University of Illinois Research Park

09/10/2026

Despite the extreme heat, over 700 students stopped by the annual Research Park Block Party, giving UIRP companies direct, low-pressure access to top student talent from across the University of Illinois. For students, the casual, walk-around format offers a break from the intensity of a traditional career fair.

"There are so many good companies here, and it's a little less saturated than two entire long days of networking at the career fair." said an Engineering student who attended. "It's a wonderful opportunity."

Participating companies included:

Applied Pavement Technology, Inc. | Everfox | Mondelēz International | Caterpillar Inc. | Electric Power Engineers | Abbott | Dow | John Deere | ADM | Brunswick Corporation | Epivara | Neptune North | Archean Sciences | Synchrony | Rivian | VOYSSES | PurposeBuilt Brands | Prairie Research Institute | Erg Bio | Cache Energy

09/03/2026

The University of Illinois Research Park celebrated the grand opening of PurposeBuilt Brands' Research & Development facility today, Sept. 3, 2026.

Located at LabWorks, the facility will support R&D across PurposeBuilt Brands' portfolio of consumer and commercial cleaning brands, including Weiman, Green Gobbler, Goo Gone, Biokleen, Urnex, Five Star Chemicals, 30 Seconds Cleaners, Micro-Scientific, Harris and Mighty Mint, with dedicated space for formulation development, product testing and applied research. The location also strengthens the company's collaboration with the university, creating new opportunities for students, faculty and researchers.

The lab will be led by Lab Manager Marsophia Marcellus, a recent Ph.D. graduate of Illinois.

"I'm excited to build a lab culture here in Champaign that reflects both scientific rigor and curiosity," said Marcellus. "Being so close to the University of Illinois gives our team a direct line to emerging talent and fresh thinking, and I'm looking forward to mentoring the next generation of scientists as we grow this site."

09/03/2026

Looking for a way to give back?

Stop by Research Park's annual Blood Drive tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the EnterpriseWorks Lot, 60 Hazelwood Drive.

For patients in need, donated blood changes everything. When you donate with ImpactLife, you will receive an e-gift card, bonus points for the ImpactLife store or a charitable donation match.

Click the link in the comments to learn more and register 🔗

09/02/2026

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranked among the top universities in the world for venture-backed founders in PitchBook's 2026 rankings, placing in the top 5 among public universities for undergraduate founders.

That ranking reflects a deep pipeline of Illinois-affiliated founders, 1,032 in all, who have raised more than $51 billion in venture capital. Many of them got their start at EnterpriseWorks, the startup incubator at the University of Illinois Research Park.

Read more here: https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/pitchbook-university-rankings?utm_source=daily_pitch&utm_medium=newsletter

Want to see the Entrepreneurship at Illinois ecosystem firsthand? Registration is now open for Founders Week. https://entrepreneurship.illinois.edu/founders-week

PitchBook's annual list compares undergraduate and graduate programs by tallying up the number of startup founders among their alumni.

09/01/2026

Have you registered for Block Party?

Don’t miss out! Research Park's Annual Block Party is tomorrow, Sept. 2 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Atkins Patio & Lawn, 1800 S. Oak St.

This informal event is a great way to kick off your semester while connecting with fellow students and the following Research Park companies:

Applied Pavement Technology | Everfox | Mondelēz International | Caterpillar | Electric Power Engineers | Abbott | Dow | John Deere | ADM | Brunswick | Epivara | Neptune North | Archean Sciences | Synchrony | Rivian | VOYSSES | PurposeBuilt Brands | Prairie Research Institute | Erg Bio | Cache Energy

Click the link in the comments to learn more and register 🔗

08/28/2026

Registration for Founders Week 2026 is open!

Join us Sept. 30-Oct. 3 for Illinois’ 3rd Annual Founders Week, bringing together faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners for networking, panel discussions and opportunities to connect across the Illinois entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This year, TechRise by P33 is partnering with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to give five Central Illinois founders the opportunity to pitch for $25,000 in non-dilutive capital. Founder applications are due Sept. 1.

Learn more and register using the link in the comments 🔗

08/27/2026

Research Park's Executive Director Laura Appenzeller was recently featured in The Daily Illini, discussing the growth she's helped drive since joining in 2009.

That growth includes more than 120 companies, from Fortune 500 names to small businesses and startups, and around 800 student employees working across those companies in a given year. It also includes EnterpriseWorks, Research Park's startup incubator, which has remained fully occupied since 2003 as founders turn early ideas into growing companies.

"We do something that is truly, at scale, different than other places," Appenzeller said.

Read the full profile: https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/profiles/i-on-illini/2026/08/27/industry-research-education-appenzeller/

08/26/2026

Fire at Five is almost here! 🔥

Join us this Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the Atkins Patio & Lawn to connect with colleagues from across the Research Park. Friends and family are welcome too, so bring them along to food, beverages activities and more.

Click the link in the comments to register. 🔗

08/25/2026

Have you registered for Research Park's Annual Block Party? It’s almost 1 week away, so don't wait!

Join us Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Atkins Patio & Lawn, 1800 S. Oak St., for food, lawn games and a chance to connect with Research Park companies in a casual, fun environment.

Click the link in the comments to learn more and register 🔗

*Research Park companies and EnterpriseWorks startups: register by this Friday, Aug. 28 to reserve your spot and connect with students at Block Party.

08/24/2026

Applications are open for the annual TechRise by P33 Founders Week pitch competition!

Know a founder with a pitch worth hearing? TechRise is looking for early-stage startups based in Central Illinois that are ready for its next stage of growth and working toward its first customers or first raise. All tech industries are welcome to apply. Applications are due Sept. 1 for a chance to compete for a $25,000 prize.

Founders will pitch live Thursday, Oct. 1, at Illinois' 3rd Annual Founders Week.

Learn more and apply using the link in the comments 🔗