrepreneurial and corporate innovation culture in Champaign. Tune in to hear insightful conversations with individuals across the Research Park community- startups, corporations, faculty students, and alumni. The first episode features Mark Moran, site director of the John Deere Technology Innovation Center at Research Park, in honor of Champaign-Urbana AgTech Week.  John Deere has been an anchor for the agtech sector, which has blossomed in the past decade. Moran discusses why agtech innovation is critical in 2021, misconceptions on what “AgTech” means, and why the Research Park and UIUC have become a central hub for agtech innovation. The podcast is being produced as a partnership with Project20 Media. Podcast host Tanmay Shah is a an alumnus of the Grainger College of Engineering, and got a taste of the Research Park experience by completing a software engineering internship at the State Farm Research and Development Center while on campus. “I had the chance to be part of several incredible organizations in the entrepreneurship community during my time at UIUC,” Shah said. “As an alum, I continue to be amazed by the innovative output of the Research Park and wanted to help showcase these stories through a podcast series. “Through the podcast, I’m excited to speak with members of the Research Park community and help share insights into why the Research Park is a leading innovation hub.” 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). To listen to the podcast, visit iTunes Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to download your podcasts.

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    EnterpriseWorks Features Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    EarthSense Co-Founder Featured by BBC

    Girish Chowdhary, co-founder of EnterpriseWorks startup EarthSense, was featured in a BBC article for his expertise in the field of agricultural robotics. Chowdhary explains that largely autonomous farms are just over the horizon, as many emerging technologies, such as robots that can monitor the health of crops, are being put to use in research fields. “A farm is going to need different kinds of robots,” says Chowdhary. “Some of them are going to be very small…others are going to be big, perhaps even as big as the combine harvester. There will be an autonomous system that is co-ordinating this team of robots, telling them what they need to do in order to get different tasks done.” In addition to robots, Chowardly predicts that drones will be increasingly utilized in the agricultural domain. “Drones are really good at covering a lot of space… they can go somewhere and spray something, or take a picture, really quickly,” says Chowdhary. EarthSense is creating dramatic new possibilities for crop breeders, plant protection products developers, crop scientists, and field agronomists. TerraSentia, their first robot, improves the quantity, accuracy, cost, and speed of in-field plant trait data collection, specifically for under canopy plants. EarthSense machine vision and machine learning-based analytics seamlessly convert field data to specific, actionable information about plant-traits.

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    Community Events News Research Park

    Celebration of AgTech: Summit Brings Together Thought Leaders Across the Value Chain of Ag

    Champaign – The most innovative minds in agtech will convene virtually Wednesday, March 10 for the sixth annual AgTech Innovation Summit hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park and presented by Bayer. The free event features a lineup of panels, fireside chats and presentations, with a unique mix of industry thought leaders, agtech investors, academics, growers/producers, and startups to provide a well-rounded perspective on the future of AgTech. Attendees will explore how technology solutions are addressing some of the most significant challenges facing agriculture today, including sustainability, profitability, supply chain, carbon markets, data and more. “We look forward to the days when conference guests can visit the agtech hub of Champaign-Urbana again, but the virtual format facilitates engagement with even more industry leaders,” said Laura Frerichs, executive director of the University of Illinois Research Park. “What started as a regional conference has grown into an event that attracts participants not only nationally, but from around the world.” Highlights of the agenda include fireside chats with GROWMARK CEO Jim Spradlin and Corteva Chief Technology Officer Sam Eathington, both talking live with Dean Kimberlee Kidwell of the College of ACES; Genective President & CEO Linda Jing talking about disruption; AGCO Senior Vice President Seth Crawford discussing precision agriculture and connectivity ; and Julian Sanchez, John Deere’s Director of Emerging Technology talking about his career path to agtech. Annual favorite panels return, including those featuring growers/producers, investors, and agtech entrepreneurs. New panel topics include regenerative agriculture and carbon markets. Another new panel highlights the connectivity between agtech and agrifood innovation, centralized in Chicago. Networking remains a key component of the event. Despite the virtual environment, the AgTech Summit offers opportunities to connect with other conference participants with an AgTech Networking night Tuesday, March 9 at 5 pm. The evening will feature startup pitches, engaging discussions, and meaningful connections. The generous sponsors who make the AgTech Summit possible include Bayer, John Deere, Genective,  Moore & Warner Ag Group, and Kin + Carta. The AgTech Innovation Summit is programmed by the University of Illinois Research Park in partnership with the Office of Corporate Relations and the College of ACES. Registration is available online here.  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. Find the Research Park on Twitter at @UIResearchPark.

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    Community News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    New Glen Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism Honors Legacy of Influential AgriBusiness Leader

    CHAMPAIGN – Nominations are now being accepted for the Glen Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism, a new prize established to honor the memory of Glen “GB” Brandt, a legendary figure in the field of Illinois agriculture. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has partnered with The BRANDT Foundation to create the award, which will provide a $10,000 prize to a winner who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices. “The business community lost a real entrepreneur when GB passed away,” said Rick Brandt, President and CEO of BRANDT and GB’s son. “GB was a visionary; he took calculated business risks; he wasn’t afraid to try something new. He brought new ideas and new technologies to our customers, oftentimes when others were actively saying it couldn’t be done.” The son of a farmer from Sangamon County, GB, along with his sister Evelyn, started the company that would become the global agribusiness known as BRANDT. He provided the vision and energy to imagine, build and manage what today has 800 employees and sales in 46 countries. He died on June 7, 2020 at age 94. “We are establishing this prize to honor his legacy and provide the capital to help other budding entrepreneurs see their ideas come to life,” said Rick Brandt. The first winner of the Glen Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism will be recognized at the AgTech Innovation Summit, an annual event produced by the University of Illinois Research Park, on March 10, 2021. The $10,000 cash prize will recognize an outstanding individual for their role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in the ag sector. Nominations are now being solicited online. The deadline for submission is March 3, 2021. Those eligible for the award include Illinois farmers, growers and producers or those engaged with Illinois farmers, growers and producers. Examples of possible innovations include (but are not limited to): working to increase productivity/efficiency of farmers; new applications of technology; unique business ventures; and creating new agricultural opportunities, such as new crops or new food production systems. About The BRANDT Foundation The BRANDT Foundation was established in 2012 as a philanthropic extension of BRANDT, Inc. The Brandt family has always stood with their communities and as their company grew, so did the opportunities to give back. The BRANDT Foundation offers donations, grants and support to the charities, organizations and communities that reside in the same area of the company; geographically and industry related. About the AgTech Innovation Summit The AgTech Innovation Summit is an interactive conference where participants to learn and share knowledge about the current state of agtech and get a looking into the future through dynamic panels, inspiring keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. It is produced by the University of Illinois Research Park in partnership with the College of ACES and the Office of Corporate Relations. One of the premier AgTech hubs in the nation, Champaign-Urbana is uniquely positioned to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry for learning, networking and advancing this sector. Contacts:Karl Barnhart, The BRANDT Foundation, karl.barnhart@brandt.coLaura Bleill, Research Park, lwbleill@illinois.edu

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    Investments Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Research Park Recognized in Site Selection Magazine’s 2020 Illinois Investment Guide

    Research Park was recognized in Site Selection Magazine’s 2020 Illinois Investment Guide as a leading force in the field of agriculture technology. Over the past 5 years, the agriculture sector at Research Park has grown at a rapid rate, quickly becoming the fastest-growing sector and accounting for nearly one-third of Research Park’s companies.  The current focus of the agriculture sector at Research Park is the marriage of agriculture to digital technologies, allowing companies to be at the forefront of software-driven, precision agriculture; a movement that Research Park has long been the driving force behind. It is for these reasons that “the world’s most powerful agribusinesses are planting stakes at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign… arriving in pursuit of that next big advance in how to grow things,” wrote reporter Gary Daughters of Site Selection Magazine.  According to Gary Daughters, Research Park’s success in the agricultural technology industry is accredited by its unique location at the cross-section of urban and rural Illinois, its reputable student intern program, and the unwavering commitment to the advancement of companies and startups within Research Park.  To learn more about how technology solutions are addressing some of the most significant challenges facing agriculture today, please join Research Park at our annual AgTech Innovation Summit. 

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    News Research Park

    University of Illinois Research Park Releases Request for Proposal

    Updated: 3/11 The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a preeminent land-grant research university, with more than 50,000 students. Located on its main campus, the University of Illinois Research Park is a 200-acre development with leading corporate innovation centers, startup companies, and lifestyle amenities. Research Park released a request for proposal to accelerate development in accordance with the Master Plan as adopted by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. The University is strongly committed to the growth of the Research Park. The State of Illinois Public Higher Education Bulletin has published a Request for Proposal: Research Park Developer Selection Zone 1 & 2.  The University of Illinois Research Park hosted a one-hour Pre-Proposal Conference and Information Session on Thursday, March 11, 2021, which provided background information on the development area, reviewed the RFP process, and allowed participant questions. Access the event recording here. RFP responses will be accepted until Friday, April 23, 2021. Interested parties should respond in the manner outlined within the State of Illinois Public Higher Education Bulletin. Purpose of Request for Proposal: The UIRP LLC seeks a Developer or development team for specific land development projects or specific building proposals within two (2) areas (zones) within the Research Park Boundaries using a Developer Equity Model. A concession ground lease pursuant 30 ILCS 500/53-25 be used to transact these arrangements. These zones are further defined herein and are designated for the following uses: Graduate student and/or professional market rate private housing projects. Projects shall not include undergraduate housing, and will not be a part of the University housing system Mixed-use development including residential, office or retail uses Commercial office development (developer-owned) Office/research development of owner-occupied buildings Research facilities Medical-related facilities and associated uses Other uses which are consistent with the Research Park mission as may be determined by UIRP LLC and University The timeline for the Request for Proposal (RFP) is as follows: Publication of Request for Proposals: February 19, 2021 Pre-proposal conference and information session: March 11, 2021 Deadline for questions by email: April 14, 2021 Deadline for submissions: April 23, 2021 Award anticipated by Fall 2021 For additional information, contact by email only. No phone inquiries will be answered. Answers to questions will be formulated by the Research Park RFP Committee and posted on the Illinois Public Higher Education Bulletin. Bruce Walden, Bwalden@uillinois.edu University of IllinoisOffice of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services506 S. Wright Street, Suite 208Urbana, Illinois 61801 Thank you for your interest.

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    News Research Park

    TEKMILL Robot Powers University’s COVID-19 Test Processing

    TEKMILL, a company headquartered in Research Park, has partnered with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to automate and accelerate the processing of the SHIELD COVID-19 saliva tests, the Daily Illini reported.  The University has acquired two rapid and compact test tube processing machines built and fabricated by Champaign-based TEKMILL. “Two decapping robots invented by TEKMILL, a contract design and fabrication business located in the University of Illinois at Research Park, and two liquid handling robots purchased separately, have been extremely successful in “increasing the fluidity of tests” and also heavily increased the automation of the processing samples,” wrote reporter Mona Alrazzaq. For more information about the tube-capping machine and TEKMILL, visit its website.

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    Community Investments News Research Park

    Study Says Champaign-Urbana Economic Development Efforts Should Target Three Clusters – AgTech, MedTech and Manufacturing

    Report Provides Suggestions for Next Steps to Maximize Impact of Future Investment & Community Collaboration CHAMPAIGN, IL, February 10, 2021 – A recent study commissioned by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, University of Illinois Research Park and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Office of Corporate Relations has identified three strong business clusters that provide a framework for where to focus the area’s economic development efforts. Business Cluster Development, led by principal Carol Lauffer, completed more than 80 interviews with community, University, and business leaders in Champaign County to review the potential for growth and development of six industry clusters. Following interviews and extensive research, Lauffer then identified three strong clusters deserving of further investment: AgTech, MedTech, and Manufacturing. “Those of us who call Champaign-Urbana home know what a vibrant community we live in,” said Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “As we deliberately plan for economic recovery and a post-pandemic future, this visionary report reflects a strong collaboration between the University and the broader community. Identifying AgTech, MedTech, and Manufacturing clusters brings together our respective strengths in innovation and positions us for exciting new opportunities.” Underlying all of the sectors, Lauffer wrote, is the community’s strength in data science. The report affirms the three specific industry clusters in the region and provides an understanding of how those clusters may be leveraged as regional strengths. The 2021 report, including an executive summary, can be found online here and is available for public download. AGTECH: AgTech combines UIUC’s technical expertise and talent in agriculture, engineering and data analytics with Champaign County as a prime growing region for corn and soybeans. Access to farmers as customers and farms as testbeds are important advantages for early-stage companies and the cluster. MEDTECH: The emerging MedTech cluster in Champaign-Urbana capitalizes upon a relatively new and significant innovation asset, Carle Illinois College of Medicine; combined with UIUC engineering and bioscience expertise and research; and other healthcare innovation assets across the community, including the local hospitals and COVID-19 efforts. MANUFACTURING: Manufacturing continues to be an important industry for Champaign- Urbana and an economic development priority. Generally, manufacturers in Champaign-Urbana make products that are non-standardized, have a more limited market size, or require customization. A number develop prototypes for entrepreneurs and businesses, including assistance with refining their product designs before scale-up. Lauffer noted in the report that targeting and growing industry clusters is an economic development strategy designed to leverage the strengths present in a community in order to support new business formation, business retention and attraction, and grow the local economy. “Research shows that when businesses from related industries locate in close proximity to one another they can increase their productivity and drive innovation,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “This report not only identifies clusters, but provides strategies to help advance them. We are fortunate to be in a community that values collaboration. Together, we will continue to build our workforce and attract more capital into these clusters.” This is the second time BCD has studied Champaign-Urbana. In 2014, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign commissioned Lauffer to assess and identify clusters that would capitalize upon its research strengths and expertise, and strengthen the local economy. That study contributed to the business case for the formation of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. About Business Cluster Development (BCD): BCD, based in Palo Alto, CA, is a consulting firm focused on industry clusters or verticals. BCD provides guidance to operating incubators and accelerators and develops strategies that catalyze emerging innovation clusters. BCD evaluates entrepreneurial ecosystems and recommends paths to making them vibrant. BCD has consulted with clients for nearly 25 years and assisted with more than 80 programs across the U.S. and overseas. BCD’s clients are diverse, including cities, states, economic development organizations, universities, community colleges, research institutes, industry associations, non-profit organizations, real estate developers, and corporations. Learn more at http://clusterdevelopment.com/.

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