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    Recognition & Awards

    Roger Bock Wolf Creek Farm Brandt Prize
    Recognition & Awards

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

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    Roger Bock from Wolf Creek Farm Awarded 2025 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism Roger Bock from Wolf Creek Farm Awarded 2025 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism Roger Bock from Wolf Creek Farm Awarded 2025 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (March 6, 2025) — Roger Bock of 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 »

    Boston Bioprocess Moore Prize
    EnterpriseWorks, Recognition & Awards, Research Park

    Boston Bioprocess Wins 2025 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize

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    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 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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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 

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    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 »

    Community, EnterpriseWorks, Investments, Recognition & Awards, Research Park

    Illinois Ventures unveils Deep Tech Strategic Fund

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    Illinois Ventures, an EnterpriseWorks tenant and the venture capital arm of the U of I System, recently unveiled a new fund, the Deep Tech Strategic Fund. The organization is focused on helping students achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and has previously supported Research Park companies including DeepWalk, EarthSense, Natrion, PSYONIC, and more. The Deep Tech Strategic Fund is Illinois Ventures’ largest fund to date, consisting of $48 million from investors including the University of Illinois, Carle Health, and the University of Illinois Foundation. The fund, which targets the next wave of startups, is designed to fuel ideas that come from the University of Illinois ecosystem and is a testament to Illinois Ventures’ commitment to push the boundaries of innovation. Learn more about this investment fund on the Illinois Ventures website, Crain’s Chicago Business website, or connect with Illinois Ventures on LinkedIn.

    Illinois Ventures unveils Deep Tech Strategic Fund Read Post »

    Community, EnterpriseWorks, Investments, Recognition & Awards, Research Park

    FAST Center at Illinois receives funding renewal from US SBA

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    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the Illinois FAST Center, hosted by Research Park, has received a five-year renewal of its funding. The FAST Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides one-on-one assistance, training, and workshops across the state to increase access to federal research funding for Illinois small businesses. From 2020 to 2023, the FAST Center at the University of Illinois served a total of 2,288 clients, 60% of which came from underserved populations. Clients were awarded a total of $67.2 million in SBIR and STTR funding. This award is one of 49 distributed by the SBA, which provide up to $200,000 to organizations supporting startups through specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. “FAST funding, which fuels innovation to keep America competitive globally, has doubled under the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA. “At a time when we are seeing historic highs in our entrepreneurial activity with a small business boom, investing in America’s innovative startups is a top priority. America’s Seed Fund, powered by the SBA and fueled by 11 federal agencies’ SBIR and STTR programs, is the largest source of early-stage funding in the world. With FAST, we have now expanded our entrepreneurial ecosystem to nearly every state so that entrepreneurs with great ideas can invent it, commercialize it, and build it with America’s Seed Fund in every corner of America.” The Illinois FAST Center hosted America’s Seed Fund Road Tour in Champaign on July 17, 2024, allowing innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and small technology startups to connect with federal funding opportunities. Read the official press release on the SBA website. About FAST FAST provides small businesses and startups, particularly those in underserved communities, with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance for research and development. FAST’s objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses and startups across the country, particularly those from underserved communities to help them benefit from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. Through FAST, the SBA continues to play a critical role in creating inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and helping American entrepreneurs grow their networks and revenue opportunities with new capital. Learn more about FAST on the SBIR website. About the FAST Center at the University of Illinois The FAST Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is led by EnterpriseWorks and provides free resources, support, and expertise necessary to submit a highly competitive proposal to help startups and companies bridge the gap between research and commercialization. It has helped companies acquire millions of dollars in federal SBIR/STTR funding at no cost to them.

    FAST Center at Illinois receives funding renewal from US SBA Read Post »

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