2025 I2RP PROGRAMS
Iowa State University
Research Park
April 28-29
Register Here
Cummings Research Park Huntsville, AL
Sept 22-24
| Meet-up at these distinctive parks to learn their unique stories of ongoing development and programs plus challenges and opportunities. | |
COMMUNITY PULSE
Montana State's
Mark Sharpe
April 17, 2:30 pm ET
Community Pulse sessions are a HIT!
This month's member-sharing discussion features Mark Sharpe, Executive Director of Montana State University-Bozeman's Innovation Campus (and home of its Big Sky Science Center).
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BIO HEALTH CAUCUS
June 15-16, 2025
Boston, MA
AURP's 2025 BIO Health Caucus returns with the State Bio Association Roundtable, plus discussion on legal issues for bio startups, the role of the bio press, federal bio funding updates, and more.
AURP's BIO Health Caucus is held in conjunction with the BIO International Convention 2025, June 16-19.
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AURP 2025 International Conference
Driving Research and Innovation Across Sectors
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Suggested topic areas include:
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ADMINISTRATION: Governance Models; Government Relations (internal and external); University and Industry Partnerships; Corporate Engagement
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SPACE AND PLACE: Operations and Infrastructure of Facilities; Master Planning; Placemaking; Building Value; Re-imagined Sites
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PROGRAMMING: Marketing, Communications and Metrics; Innovative Programs for Workforce Development and Student Entrepreneurship; Life sciences and Biotechnology; Artificial Intelligence (Quantum, Wireless); Logistics and Supply Chain; Autonomous Innovation; Cybersecurity
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GOVERNMENT RESOURCES AND FUNDING: Innovative Funding and Partnership Strategies; Research Development Resources; P3 case studies
| | "One Text With . . ." UConn Research Park Leaders | |
For this week's "One Text With . . . ", we're very happy to present Emmanouil Anagnostou, PhD, Executive Director, and Mike DiDonato, Business Development Manager, with UConn Tech Park!
AURP: "Hi Emmanouil and Mike! "What are some new innovations or projects happening at UConn Tech Park?"
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Emmanouil and Mike: "UConn Tech Park is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable technology through strategic partnerships with Connecticut companies on new fuel cell projects.
Four solid oxide fuel cells will generate one megawatt of carbon-free electricity – enough to power the entire Tech Park and support UConn’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal. Integrated into a microgrid, this system will serve as both a research testbed and a hands-on learning opportunity for students.
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Beyond fuel cells, UConn Tech Park is expanding its research into grid evolution and cybersecurity, further strengthening its role as a leader in sustainable technology and industry collaboration."
AURP: "Thank you both for this terrific update from the Nutmeg State!"
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Stay Informed: AURP NIH F&A Alert
Visit AURP's special Resource Guide on NIH Facilities & Administrative Costs of Research – "What It Means For Bio Communities of Innovation and How to Get Involved."
AURP is actively collaborating with industry partners, the research community, academia, and others to address the federal government’s investment in critical technologies for national competitiveness.
Explore our Resource Guide for essential information and a recommended action plan to take proactive steps in response to this development.
| | How Much Does Each State Stand to Lose? (interactive map) Credit: Jeff Murphy | | I2RP | Iowa State University Research Park (April 29-30) | |
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Discover innovation at Iowa State University Research Park (April 29-30)
Join ISU Research Park directors and their teams for an immersive, hands-on experience that will take you through their state-of-the-art facilities! Our agenda includes:
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Guided Site Visits: Visit the 200,000 sq. ft. Student Innovation Center and the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, key drivers of entrepreneurial success, plus experience CyTOWN, ISU’s vibrant multi-use entertainment district.
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Interactive Discussions on Innovative Research Partnerships; Tech Transfer & Commercialization; Economic Development Initiatives; and Networking Opportunities.
| | | | | JobsOhio's Ohio Discovery Corridor connects the state’s three Innovation Districts in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland into a powerful network of world-class medical and research facilities, leading academic institutions, and private companies. Over ten years, the Ohio Discovery Corridor is expected to inspire 47,500 additional STEM graduates and fuel an estimated 60,000 new jobs. Learn more. | | Resources & Announcements | |
UEDA Inaugural Washington, DC Conference
At UEDA's Washington, DC Conference, Carol Stewart, incoming UEDA President and Vice President, Tech Parks Arizona at the University of Arizona, welcomed attendees to the conference. Sessions delved into the complexities of bringing talent and innovation to university place-based developments, including research parks, incubators and innovation districts. (Photo: Utah Tech’s Cheryle Caplinger and TUFF’s Teresa Failla.)
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CU @ UEDA Annual Summit
Vickie Palmer, Brian Darmody and other AURP members will attend in Huntsville, AL on October 6-9.
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AURP Members: Don't Miss Weekly Updates
Van Scoyoc Associates – Washington
AURP Members: With the new administration in place, be sure to check out the Van Scoyoc Associates – Washington Update, a comprehensive digest report of key Washington, DC policy, budget and legislative updates available weekly in the Members’ Only section of the AURP website.
| | | #AURP Member & Industry News | | CoStar, a real estate news platform, has named 4MLK, a state-of-the-art life sciences building in Baltimore’s University of Maryland BioPark, its 2025 "Commercial Development of the Year." Developed by Wexford Science & Technology, the eight-story, 250,000-square-foot facility aims to be a hub for bioscience innovation, potentially doubling the BioPark’s workforce. The project integrates modern lab and office space while preserving the historic Engine 38 Poppleton firehouse, which will be repurposed as a restaurant. Recognized for its impact on Baltimore’s commercial landscape, 4MLK is set to attract top-tier talent and companies to the city’s growing biotech sector. Read more. | | | Marshall University and Intuit have announced a strategic partnership to enhance education and economic development in West Virginia, focusing on initiatives within the Marshall Innovation District. This collaboration includes establishing a Prosperity Hub in the district to foster economic growth, attract investments and create jobs, positioning the state as a leader in financial innovation. The Marshall Innovation District, a visionary $200+ million initiative strategically located between downtown Huntington and Marshall University's main campus, aims to drive economic development by uniting industry leaders and academic experts in a dynamic environment for innovation. Read more. | |
| George Mason University (GMU) has unveiled plans for Northern Virginia's first Innovation District, a 3,800-acre economic development zone centered around its Science and Technology Campus in Manassas and adjacent areas of Prince William County (VA). The initiative, according to Potomac Local News, aims to drive growth in aerospace and defense, life sciences, cybersecurity, and semiconductors, leveraging GMU's research capabilities. Amy Adams, Executive Director of GMU's Institute for BioHealth Innovation, presented the vision to the Manassas City Council on March 24, 2025, seeking the city's support for this transformative project. Read more. | | | Auburn University is expanding its Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville, AL's Cummings Research Park with a new 50,000-square-foot facility. Approved by the university's board of trustees in November 2024, the expansion aims to support collaborations between the Auburn University Applied Research Institute and the U.S. Department of Defense. The building will feature flexible laboratory and office spaces, including a 30,000-square-foot high bay laboratory for critical radiation hardening testing of electronics used in space and defense applications. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Read more. | |
| Port San Antonio (AURP's 2024 Outstanding Innovation District honoree) has approved $7.5 million to finalize the design of the Innovation Tower, a planned 11-story, 300,000-square-foot mixed-use development on its 1,900-acre Tech Port campus. The $275 million project, according to Texas Public Radio, aims to attract technology firms and includes plans for a hotel, grocery store, restaurants, retail spaces, a childcare facility and a vertiport for air taxis. Construction is expected to begin next year with completion targeted for 2028 or 2029. This initiative is part of Port San Antonio's broader strategy to double its workforce over the next 7-10 years. Read more. | |
| The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI), part of Tech Parks Arizona in the Office of Research, Innovation & Impact, had an economic output of $664.8 million between 2021 and 2023. In this time period, 41% of UACI startups involved U of A alumni, graduate students or technology that originated from university research. Between 2021 and 2023, UACI worked with startups in a range of industries: 39% in health care, biology and life sciences; 24% in climate technology; 17% in hardware and engineering; 16% in software, AI and mobile application development; and 4% in imaging. Read more. | | | BlueHalo (recipient of AURP's 2024 Innovation Award) has reached a major milestone in space-based laser communication technology. Operating from its facility at Sandia Science & Technology Park (SS&TP), the company successfully demonstrated its two-terminal, long-haul, multi-orbit laser communication system. This breakthrough enables high-bandwidth data transfer across multiple orbits, benefiting both national security and commercial applications. With the technology now validated, BlueHalo is prepared to manufacture advanced optical terminals for deployment on satellites at all levels of space. Read more. | |
| 2025 – Connect & Achieve with AURP! | | |
AURP’s 2025 calendar is brimming with insightful content and exciting opportunities to connect with your innovation community!
Get ready for a year of growth, collaboration and groundbreaking achievements.
Mark your calendar and prepare to unlock new potential, elevate your impact and drive success like never before!
Learn more.
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AURP MEMBER MAP
Land your pin on our community of innovation heat map!
Check out the AURP interactive map to connect with institutional members throughout the globe. AURP members are the foundation of our association and represent a range of innovation districts, parks, and research organizations!
Learn more.
#buildingtheAURPnetwork
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Economic Impact Reports |
Research parks, innovation districts and tech hubs are strong economic, job-creating engines and contribute to economic development in local communities, regions, states and nations.
Our AURP website features current impact studies that illustrate the dynamic impact of university research parks, innovation districts and tech hubs.
Check out the University of Kentucky's One UK Annual Report 2024!
Share your impact report on our website! Learn more.
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AURP CAREER CENTER
Check out the AURP Career Center to discover your
next career opportunity, including:
- Executive Director, Facilities & Services – New Mexico State University
- Curtis Prime Endowed Professor of Quantum Computing – Rensselaer Polytechnic University
- President – University of Louisiana Monroe
- Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs – University of Toledo
- Wadhwani Endowed Chair in Clinical and Translational Research – The University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) and Sanford Health-Fargo
- Chief Executive Officer – McMaster Innovation Park (Hamilton, ON)
- Dean, School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences – University of California San Diego
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SUBMIT YOUR STORY FOR A FUTURE PARK POST!
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Would you like to showcase your Community of Innovation, tenant or university activities (including newly released Impact Reports) in an upcoming AURP Park Post? We want to hear your stories and news to share with our greater AURP community. Email us today!
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