Applications are now live for the Agriculture and Food regional qualifier of Startup World Cup, which returns to the AgTech Innovation Summit stage for the second year on March 10.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Dec. 1, 2025) – Nominations are now being accepted for the sixth annual Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism, recognizing an Illinois farmer for their role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in the ag sector. View the nomination form here. The deadline for submission is Feb. 2, 2026. Established in 2021 to honor the memory of GB Brandt, a legendary figure in the field of Illinois agriculture, the $10,000 cash prize will be awarded to a nominee who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices, crop growing processes, or product usage. The prize is a partnership between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and The BRANDT Foundation. The winner will be announced and recognized at the AgTech Innovation Summit, an annual event produced by the University of Illinois Research Park on March 10, 2026. Those eligible for the prize include Illinois farmers, growers and producers or those engaged with Illinois farmers, growers and producers. Nominees should be connected with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and/or its affiliates, including University of Illinois Extension. A full list of eligibility criteria is available in the nomination form. Roger Bock, fifth-generation farmer and owner of Wolf Creek Farm in Williamsville, Illinois was the fifth annual recipient of the Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism. A University of Illinois alumnus, Bock works with the University of Illinois Extension and plant science department to optimize lesser growing areas by rotating in edible crops across his 1,200-acre operation of corn, soybeans, and specialty vegetables. Read the full story on the Research Park website. Past Brandt Prize Winners 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 farms, charities, and organizations in the areas where the company does business. About the AgTech Innovation Summit Hosted 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. Contacts Karl BarnhartThe BRANDT Foundation karl.barnhart@brandt.co Laura BleillResearch Parklwbleill@illinois.edu ###
Nominations Sought for 2026 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism Read Post »
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Cache Energy today announced the company will expand their operations at a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Champaign, creating 20 new jobs and retaining their current workforce. The $2.5 million investment from Cache Energy is supported by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement with DCEO. “Illinois is proudly leading the way in the clean energy revolution with new jobs, economic growth, and groundbreaking progress in the clean energy manufacturing sector,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m pleased to see Cache Energy expand its operations right here in Illinois, and I applaud the company’s innovative approach to renewable energy storage as Illinois takes bold steps toward a more sustainable future.” Cache is a start-up that develops and manufactures long duration, clean energy storage technology leveraging limestone as the feed material. Cache’s technology is built on thermochemical energy storage, utilizing the company’s proprietary process to convert lime powder into pellets. When these pellets are exposed to water in a reactor, the heat energy produced by the exothermic reaction can be harnessed directly or used to generate steam for electricity production.at energy produced by the exothermic reaction can be harnessed directly or used to generate steam for electricity production. Cache’s process can store energy from any renewable source for months under ambient conditions at a fraction of the cost compared to a lithium-ion battery. “We have a bold vision for the future – one where low-cost, reliable energy is accessible to every American,” stated Arpit Dwivedi, Founder of Cache Energy. “I’m proud to stand with my team and the State of Illinois as we launch this great partnership. Together, through Cache we’re creating high-quality jobs and advancing cutting-edge energy projects right here in Illinois. This further strengthens our commitment to a fully domestic energy supply chain, reinforcing both Illinois and America’s leadership in energy security and resilience.” This expansion will include the setup of a one-ton-per-hour manufacturing line for energy storage materials, which will involve the procurement of specialized manufacturing equipment from Illinois-based vendors and the installation of the production line. In addition, Cache will build, test, and operate a first-of-its-kind, one-megawatt energy storage system, which will store electricity generated from renewable sources and release it during peak demand periods. The investment will enhance Cache streamline production to help meet Illinois’ clean energy goals. “Through the REV Illinois program, we are enhancing the state’s position as a national leader in clean energy innovation and manufacturing with a strong focus on fostering deeper partnerships with higher education institutions,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “By investing in collaboration with academic institutions, we are creating high-quality jobs, advancing sustainable technologies, and driving long-term economic growth to build a greener, more resilient future for Illinois.” Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, the REV Illinois program supports a key growth industry for the state – clean energy production and manufacturing. REV Illinois offers competitive incentives for companies all along the supply chain in the electric vehicle and renewables sector to expand in or relocate to Illinois. A link to the full REV agreement can be found here. “We’re proud that Cache Energy continues to grow in Champaign and has chosen a location in Apollo Industrial Park as their new manufacturing facility,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “By choosing to build its long-duration energy storage solutions here—and creating new jobs—the company is not only accelerating the innovation of the energy storage industry but also strengthening our local economy and workforce capabilities.” Governor Pritzker has committed to growing the clean energy production and advanced manufacturing industries, which continue to thrive because of strong state leadership and a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and long-term economic competitiveness. This announcement adds to a growing list of clean energy manufacturers that have recently chosen to expand or establish their business in Illinois, including Nano Nuclear, Richardson Electronics, Pure Lithium, and more. “Cache’s growth shows how local and state entrepreneurship ecosystems can unite to support founders from idea to execution,” stated Gerald Wilson, Director of Entrepreneurship at EnterpriseWorks and the University of Illinois Research Park. “From a slide deck to a thriving company, Cache leveraged resources to grow, including the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program at EnterpriseWorks and the state of Illinois’ Innovation Voucher Program. With strong support and focused leadership, this model is a repeatable formula for success.”
Governor Pritzker Announces Cache Energy to Expand Manufacturing Facility in Illinois Read Post »
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Oct. 2, 2025) – In the latest Innovations @ Research Park episode, host Tanmay Shah interviews Dr. David Ruzic on his path from professor to founder and how Research Park helped turn his academic research into a company. Dr. Ruzic is professor emeritus in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering at the University of Illinois, founder of Research Park company Starfire Industries, and Director of the Illinois Plasma Institute. “If you think science can’t be exciting, you haven’t met David Ruzic,” the podcast notes. His reputation for lighting up classrooms with his engaging teaching style and ability pushes the boundaries of plasma physics to make science accessible and engaging. The Innovations @ Research Park podcast highlights Champaign’s thriving entrepreneurial and corporate innovation culture. It is hosted by Tanmay Shah, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus. Subscribe to The Innovations @ Research Park to catch up on the latest innovations and news on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast network. Is there something you want to know about Research Park? Do you have an idea for a guest for the show or a story we should pursue? Do you want to provide other feedback? Contact Laura Bleill (lwbleill@illinois.edu).
New Podcast Episode: David Ruzic Read Post »
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Sept. 18, 2025) – W. Brooke Elliott, Dean of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Shannon O’Hare, executive managing director at Cushman & Wakefield and Ryan Coon, an entrepreneur and venture capital investor, have joined the University of Illinois Research Park Board of Managers. Their appointments were approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at its September 2025 meeting. The Board of Managers, a public-private board, is the governing body of University of Illinois Research Park LLC, which assists the university in developing and operating research parks in support of its economic development mission. Former BOM member Pat Daly’s term expired in 2025, creating a vacancy for a business representative. Upon that transition, the decision was made to expand the board (as per the existing by-laws). That meant adding one additional faculty member as well as one business representative, for a total of three in each category. Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr. nominated Dean Elliott as a faculty appointment with O’Hare and Coon filling the business representative roles. Elliott, the Josef and Margot Lakonishok Professor in Business and Dean of Gies College of Business, has been at the U. of I. since 2003, starting as a professor of accountancy. She now leads the College in developing a compelling, strategic vision while continuing to build upon its distinctive brand and identity. This includes assessing and expanding Gies Business’ portfolio of on-campus and online programs to strengthen its position as an innovative leader among the nation’s best business schools. Elliott is an expert in her field and has been cited in widely recognized press outlets including Fortune and The Wall Street Journal. Shannon O’Hare has more than 20 years of experience in economic development and financial incentive negotiation. O’Hare serves as the executive managing director at Cushman & Wakefield leading the Business Incentives Practice, representing clients across a wide range of industries including automotive, healthcare and retail. She also negotiates incentives for real estate development projects nationwide, and prides herself on her long-standing client relationships. Some of her previous positions were held at Deloitte & Touche LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP. O’Hare earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from the Gies College of Business. Ryan Coon is co-founder of Avail, a platform used to improve rental experiences for do-it-yourself landlords and renters. Avail was acquired by Realtor.com in December 2020, where Coon became CEO of Avail and Category Manager – Rentals at Realtor.com. Before co-founding Avail, Coon worked at BMO Capital Markets performing mergers and acquisitions as an investment banking associate. Coon graduated with honors from the Gies College of Business in 2007. He is active in the Chicago tech community and serves on the Board of Directors of La Casa Norte, an organization fighting youth and family homelessness in Chicago.
WCIA – Financial services company expanding operations at U of I (Sept. 18, 2025) PR Newswire- Synchrony and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Celebrate Major Expansion as Emerging Technology Center Surpasses 400 Internships, Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators (Sept. 18, 2025) Stock Titan- Synchrony and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Celebrate Major Expansion as Emerging Technology Center Surpasses 400 Internships, Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators (Sept. 18, 2025) University Leaders Join Ceremony to Unveil Expanded Center to Train Students in Tech Skills of the Future CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (September 18, 2025) – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.) and Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a premier consumer financial services company, this week celebrated a major milestone: more than 400 U. of I. students have gained hands-on technology experience through Synchrony’s internship program. At a ribbon cutting ceremony for the expanded Synchrony Emerging Technology Center in Research Park, university leaders, Synchrony executives, and students marked the opening of the nearly 11,000 square foot reimagined space dedicated to advancing innovation and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. First opened in 2018, Synchrony’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) serves as a hub for collaboration between Synchrony and U. of I., advancing the company’s finance and technology capabilities while equipping students with real-world skills in engineering, data science, analytics, human-centered design, and other emerging fields. The expansion doubles the center’s seat count and introduces new collaboration areas, including flexible huddle rooms, event spaces for town halls and networking, and a remodeled café. A commissioned mural from a local artist will pay tribute to both the state of Illinois and the university to uplift design in the heart of the space. Through the ETC, interns partner year-round with Synchrony employees from more than 60 teams on projects that fuel business growth and enhance the customer experience. The center is a key talent pipeline, with dozens of interns accepting full time roles in areas such as technology, credit, analytics and more at Synchrony since the program began. “The expansion of our Emerging Technology Center reflects the incredible talent of U. of I. students as well as the enduring strength of our partnership with the university,” said Tim Christensen, CIO, Synchrony. “Together, we’ve built a model that both enhances Synchrony’s innovation goals and provides students with opportunities to advance and grow technology skills. We are proud of the impact of this partnership and excited to grow this collaboration for years to come.” “Synchrony has been a tremendous launchpad for students pursuing technological and analytical careers in consumer finance,” said Dr. Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at U. of I., “The company demonstrates how to bridge academic research with industry applications, which is a win-win for our campus that puts so much emphasis on the value of experiential learning. We are so grateful for Synchrony’s unwavering investment in our students and engagement in many campus programs.” Beyond internships, Synchrony and UIUC co-host events including hackathons, Datathons targeting students interested in the field of Data Science, and in-class lectures around topics like Generative AI, engineering, and credit modeling, strengthening a culture of innovation that benefits students, the university, and the company. This milestone builds on Synchrony’s broader education initiatives worldwide, which aim to build pathways to financial credit access and financial mobility for Americans. For more information about Synchrony’s impact in Illinois and beyond, visit: https://synchronyimpact.com. About Synchrony Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a leading consumer financing company at the heart of American commerce and opportunity. From health to home, auto to retail, our Synchrony products have been serving the needs of people and businesses for nearly 100 years. We provide responsible access to credit and banking products to support healthier financial lives for tens of millions of people, enabling them to access the things that matter to them. Additionally, through our innovative products and experiences, we support the growth and operations of some of the country’s most respected brands, as well as more than 400,000 small and midsize businesses and health and wellness providers that Americans rely on. Synchrony is proud to be ranked as the country’s #2 Best Company to Work For® by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work®. For more information, visit www.synchrony.com. About the Research Park at the University of Illinois The Research Park at the University of Illinois 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. Follow the company on LinkedIn at UIResearchPark. Media Contact Tyler Allen Synchrony Tyler.Allen@syf.com Laura Weisskopf Bleill University of Illinois Research Park lwbleill@illinois.edu
Champaign-Urbana Aerospace, a graduate of EnterpriseWorks, was recently featured by The Grainger College of Engineering for its role in advancing aerospace innovation. The feature highlighted the entrepreneurial journeys of CU Aerospace president David Carroll, and Phil Ansell, associate professor of aerospace engineering and the company’s director of aerodynamics. Both leaders emphasized how the University’s innovation ecosystem and Research Park resources supported their efforts to develop from idea to impact. “CUA is uniquely poised to make meaningful partnerships with the university,” said Ansell. CUA is an prime example of how the University of Illinois Research Park helps startups become industry leaders and maintain lasting partnerships with the university. Founded in 1998 by six current and former university faculty members, CUA develops and produces aerospace technologies, including propulsion systems, advanced materials, simulation tools, and plasma technology. Today, the company generates $5 million in annual revenue and continues to grow from its headquarters in northwest Champaign. Read the full article HERE.
EnterpriseWorks Graduate CU Aerospace Featured for Advancing Aerospace Innovation Read Post »
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Sept. 4, 2025) – Custom software and web development firm Pixo has officially moved its headquarters to the first floor of the Atkins Building, Suite 106, within the University of Illinois Research Park technology hub. This strategic move positions Pixo in a vibrant innovation ecosystem, while reinforcing its commitment to a flexible, hybrid work model. Melinda Miller, CEO and co-owner of Pixo, expressed enthusiasm for the new location. “Our new office home is right in the midst of so much exciting technological innovation,” Miller said. “We look forward to connecting with the vibrant community here, tapping into that energy, and building new relationships with our neighbors at Research Park.” Founded in 1998 as “On the Job Consulting,” the woman-owned tech consultancy previously operated from second-story offices on Urbana’s West Main Street. Like many businesses, Pixo adapted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the success and versatility of a hybrid approach for its diverse team of developers, designers, and strategists, the company decided to adopt this model permanently. While Pixo continues to have a strong presence in Central Illinois, its team members are now distributed throughout the United States, serving clients coast-to-coast. “Despite being a mostly remote agency, maintaining a physical presence in Champaign-Urbana is incredibly important to us,” Miller emphasized. “We have deep roots here and a rich history tied to the University of Illinois, the agricultural economy, and the broader community.” “As a ‘people-first’ company, we also wanted to preserve the ability to gather in person—both with clients and with each other,” Miller added. “We’re excited to leverage Research Park’s excellent amenities, including beautiful and well-equipped spaces for client meetings, social gatherings, and team celebrations.” “Research Park and Pixo have a long history of partnership across domains–from working together on website projects, to working together on agtech cluster building,” said Laura Weisskopf Bleill, Director of External Engagement and Communications at Research Park. “We are thrilled to see the team locate a footprint in our on-campus tech hub, where small businesses, startups, and corporate innovation thrives together as one ecosystem.” About Pixo: Pixo is a custom software and web development firm specializing in creating innovative digital solutions. Founded in 1998, the woman-owned consultancy serves clients across the United States, providing expertise in areas including digital accessibility, artificial intelligence, content strategy, and web/software development. Pixo is committed to a people-first approach, fostering a collaborative environment for its distributed team and strong relationships with its clients and community. For more information, visit pixotech.com. Contact: info@pixotech.com 217-344-0444 pixotech.com Pixo’s office: Atkins Building, Research Park 1800 S. Oak St. Suite 106 Champaign, IL 61820
Pixo Relocates Headquarters to Research Park, Embraces Hybrid Future Read Post »
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Research Park Softball League concluded its season with a championship game on Monday, Aug. 4 where the Caterpillar Innovation Center would claim its second consecutive championship. The league ran throughout the summer, bringing together employees from companies across the Research Park for weekly games. Teams competed in a tournament-style bracket, with matches that mixed experienced players with newcomers still learning the rules. Caterpillar’s win marked back-to-back titles for the team, demonstrating consistent performance across two seasons. The championship game capped a competitive season where all 10 teams showed improvement from their early matches. “This year’s league was a blast,” said Bryan Goode, Talent Manager at Research Park. “Beyond the fun on the field, it created friendships across Research Park companies, gave interns a chance to build relationships outside their own teams and strengthened camaraderie within companies. It’s more than just a game, it helps employees old and new connect, encourages collaboration across organizations and builds the kind of trust and teamwork that carries back into the workplace.” The league has grown in recent years, drawing participants from various Research Park companies. Games are played on summer evenings, giving employees a chance to meet outside their usual work environments. We extend a special thank you to all the companies who participated in the Softball League: Champaign Caterpillar Innovation Center Motorola Solutions U. of I. Community Credit Union Littelfuse Synchrony Emerging Technology Center Electric Power Engineers Center for Energy Innovation University of Illinois Research Park John Deere Technology Innovation Center COUNTRY Financial DigitaLab Mondelēz International
Research Park Summer Softball League: Caterpillar Wins 2025 Summer Championship Read Post »
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (July 24, 2025) – German Bollero, Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, has joined the University of Illinois Research Park Board of Managers. Bollero’s appointment was approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at its July 2025 meeting. The Board of Managers, a public-private board, is the governing body of University of Illinois Research Park LLC, which assists the university in developing and operating research parks in support of its economic development mission. Bollero succeeds Kim Kidwell, Associate Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, who served on the board for six years. He joins Grainger College of Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir, who was appointed in 2024. Bollero, a nearly 30-year member of the ACES community, brings extensive experience and leadership to his role, having previously served as head of the Department of Crop Sciences and associate dean for research. A native of Rosario, Argentina, Bollero earned his bachelor’s in agronomy there before completing his master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, where he has since held numerous research and teaching positions. Internationally recognized for his scholarship in biometry and cropping systems, Bollero has received multiple honors for his teaching, research and service, including being named a Fellow of both the Crop Science Society of America and the Agronomy Society of America.
College of ACES Dean German Bollero Appointed to Research Park Board of Managers Read Post »
