Spring Training 2026 - Get on Deck! | | |
Starting the year off first with Spring Training (March 9-12) in sunny Tempe, Arizona, AURP’s 2026 events offer opportunities to connect with peers, share best practices, and explore emerging trends shaping research parks, innovation districts, and regional technology ecosystems.
Spring Training is designed to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and practical insights from leaders across academia, industry, and government.
| | Resources & Announcements | | |
The National Science Foundation’s Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate is launching the most consequential funding opportunities in its 75-year history for research parks, innovation districts, and tech hubs. Through programs such as Accelerating Research Translation (ART) and the forthcoming NSF Tech Labs Initiative, NSF is shifting its focus from funding individual researchers to building place-based infrastructure that accelerates commercialization, strengthens university-industry partnerships, and boosts U.S. competitiveness. These initiatives position research parks and innovation districts as critical platforms for translating research into real-world economic and societal impact.
📣 Action is needed now. NSF ART proposal deadlines are rapidly approaching, with Track 2 (GROW) and Track 5 (CART) submissions due next week, January 15th. Research parks and innovation districts should immediately engage with their host universities, tech transfer offices, and regional partners to determine alignment and participation. This is a time-sensitive opportunity to shape proposals, form partnerships, and secure a leadership role in the next generation of U.S. innovation infrastructure.
For questions or to explore how AURP can support your engagement, contact Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer, AURP, at briandarmody@aurp.org
| | Help Reauthorize the SBIR/STTR Program. The lapse in authorization for the federal SBIR/STTR programs is stalling research, slowing commercialization, and threatening America’s innovation pipeline. After more than 40 years of driving breakthroughs across technology, health care, defense, and clean energy, these programs urgently need congressional action. Add your name to help reach 1,000 signatures by January 15, 2026, and urge Congress to reauthorize SBIR/STTR. | | |
Van Scoyoc Associates – Washington Updates
📌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 AURP Member Portal. GAIN ACCESS HERE.
| | AURP Member & Industry News | | |
AstraZeneca has announced a $2 billion investment to expand its biopharmaceutical manufacturing footprint in Maryland, including a major expansion of its biologics facility in Frederick and a new clinical manufacturing site in Gaithersburg — the largest private capital investment in the state in a decade. The expansion is expected to support around 2,600 jobs, nearly double manufacturing capacity, strengthen the U.S. medicine supply chain, and accelerate access to transformative therapies. Learn more
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The University of Notre Dame and Ancora are transforming the former South Bend Tribune building into Colfax Corner, a new research and innovation hub expected to create high-tech jobs and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem in downtown South Bend, Indiana. This project underscores how place-based innovation districts can drive research, industry collaboration, and economic growth. Learn more
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The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation reported that modernizing U.S. space policy is essential to maintain global leadership, calling for streamlined launch and reentry licensing, clearer spectrum access, upgrades to launch infrastructure, and reforms to environmental permitting that currently slow commercial innovation. These reforms aim to reduce regulatory bottlenecks so American companies and institutions can compete more effectively worldwide. Learn more
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Two University of Cincinnati–backed startups, TapIn and Saturn Sports, have each secured $200,000 in Ohio Third Frontier grants to advance the commercialization of their technologies, marking another success for alumni of the 1819 Innovation Hub’s Venture Lab and the Cincinnati Innovation District. TapIn is developing identity verification solutions, while Saturn Sports is advancing smart equipment to improve player safety, both leveraging Venture Lab support to accelerate toward market impact. Learn more
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Purdue University and the Purdue Research Foundation report strong momentum heading into 2026, with 2025 marking a year of significant growth for Discovery Park Districtand Purdue Research Park. Expanded partnerships in national defense, digital innovation, health care, and advanced manufacturing underscore their roles as powerful drivers of research, commercialization, and regional economic impact.. Learn more
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Check out the AURP Career Center to discover your next career opportunity, including:
- Assistant Vice-President, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship – University of Toronto
- Director of Industry Engagement – University of California, Davis
- Program Manager, Health Venture Studio and Investment Programs – University of California, Davis
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VP, Facilities Services & Campus Planning – University of Delaware
| | SUBMIT YOUR STORY FOR A FUTURE PARK POST! | | 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! | | | | |
