Property
URP provides an atmosphere custom-designed to nurture a productive combination of economic and technological development.
University Research Park (URP) was organized in 1984 by then UW-Madison Chancellor Irving Shain and community leaders. University land no longer conducive to agricultural research was sold to University Research Park Inc., a separate non-profit entity that developed the land and leased it to companies interested in maintaining close contact with the university community.
MGE Innovation Center
In addition to providing land and infrastructure, University Research Park offers unique opportunities and incentives for start-up companies through specialized growth environments in the Park’s technology incubator.
The MGE Innovation Center has helped more than 70 early stage companies grow since 1989. Companies that locate in the Center establish office and lab facilities with speed, ease and flexibility. The MGE Innovation Center enables companies to focus on business development essentials: Product development, UW-Madison collaborative research, employee recruitment and capital investment.
The MGE Innovation Center consists of 113,000 square feet, of which 50,000 square feet has been designated for 27 office and 34 laboratory suites designed for early stage start-up companies.
Office suites are unfurnished open office floor plans with phone and high-speed internet connections. Laboratory suites have a sink and water in a 12-foot bench with cabinets, increased electrical service capacity and can accommodate chemical exhaust fume hoods.
260 Acres of Ingenuity
Surrounding the MGE Innovation Center is the rest of the 260 acres set aside for University Research Park.
Here, you’ll find companies that have outgrown the incubator or companies from outside of the Park that have chosen to construct their own facilities on parcels leased from University Research Park, Inc. There are 37 buildings today, including the MGE Innovation Center. Unlike most research parks, URP receives no city or state funds to support its infrastructure. On the contrary, URP pays property taxes to the City of Madison.
University Research Park, Inc., is not only self-sustaining, but returns all profits to UW-Madison research programs, which fuels the kind of technology transfer and economic growth that the Park encourages. The hallmark of URP’s operation and growth is a strong commitment to carefully planned responsible development in the context of a long-term outlook. University Research Park has been steadily attracting new tenants since its inception and is committed to to its mission of creating technology, growth, and career opportunities in Wisconsin and beyond.