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    Recognition & Awards

    Features Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Brunswick Site Manager Jeffrey Reifsnyder named to Boating Industry 40 Under 40

    Jeffey Reifsnyder, Brunswick Boating Intelligence Design Lab’s site manager and Advanced Technology Director, was recently recognized on the Boating Industry magazine’s 40 Under 40 list.  Reifsnyder joined Brunswick’s Research Park team in January 2024. The BI DesignLab works with Brunswick’s corporate office to further accelerate the company’s progress in modernizing the recreational boating experience with autonomous docking technology, AI-powered virtual agents for marine applications, and more. “At the Lab, we have anywhere from 10 to 30 interns [who] work with us throughout the year,” said Reifsnyder. “It’s an opportunity…to give to the future by investing in the interns. My hope is that I can inspire the next generation…to not just join the industry, but bring passion and innovation to it.” Learn more about the 40 Under 40 Program, which highlights leaders from a diverse array of recreational boating industry segments, on the Boating Industry website.

    Brunswick Site Manager Jeffrey Reifsnyder named to Boating Industry 40 Under 40 Read Post »

    Graduates News Recognition & Awards

    EarthSense wins Startup World Cup: Agriculture and Food Regional competition

    CHAMPAIGN, IL. (March  06, 2025)—A distinguished panel of investors named EarthSense the winner of the inaugural Startup World Cup: Agriculture and Food Regional pitch competition, earning the Champaign-based startup the opportunity to compete for a $1 million investment at the Startup World Cup finale in October.   The regional, held at the 10th Annual AgTech Summit in Champaign, was hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park in partnership with Serra Ventures, gener8tor, and Pegasus Tech Ventures.   “This is a huge endorsement of all the impressive work the EarthSense team has been doing, and the amazing pull we’re seeing for our agricultural sustainability solutions from all parts of the world,” said EarthSense CEO Chinmay Soman, who delivered the winning pitch.   Champaign-based EarthSense, an EnterpriseWorks incubator startup graduate with operations at the University of Illinois Research Park, develops AI-powered farming robots and farming-as-a-service solutions to address labor shortages, rising costs, and climate challenges. It has sales in North America, Southeast Asia, and South America.  The Startup World Cup is a global pitch competition that brings together innovative startups across various industries. EarthSense will travel to the Startup World Cup finale in Silicon Valley, thanks to expenses paid courtesy of Serra Ventures.  This year marks the first time the Startup World Cup has included a regional focused exclusively on agriculture and food technology. Ten startups from seven states—Arizona, California, Indiana, Delaware, Illinois, New York, and Georgia—competed in the event, presenting their startups to a panel of distinguished investors.    Judges included:   Karin O’Connor — Venture Partner at Serra Ventures  Alex Russomagno — Senior Manager at AGCO Ventures  Henry Heitzer — Director at Earth Foundry  Nancy Sullivan — CEO & Managing Director at Illinois Ventures  Derick Jiwan — Innovation & Business Development Manager at WinField United   EarthSense integrates robotics and machine learning to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability. TerraSentia, an autonomous agricultural robot, enhances field data collection with accurate, cost-effective, and high-speed under-canopy plant trait analysis, providing actionable insights for crop breeders and agronomists. The startup has expanded globally while remaining firmly rooted in the Research Park ecosystem.  About the AgTech Summit  The AgTech Innovation Summit brings together leaders in agricultural technology, entrepreneurship, investment, and academia to address pressing agricultural challenges and explore emerging solutions. This interactive conference hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park features dynamic panel discussions, keynote presentations, and valuable networking opportunities. To learn more about 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. 

    EarthSense wins Startup World Cup: Agriculture and Food Regional competition Read Post »

    News Recognition & Awards

    Wolf Creek Farm Awarded 2025 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (March 6, 2025) — Wolf Creek Farm was named the recipient of this year’s Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism, an award that honors a grower/producer/farmer who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices. Located in Williamsville, Wolf Creek Farm provides wholesale produce purchase options for farm-to-table retailers, truck farmers, farmers market retailers, distributors, and more. Owner Roger Bock is a University of Illinois alumnus and fifth-generation farmer, tool maker, commercial pilot, and Certified Aerial Applicator. “We use the plant science department [at the University of Illinois] to guide us and answer questions about problems we are having with special crops,” said Bock. “Wolf Creek Farm optimizes lesser growing areas by rotating in edible crops.” The farming operation consists of 1200 acres of corn and soybeans and 15 acres of wholesale vegetables and is also optimized with support from University of Illinois Extension. 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 with a $10,000 prize. “Mentoring good agriculture practices to youth farm workers is a priority of Wolf Creek Farm,” said Chris Baker, who nominated Wolf Creek Farm for the Brandt Prize. Bock said he plans to use the award’s $10,000 prize to expand the farm’s hoop house space. The award was announced at the 2025 AgTech Innovation Summit, hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park. Previous Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism winners include Andrew and Karlie Bowman (2024), Eric Miller (2023), Matt Riggs, (2022), and Will Glazik (2021). 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 charities, organizations, and communities that reside in the same area of the company; geographically and industry-related. About the AgTech Innovation Summit  Produced by the University of Illinois Research Park, the AgTech Innovation Summit is an interactive conference where participants learn and share knowledge about the current state of AgTech and get a look into the future through dynamic panels, inspiring keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. 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.

    Wolf Creek Farm Awarded 2025 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks 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 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 Graduates 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 »

    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions Recognition & Awards Research Park

    DeepWalk Co-Founders Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30: Transportation and Mobility List

    Anshul Shah and Brandon Yates, co-founders of the EnterpriseWorks startup graduate DeepWalk, have been named to  2025 Forbes 30 Under 30- Transportation and Mobility list. DeepWalk was launched out of the University of Illinois in 2019 to improve sidewalks with planning software and make it easier for cities to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The company operated out of EnterpriseWorks from 2021 to 2023 before relocating to Chicago, Illinois. Using iPhone LiDAR scanners, DeepWalk’s platform allows city maintenance staff to quickly assess sidewalks for accessibility. The software generates planning, construction and maintenance documents that cut down the time and cost to make sidewalks ADA-compliant. Since its founding, DeepWalk has raised $2 million and worked with 39 cities, counties, universities and state transportation departments to inspect 1,600 miles of sidewalks. Shah and Yates are joining an esteemed group of EnterpriseWorks startup founders previously named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. They include Natrion‘s Alex Kosyakov, Ascent Integrated Tech’s Paul Couston, IntelliWheels‘ Scott Daigle, Psyonic‘s Patrick Slade, and Electrolinks‘ Brett Walker. View the entire 30 under 30: Transportation and Mobility list on the Forbes website.

    DeepWalk Co-Founders Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30: Transportation and Mobility List Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Graduates Media Mentions Recognition & Awards Research Park

    EnterpiseWorks Graduate Prenosis Earns Spot on TIME’s Best Inventions List

    Prenosis, EnterpriseWorks startup graduate, has earned a place on TIME’s Best Inventions of the Year list for its innovative Sepsis ImmunoScore. Sepsis ImmunoScore is an AI diagnostic tool transforming sepsis care—a critical need in U.S. hospitals, where nearly 1.7 million patients are affected annually. The system analyzes 22 health metrics, including vital signs and blood measurements, to provide a rapid sepsis risk score, helping doctors diagnose and predict severe cases within 24 hours. “The Sepsis ImmunoScore is setting a new standard of proactive sepsis care—where faster and more accurate prediction and diagnosis is essential to saving lives,” CEO and co-founder Bobby Reddy Jr. said in a press release. “We are honored to be recognized by TIME for the potential of our work to improve patient outcomes and to bring precision medicine to acute care.” Reddy was also recently honored as one of Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40, a recognition given to executives, founders, creators, and strategists driving change and innovation in the Chicago area. Prenosis was an EnterpriseWorks tenant from 2017 to 2018. Founder Rashid Bashir, Dean of Grainger College of Engineering and Research Park Board of Managers member, developed these technologies with his research group in the Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, along with Bobby Reddy Jr. While at the Research Park, the Prenosis team earned a second-place prize in the 14th Annual Dale V. Cozad New Venture Competition. For more information, visit the Prenosis website

    EnterpiseWorks Graduate Prenosis Earns Spot on TIME’s Best Inventions List Read Post »

    Partnerships & Acquisitions Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Research Park Executive Director Laura Appenzeller Named to IQMP Leadership Team

    CHAMPAIGN — Laura Appenzeller, executive director of the University of Illinois Research Park, has been named to the leadership team of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. Appenzeller will serve as Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer for the first-of-its-kind project, while retaining her position with the Research Park as Executive Director. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is connected to IQMP through its leadership team, researchers in quantum science and role in supporting the newly formed IQMP LLC. Harley Johnson, a Founder Professor in Mechanical Science and Engineering, is serving as Director and CEO of the IQMP. Brian DeMarco, the IQMP’s Associate Director and Chief Technology Officer, is a professor in the U. of I. physics department and Director of the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center (IQUIST) housed in the Grainger College of Engineering. His research team has advanced the frontier of quantum science for over 20 years. “The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park will bring innovation, job creation, and economic development to the South Side of Chicago and extend across every corner of our state. I’m thrilled to see such talented individuals step into leadership roles that will guide the day-to-day operations of the campus,” said Wilbur C. Milhouse III, Chair of the IQMP’s Board of Managers and chairman/CEO of Milhouse Engineering & Construction and a former member of the University of Illinois Research Park Board of Managers. A separate company of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, IQMP’s governance structure utilizes Research Park’s model as a foundation and developed in the same spirit as a dynamic public-private partnership. While Appenzeller will leverage her extensive experience in advancing complex organizations encompassing federal, state, university and private sector partners for IQMP, she remains rooted in her role at UIRP. “I have full confidence in the Research Park team to handle day-to-day management and provide excellent customer service, while also advancing our strategic direction,” Appenzeller said. “This symbiotic relationship will result in long-term impact on both campuses.” IQMP will support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers and other partners working to facilitate the development of quantum technologies, and will build on historic investments by Governor Pritzker and the state to further establish Illinois as a global hub for this emerging technology. Read more on WCIA’s website, or on the Crain’s Chicago Business website.

    Research Park Executive Director Laura Appenzeller Named to IQMP Leadership Team Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Events Graduates Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Inaugural Founders Week at Research Park Celebrates Illinois Entrepreneurship 

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

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

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