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December 11th, 2:30pm EDT
FRAUNHOFER USA
featuring Russ Zarras
Director of Strategic Initiatives
The Carbon to Value Initiative
The Carbon to Value (C2V) Initiative drives the creation of a thriving innovation ecosystem for the commercialization of carbontech solutions that capture, convert and sequester carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable end products or services — with the support of corporate partners, government leaders, and experts who help foster a robust network for our startups.
| | | In its first four years, the C2V Initiative has supported 35 groundbreaking startups that have raised over $580M in follow-on funding, leading to numerous successful partnerships and 600+ new business relationships, technology advancement, and industry growth. | | |
Want to catch-up and rewatch your favorites? No problem.
All past Community Pulse webinars are available on demand.
Log-in on Member Portal to view the "Community Pulse" webinar recordings anytime!
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THANK YOU
For an Engaging Week in Las Vegas
We have so many individuals and organizations to be
thankful for in making this year's event such a great success.
Beginning with our thanks to . . .
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Zach Miles, Jamie Schwartz, and UNLV
- 2025 Conference Planning Committee
- AURP Board of Directors
- AURP's Corporate and Institutional Annual Sponsors
- 2025 Conference Sponsors
- Speakers for your inspiration
- City of Las Vegas and Clark County
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AURP Honors Innovation Leaders at
2025 Awards Of Excellence In Innovation
AURP is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025 Awards of Excellence in Innovation during a special ceremony held last Thursday at the Durango Hotel in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the AURP 2025 International Conference.
Hosted by Harry Brislin, MBA, Awards Emcee and Executive Director, Real Estate Services & Asset Management, USA Technology and Research Park in Mobile, Alabama, this 29th annual celebration recognized the individuals and institutions transforming research, discovery and community innovation across North America.
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| “Last week, we celebrated the best of what AURP stands for — creativity, collaboration and bold vision paired with unwavering drive,” said Allison Madden, MBA, AURP President and Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary of the University of South Florida Research Foundation. “Our awardees exemplify the innovative spirit that accelerates growth, energizes campuses and communities and empowers the next generation of innovation leaders.” Find out who this year's honorees are! | | Resources & Announcements | | |
APLU Honors Public Universities with 2025 Innovation & Economic Prosperity Awards
The Association of Public and Land‑grant Universities (APLU) has announced its 2025 Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) Award winners, recognizing public institutions for outstanding contributions to economic engagement and regional development. The University of California, Los Angeles won the IEP Talent Award for workforce development programs; the University of Georgia received the Place Award for community and cultural initiatives; the University of Maryland earned the Innovation Award for entrepreneurship and technology-driven economic development; and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville captured the top Economic Engagement Connections Award, highlighting its integrated impact across talent, innovation, and place. Read more.
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2025 Nobel Prize in Economics
Honors Research on Innovation
In case you missed it: the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences recently was awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt for their pioneering work on innovation‑driven economic growth and the mechanism of “creative destruction.” Mokyr received half of the prize for his historical analysis of how technological progress and open societies laid the foundation for sustained growth. The other half went jointly to Aghion and Howitt for their model explaining how new technologies and companies replace old ones, powering economic transformation.
The awarding committee emphasized that growth cannot be taken for granted and highlighted risks such as dominance by “superstar” firms, declining openness and weak competition that may hinder innovation. Read more.
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Clark County, Nevada Is
The Bright Location for Business
In Clark County, NV, you get more than you ever imagined and you can get to the future you want faster. When you add it all up, it is clear that there is no brighter location for business than right here.
Look closer, and you’ll see that Clark County is Bright Beyond The Lights. Learn more.
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Van Scoyoc Associates – Washington
VSA shares a status update on recent and ongoing developments, including the VSA shutdown memo that goes into detail about what a typical shutdown entails, and memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
AURP Members: As a reminder, these weekly Van Scoyoc Associates Updates, provide a comprehensive digest report of key Washington, DC policy, budget and legislative updates available weekly in the GAIN ACCESS HERE.
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AURP Members
Weekly Updates
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Site Selection Magazine: Texas Again Named No. 1 for
U.S. Business Climate
Texas has once again been ranked #1 in the U.S. for business climate in the 2025 edition of the Site Selection magazine rankings, narrowly edging out North Carolina by one point. The top position reflects Texas’ business-friendly tax structure (no corporate or personal income tax), streamlined regulatory framework, vast workforce and robust logistics and infrastructure. Key decision-maker criteria driving the ranking included utility availability, permitting ease, transportation infrastructure, workforce skills and overall quality of life. Read more.
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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 | | |
Amanda Keammerer has joined the Port San Antonio Board of Directors, bringing her extensive background in cybersecurity, policy and ecosystem development to the organization. A native of San Antonio, Keammerer has held senior roles in federal IT and cyber policy, led the city’s cyber community efforts, and now steps into a governance role at Port San Antonio to help guide its strategic growth in security, innovation and regional impact. Read more. | | | IBM is consolidating most of its Research Triangle Park (RTP) workforce into the RTP 500 office complex — a move that comes as the company evaluates the future of its historic 400-acre Cornwallis Road campus. The RTP 500 site was sold to developer Hines in 2023, and IBM now leases the space back. This restructuring aligns with the broader “RTP 3.0” master plan, a redevelopment initiative aiming to modernize the 7,000-acre park into a mixed-use innovation district featuring offices, labs, residential units, dining and amenities. As IBM explores long-term options for its Cornwallis campus, its shift signals both a transformation of its real estate footprint and a deeper commitment to fostering collaboration in the region. Read more. | |
| The Refinery, the flagship 120,000-square-foot building at the University of Arizona Tech Park at The Bridges, has achieved LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, highlighting its energy-efficient design, sustainable materials, and environmentally responsible construction. Developed through a $30 million investment by The Boyer Company in partnership with Tech Parks Arizona, the building supports University of Arizona programs and multi-tenant companies, fostering collaboration, innovation, and university-based economic development. Read more. | | | Georgia Tech has introduced Velocity Startups, a new early‑stage accelerator embedded in Atlanta’s Tech Square, aimed at fast‑tracking founders ready to scale their ventures. The program will offer co‑working space, mentorship, infrastructure, and access to Georgia Tech’s research ecosystem — helping students, faculty, and researchers transition ideas into commercially viable startups. Velocity Startups is also designed to coordinate with other accelerators (like ATDC, Engage, Fusen) and connect to the broader Metro‑Atlanta entrepreneurial community. Read more. | | | Big news for Virginia’s innovation ecosystem: grant applications are now open for the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center’s Lab-to-Launch initiative. In collaboration with Virginia’s six R1-designated universities – University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, and William & Mary – VIPC | Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation will accelerate the path from invention to startup by connecting university innovation with talent, capital, and industry. Read more. | | | |
A new report from JLL on University‑Anchored Innovation Districts (UAIDs) highlights how these hubs are driving economic growth, STEM talent development and strong real estate performance across the U.S. Analyzing 18 leading districts, including Kendall Square and emerging markets like Pittsburgh, the study finds that UAIDs outperform surrounding office and retail markets, attract significant venture and R&D investment and see rising university enrollment despite nationwide declines. With projected STEM employment growth of over 40% in cities like Phoenix, Atlanta and Houston by 2035, the report underscores the value of strategically integrating universities, industry and innovation ecosystems to fuel regional prosperity. Read more. | |
| A new One Health innovation district in Indianapolis, anchored by Elanco Animal Health and supported by Purdue University, is aiming to become a leading hub for human, plant and animal health. At a recent summit held at Elanco’s 100‑acre headquarters, industry and education leaders discussed the district’s opportunities, including fostering collaboration among life-sciences companies, research institutions and startups. Challenges highlighted included recruiting and retaining skilled talent, ensuring reliable energy and water infrastructure and building connections with regional supply chains. 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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AURP CAREER CENTER
Check out the AURP Career Center to discover your
next career opportunity, including:
- Assistant Vice-President, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship – University of Toronto
- Associate Provost for Research and Innovation, and Director of Atwood Innovation Plaza – Utah Tech University
- Chief Operating Officer, Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology – University of Virginia
- Director of Industry Engagement – University of California, Davis
- Program Manager, Health Venture Studio and Investment Programs – University of California, Davis
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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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