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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

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    News Partnerships & Acquisitions Research Park

    Caterpillar Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary of Champaign Simulation Center at University of Illinois and Announces Expansion Plans

    Caterpillar Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary of Champaign Simulation Center at University of Illinois and Announces Expansion Plans Company to establish new  data analytics lab in support of innovation strategy URBANA-CHAMPAIGN , Ill. – As a tribute to years of innovation through collaboration, Caterpillar Inc. marked the 15-year anniversary of its Champaign Simulation Center today, located in Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In celebration of the milestone, the company is announcing plans to establish a new data analytics laboratory. The expansion will build upon the existing recruitment efforts with the university to engage future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent through additional research and development opportunities, and is a key component of the company’s innovation strategy. Caterpillar opened the simulation center on the Urbana-Champaign campus in 1999, working in conjunction with the University of Illinois’ National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). Since then, the center has not only contributed to Caterpillar’s recruiting efforts, but  also serves as a leading engineering hub for virtual product development, advanced simulation and design solutions. Now, the company looks to the next phase of its research and development efforts on the campus by leveraging the university’s data analytics capabilities and resources. “Our Champaign Simulation Center has been a crucial component for our product development efforts by bringing in new talent – as evidenced by student teams working with our engineers – and through the use of new technologies to aid in research and development,” said Gwenne Henricks, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Product Development and Global Technology at Caterpillar. “Since the facility’s opening, we have been privileged to have more than 350 students involved with the center, either through the Caterpillar Practicum Program or as interns working at the center. We are proud to say that approximately 100 of those former students now work at Caterpillar. With today’s expansion announcement, we hope to inspire future innovators to dig into technology right in their own backyard.” “Caterpillar’s new data analytics lab will serve to strengthen an already close relationship between the company, the University of Illinois and the Research Park,” said Peter Schiffer, Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Caterpillar’s innovative approach to its Research Park operation started 15 years ago, when it pioneered the Research Park student employment model – one that has been replicated by many other companies. We are looking forward to more productive years ahead.” Caterpillar and the university will begin efforts for the data analytics lab expansion later this year. The new lab will foster real world innovation by bringing together university researchers and Caterpillar analytics professionals from engineering, computer science, statistics and economics to work on challenges and opportunities raised by technological and cultural change. This investment aligns with the company’s strategy to exceed customer expectations with outstanding products and solutions. About Caterpillar: For nearly 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2013 sales and revenues of $55.656 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments – Resource Industries, Construction Industries and Power Systems – and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

    Caterpillar Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary of Champaign Simulation Center at University of Illinois and Announces Expansion Plans Read Post »

    News Partnerships & Acquisitions Research Park

    Yahoo! Champaign Focus of Chronicle of Higher Education Feature on Industry-University Partnerships

    Yahoo’s Research Park site and its extensive relationship with the University of Illinois is the focus of a Aug. 11 Chronicle of Higher Education article (available online but subscription required). The story reflects on the growing relationships and collaborations between academia and industry leaders across the computer science landscape. The article features of a photo of Yahoo site director Cathy Singer, who was part of the team Yahoo hired when it came to campus in 2007 in the wake of Motorola closing. In February, Yahoo broke ground on a 40,000 square foot building in the University of Illinois Research Park; the building will open by the end of 2014. Reports Avi Wolfman-Arent: “(In 2007), Yahoo was simply hoping to score some ready-made talent. Less than a decade later, the company has developed a multifaceted relationship with the university’s computer-science department that extends into both student recruitment and coursework.” The entire article can be read here (without photo).

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    Internships News Recognition & Awards

    Research Park Honors Most Valuable Interns of 2014

    Outstanding interns working for companies in the Research Park were honored Thursday, August 8, 2014 at the Research Park Intern Awards Picnic.  More than 400 highly skilled students work for Research Park tenants, gaining valuable experience while making meaningful contributions to internal corporate research and development programs.  The student interns that were nominated by their supervisors represented a wide range of backgrounds.  All awardees are students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The honorees include the following: Sarah Frankland-Searby, Most Outstanding Undergraduate, BS Bioengineering, Abbott.  Sarah created an extensive research report regarding R&D productivity and business success and presented her findings to Abbott R&D leaders. Finalists: Jake Roussel, Dow AgroSciences; Michael Goldstein, Akuna Capital Nathan Pratt, Most Outstanding Graduate, Ph.D. Nutritional Sciences, Abbott.  Nathan analyzed the subjects of a six week dietary supplemental trial and wrote an abstract and a soon to be published manuscript. Finalists: Rachel Flood, John Deere; Scott Huang, Yahoo! Vincent English, Most Advanced Marketing and Business Development, BS Statistics, Anheuser Busch InBev.  Vincent was instrumental in gathering external data using advanced technology and assisted with the on-boarding of new employees. Finalists: Olivia Rogers, Serionix; Evelyn Xu, Anheuser Busch InBev Jin Kim, Best Entrepreneurial Leadership in a Startup, BS MechSE, Serionix.  Jin contributed unique insights that enabled Serionix to rapidly iterate through a large number of prototypes. Finalists: Christopher Johnson, ATSP Innovations; Ulzee An, Rithmio. Jason Freeck, Best Technological Innovation, BS General and Electrical Engineering, State Farm.  Jason managed a project regarding the documentation and protection of intellectual property and his research led to a patent application. Finalists: Jingning Zhang, Neustar; Gail Butler, Caterpillar

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    News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Yahoo! Captures the Golden Paddle

    The Fifth Annual Table Tennis Tournament drew a strong showing of 45 players from 15 companies across Research Park. As numerous other employees and their families spectated, players ranging from beginners to aficionados vied for individual trophies and medals, as well as the coveted Golden Paddle for the company with the most overall points. Yahoo came out so strongly that it may want to make sure a trophy case is in the plans for its new building. Aside from reclaiming the Golden Paddle from HDF, Yahoo employees earned six out of the nine individual awards. In a clean sweep of the Advanced bracket, Yahoo’s Kyle Jao, Ganesan Mani, and Sriram Viswanathan nabbed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, respectively. Allie Watfa of Yahoo beat out colleague Balaji Manoharan in the championship game of the intermediate bracket, followed by Saurabh Mishra of Riverbed in 3rd place. Quincey Koziol kept some hardware in the HDF name as he won the beginner’s bracket, followed by Mohana Karunakaran of Yahoo! in 2nd place and Varun Thangavelu of Akuna in 3rd place. A special thank you to Jay Geistlinger of HDF Group, Howard Gerwin of John Deere and Allie Watfa of Yahoo for participating on the Table Tennis Tournament planning committee. Congratulations to all for a fun and exciting evening.

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    EnterpriseWorks News Recognition & Awards

    Intelliwheels Receives $1.5 Million Grant To Develop Multispeed Geared Wheels For Manual Wheelchairs

    CHAMPAIGN, IL, Aug. 4, 2014  — A $1.5-million grant will enable IntelliWheels, Inc. to advance development of ultra-lightweight, multi-geared wheels for manual wheelchairs. This new innovation will further wheelchair functionality, allowing manual wheelchair users to be more physically active and increase their independence, health and well-being. IntelliWheels received the Phase II SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant from the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. “By using simple gearing we can create a more dynamic method of mobility, providing wheelchair users greater ability to interact in their environment,” said Marissa Siero, Co-Founder of IntelliWheels, Inc. The IntelliWheels i series will give wheelchair users the option to shift into high and low gears, providing the ability to independently maneuver hills, uneven surfaces and longer distances. IntelliWheels, Inc. will be working in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, and TiLite, a leading manufacturer of ultralight wheelchairs to conduct research on geared technology for wheelchair users as well as product development. “Funding like this from the NIH is an incredible tool to help designers, engineers, and inventors create the very best technology and design that every wheelchair user deserves.  It has an additional benefit that it supports US manufacturing and small businesses,” said Scott Daigle, M.S., PI and President, Co-Founder of IntelliWheels, Inc. About IntelliWheels IntelliWheels, Inc. is a product development company dedicated to innovating wheelchair technology and improving mobility options for wheelchair users. Utilizing wheelchair users’ feedback in the design process and product development phases enables IntelliWheels to create products for wheelchair users with optimal features and greater functionality. IntelliWheels believes in creating innovative products that can be used to increase a person’s ability to lead a more active and independent life.  IntelliWheels originated as a student startup from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. Intelliwheels recognized by: HME News, FinSMEs, BioSpace, News Gazette

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    News Recognition & Awards

    University of Illinois Honored With “Innovation & Economic Prosperity University” Distinction

    The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) designated the University of Illinois an “Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) University,” which recognizes institutions that work to advance the economic well-being of their states, regions, and the nation through a variety of exemplary, innovative, and sustainable efforts. The application process involved scrutinizing and analyzing not only the current innovational and entrepreneurial efforts, including Research Park, but also areas for future growth. While this distinction reflects the best endeavors the University has made to better its community and the nation, it also cements a bright future for the University of Illinois and its capacity to bring positive change to its communities. Research Park is humbled to have played a role in contributing to the local and global communities outside of the University.

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    News

    Chicago Tribune Highlights Research Park’s Ability to Capitalize on Student Talent

    The Chicago Tribune’s BlueSky tech magazine highlighted the talent development opportunities in the Research Park in a series about venture capitalists. Research Park was included in the second part of the series on July 8. One of the hallmarks of Research Park since its birth has been its location on campus. Unlike many other research facilities associated with universities, Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been a magnet for talent, recruiting the most qualified students to work at one of over a hundred companies at the park. State Farm, Dow AgroSciences, and John Deere are among a multitude of companies that seek student talent. Although the companies of Research Park capitalize on the university’s top programs in engineering and business, the 400 students that are employed at any given time are hired from majors ranging from graphic design and advertising to mathematics and communication and a vast spectrum in between.

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    Media Mentions News Research Park

    Research Park Highly Attributed to Champaign Being “3rd Fastest-Growing City In Illinois”

    The Daily Illini showcased Research Park as the muscles behind Champaign’s status of being Illinois’ “3rd fastest-growing city.” Highlighted in the article is Research Park and its commitment to creating an environment that attracts not only big companies like Yahoo!, State Farm, and John Deere; but also a plethora of startup companies at the EnterpriseWorks Building. Besides strongly stimulating Champaign’s economy, the over one hundred companies also are committed to taking advantage of the incredible resources on campus, especially the talent of the students. At any given time, over 400 undergraduate and graduate students are employed by Research Park. Although the companies capitalize on the students of the premier programs such as engineering and business, students from other majors, ranging from advertising to data management, round out the other needs of the companies. Research Park is proud to have such a strong partnership with the University of Illinois and its vast talent of student resources that positively affects Champaign’s economy and pushes the city forward.

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    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions News

    Chromatin’s Recent Success Highlighted in Crain’s Chicago Business

    Crain’s Chicago Business profiled the success of startup Chromatin, a graduate from the EnterpriseWorks incubator who currently has a 6,000-square foot footprint in the University of Illinois Research Park. Research Park is very proud of Chromatin’s team and their persistent diligence and hard work. Read the full featured article in Crain’s Chicago Business online. Today, Chromatin’s teams in Champaign and Texas, working with eight nurseries around the world, develop thousands of new varieties of sorghum each year from traditional cross-breeding; varieties containing the company’s patented mini-chromosomes are under development. The company, based in downtown Chicago, has 200 employees and tens of millions of dollars of annual revenue, though Ms. Preuss won’t disclose more exact numbers. In January, Chromatin raised $36 million in series E financing, with Wood Creek Capital Management of New Haven, Connecticut, leading the effort, raising its fetch to $70 million. John Banta, CEO of IllinoisVentures LLC, a Chicago early-stage investment firm that has invested in Chromatin, says Ms. Preuss is a rarity. “The cultural divide between the two settings”—a university research lab and a startup business—“can be great, which is why it is so unusual for later-stage CEOs to derive from the lab/classroom,” he says. Ms. Preuss, who holds a 1990 doctorate in biology from MIT, grew up in eastern Colorado. She saw herself becoming an inventor like her hero Thomas Edison, “deploying science to improve people’s lives.” As a teen, she worked in her family’s hardware distribution business, sweeping floors and making sales calls. She says her parents’ comeback from a fire that destroyed their warehouse helped inspire her own “rising from the ashes” story at Chromatin.

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    News Research Park

    Frerichs Visits Capitol Hill to Discuss Champaign-Urbana’s Growing Tech Sector

    University of Illinois Research Park Director Laura Frerichs visited the US Capitol today to address staff from the Illinois Congressional delegation about the tech industry in Illinois.  The Capitol Hill briefing on the state’s high-tech industry was organized by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.  Frerichs discussed the growing technology sector in Champaign-Urbana at the Research Park, successful startup activity at EnterpriseWorks incubator, recruitment of students and internships, and a recent study completed by the EDA funded University Center at Illinois that profiled 18 incubators across the state of Illinois. Topics discussed at the event included technology workforce development, immigration reform, crowdfunding, entrepreneurship and incubation, STEM education including software coding for K-12, digital manufacturing and community colleges, connecting veterans to tech, and patent reform. Other speakers included: 1871, Orbitz, Google, Motorola Solution, Motorola Mobility, and TechAmerica.

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