CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Research Park leaders Laura Appenzeller and Laura Bleill join the Innovations at Research Park podcast to reflect on a milestone year celebrating the Research Park’s 25th anniversary. This episode, hosted by Tanmay Shah, explores the achievements that made 2025 unforgettable and the plans that will shape the next quarter century.
When discussing the Research Park’s 25-year legacy, Appenzeller highlighted its lasting impact on student careers and the broader innovation ecosystem.
“We’ve been able to employ thousands of students. The impact is really many people that have had some time that they’ve spent at the Research Park, whether that’s a startup or an intern or an employee that goes on to a successful career elsewhere,” Appenzeller said.
Looking to the future, Bleill discussed what’s ahead for Research Park, including plans for a new incubator facility and residential development.
“We are at an inflection point. I think we have a lot of things that we are looking at as opportunities that could truly be transformational and, honestly, a generational opportunity for us looking forward,” Bleill said.
To hear the full conversation about Research Park’s past, present and future, tune in to the Innovations at Research Park podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast network.
The Innovations at 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.
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).