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Phase two of our mission has landed: Your NEW AURP website! 🌟
It's a reinvention, focused entirely on making your membership more valuable, your experience more intuitive and your connections more meaningful.
Here's what's new:
✅ Streamlined Navigation: Find what you need, fast.
✅ Vibrant New Look: A modern design that reflects the energy of our community.
✅ Personalization: Your content, your connections, front and center.
✅ Simplified Login & Access: Less clicking, more doing.
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For Our Members, you'll notice this mobile ready site remains your best ecosystem to learn and engage:
🔹 Interactive Membership Directory – log in to update your profile and watch your connections grow!
🔹 Economic and Community Impact Reports – benchmarking and goal setting
🔹 Resources, Member and Opportunity Zones (OZ) – learn from the best without reinventing the wheel through enhanced connections
🔹 Member Exchanges, Blog and Park Stories – if you’ve seen one park/district, you’ve only seen one!
🔹 Newsroom and Publications – news hot off the press
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"One Text With . . . " Churchill Technology &
Business Park's Neil Schneider!
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Vickie: "Hi Neil - great to re-connect with you after your terrific AURP Community Pulse Webinar earlier this month. What's a new development or project you're involved with at Churchill Technology & Business Park? current initiatives or projects since you've arrived?"
David: "Hello Vickie! Lots going on at Churchill Park, a 480-acre mixed-use development in Jefferson Parish poised to become a recognized regional center of research, innovation, and information-sharing! We’re in the design phase of a new Food & Beverage Incubator that will serve a critical need in the region, helping homegrown businesses scale sustainably and bring their products to market through training and access to commercial kitchen space, equipment, and storage.
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Key progress includes LED site certification, $2 million in new roadway improvements, new bike paths connecting the park to key areas, a public bus route for workforce access, and preparations to lease land for commercial development and job creation. Check us out in person, or on our soon to be relaunched website."
Vickie: "Thank you Neil! Terrific to see you and your team engaged in real place-making for your community. Keep us in the loop as this great work evolves."
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GET READY TO LAUNCH IN ROCKET CITY
I2RP at Cummings Research Park
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LIMITED SEATS STILL AVAILABLE
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Join AURP in Huntsville this September for a dynamic, hands-on exploration of Cummings Research Park (CRP) —the nation’s second-largest research park and a cornerstone of the U.S. innovation economy. Over three action-packed days, Insights into Research Parks will immerse attendees in the people, partnerships, and possibilities that make CRP a model for thriving innovation ecosystems.
Why Attend?: This high-impact program brings together thought leaders, economic developers, research park managers, and university and industry partners to witness first-hand the infrastructure, culture, and community that support groundbreaking research and commercialization in Huntsville. Whether you're launching a new park, growing your research assets, or looking for collaborative models to drive regional innovation, this site visit delivers valuable takeaways.
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Stay in the Loop! Catch up with Past Community Pulse Sessions
AURP Members! Our Community Pulse webinar series is a hit – and the buzz keeps growing!
Missed a session? Or want to rewatch your favorites? No problem.
All past Community Pulse webinars are available on demand. Log in to the Member Portal on our website and click the "Community Pulse Webinar Recordings" link to catch up anytime!
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Registration is filling up for the AURP 2025 International Conference!
Hosted by University of Nevada–Las Vegas (UNLV) and the Harry Reid Research & Technology Park, this year’s theme is: "DRIVING RESEARCH & INNOVATION ACROSS SECTORS."
From game-changing breakthroughs to cross-industry collaborations, UNLV will showcase how a world-class research institution fuels innovation, inspires global progress, and turns big ideas into real-world impact.
As a Carnegie R1 institution, UNLV stands among the top tier of U.S. universities, signaling its distinction as a premier research powerhouse.
With a 31% increase in research funding over the past year, the university is fueling groundbreaking projects that contribute directly to Nevada’s economic development. Central to these efforts is the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, a cornerstone for advancing research, business development and the future of Southern Nevada’s innovation economy.
💥 Early bird rates end August 29th — THIS FRIDAY!
🔗 Register now & SAVE
#AURPinAction: Viva Las Vegas!
| | Resources & Announcements | | |
Jeanne Mell, AURP Member and Former Board Member, Appointed to Delaware Prosperity Partnership Board
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has appointed Jeanne Mell, AURP Member and former AURP Board Member, to the Delaware Prosperity Partnership Board, recognizing her extensive experience in strategic communications and economic development.
As Principal of JMell Communications, Mell advises innovation-driven organizations on branding and impact.
Her previous leadership roles at OraSure Technologies, the University City Science Center and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce reflect a career dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and community engagement.
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| "I'm honored to have been appointed by Gov. Matt Meyer to the board of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Delaware's public-private economic development organization," says Jeanne. Read more. | | |
NSF Invests $17M to Propel U.S. Leadership in
Next-Gen Wireless Tech
The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) has announced a $17 million investment over two years to support three multi-sector teams through its “Breaking the Low Latency Barrier for Verticals in Next-G Wireless Networks” initiative. This funding aims to overcome critical bottlenecks in current 5G and future Next-G wireless technologies, enabling transformative applications such as autonomous vehicles, telemedicine and intelligent transportation systems.
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| By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the initiative seeks to position the U.S. as a global leader in low-latency wireless innovation and accelerate the development of emerging technology sectors. Read more. | | |
AURP Members: Don't Miss Weekly Updates
Van Scoyoc Associates – Washington
AURP Members: 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.
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OSU-Cascades Seeks Developer for New Innovation District
Oregon State University–Cascades has launched a nationwide search for a lead developer to build the first phase of its future 24-acre Innovation District in Bend, OR. Designed to foster research, commercial innovation and student experiential learning, the district will feature labs, classrooms, retail, housing and outdoor gathering spaces. The selected partner will lease land from OSU and oversee the design, construction and management of up to five buildings, with the first two slated to begin construction in 2028. The district will target industries like outdoor products, energy systems, and biotech, aligning with regional economic priorities and OSU’s academic strengths. Read more.
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| #AURP Member & Industry News | | Lockheed Martin has officially opened a new Engineering Center of Excellence at the University of Kentucky’s Coldstream Research Campus in Lexington, adding up to 70 full-time jobs to the region. The facility will support advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions as part of the company’s commitment to 21st century security. Celebrated by local leaders including Mayor Linda Gorton, the launch builds on Lockheed Martin’s longstanding partnership with Kentucky and its recent collaboration with UK Innovate to drive innovation in materials, energy and technology. Read more. | | | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has begun construction on the Center for Aerospace Technology II (CAT II), a 34,740-square-foot office and research facility within its campus Research Park. Developed in partnership with Hoar Construction and designed by ikon.5 architects, CAT II will expand the university’s capabilities in aerospace and engineering innovation, complementing the existing MicaPlex complex. The project reflects Embry-Riddle’s continued commitment to cutting-edge research and collaboration, following previous successful ventures with Hoar, including a large parking garage with integrated office space. Read more. | | | |
A recent independent study by Thomas P. Miller and Associates reveals the Purdue Research Park network contributes $1.3 billion annually to Indiana’s economy. As one of the state’s largest private employers, the network has invested over $584 million in infrastructure and generates $48 million in yearly tax revenue. Employees at park-based companies earn an average annual wage of $63,000, underscoring the park’s role as a major driver of economic growth and innovation in the region. Read more. | | | |
Mako, a faculty-led startup based at Cornell Tech, has raised $8.5 million in seed funding to revolutionize GPU efficiency for artificial intelligence applications. Co-founded by assistant professor Mohamed Abdelfattah, Mako aims to streamline GPU deployment and reduce operational costs through its flagship product, MakoGenerate. The funding round, led by M13 with participation from Neo and Flybridge, will support team expansion and product development. Operating from The Bridge at Cornell Tech, Mako exemplifies the synergy between academic research and entrepreneurial innovation in AI infrastructure. Read more. | |
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We're very happy to share content from the University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative e-newsletter centering on the book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things (2023) by Adam Grant, and recommended by George Ward, AVP for Economic Development and Real Estate and Chair of the UK Economic Development Collaborative:
How this book has shaped George's work:
"In Hidden Potential, Adam says, 'The goal isn’t to be the smartest person in the room. It’s to make the entire room smarter. If we listen only to the smartest person in the room, we miss out on discovering the smarts that the rest of the room has the offer.'
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It made me think that sometimes we only listen to the loudest person in the room while the person with the best ideas sits quietly. That's why the EDC does a lot of small group discussions. Every person in the room gets their voices heard and the idea generation is much better than what was first imagined."
Major quote/takeaway for George:
"We worry about making our parents proud when we should be focused on making our children proud. Our responsibility is not to please our predecessors – it’s to improve conditions for our successors." - Adam Grant
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Tulsa Community College (TCC) has become the first community college to receive a complimentary membership in the prestigious Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru), a national organization housed at the University of Michigan and co-founded by institutions like Dartmouth and MIT. This recognition highlights the innovative work of TCC’s McKeon Center for Creativity, led by Dean Annina Collier, in fostering arts-integrative programming and community engagement. Over the next year, Collier will collaborate with a2ru to expand support for community colleges and explore new interdisciplinary research opportunities, positioning TCC as a trailblazer in arts-driven higher education. Read more. | |
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Tech Square ATL has announced the upcoming launch of Studio B., a short-term office and coworking space located on the top floor of the historic Biltmore in Atlanta. Designed to support tech founders, strategic partners, and service providers, Studio B. offers flexible leasing, high-speed internet and access to the broader Tech Square innovation ecosystem. Honoring the Biltmore’s legacy as a hub for creativity — once home to WSB radio — Studio B. aims to foster collaboration and experimentation, positioning itself as a dynamic new cornerstone for Atlanta’s growing tech community. Read more. | | | |
U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross recently toured Horseshoe at Hub RTP alongside leaders from the Research Triangle Foundation, including President & CEO Scott Levitan and other senior executives. The visit highlighted the ongoing transformation of the area into a dynamic downtown hub, featuring stops at Nanny Goat, the first retail vendor to open, and a preview of Cheeni’s upcoming second location with Chef Preeti Waas. The group also explored scenic Burdens Creek, envisioned as a future venue for live music and community events. Read more. | | | Tulane University’s Innovation Institute has launched the Founder Lab, a pioneering initiative designed to transform faculty-led research into investor-ready startups. Led by Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurship Officer Kimberly Gramm, the program pairs Tulane researchers with seasoned Entrepreneurs-in-Residence to accelerate commercialization of technologies in fields such as biomedical engineering, drug delivery and antimicrobial solutions. With early seed funding and access to Tulane Ventures, the Founder Lab positions Tulane among fewer than ten U.S. universities with such a model, reinforcing its commitment to economic development and innovation in downtown New Orleans. 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
| | | | AURP Sponsor Spotlight: HOK | | |
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We're delighted to spotlight HOK as one of our AURP Silver Sponsors!
HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. HOK's 1,750 people collaborate across a network of 27 offices on three continents. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time.
Our thanks to the HOK team for their continued support of our AURP Community of Innovation! Learn more about AURP Sponsorships.
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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 Alabama's 2025 Impact Report.
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:
- Associate Vice President, Real Estate Services – The University of Pennsylvania
- Director of the Physical Science Laboratory – New Mexico State University
- Executive Director – TEX-E (Houston, TX)
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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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