The Iowa State University Research Park was founded with a singular vision: to create a space where science-based innovation could take root and flourish.
Since its inception, the Park has become a vital extension of Iowa State’s mission to fuel economic development, foster research collaboration, and support the commercialization of new technologies.
Founded on Innovation
The ISU Research Park Corporation was established in 1987 as a not-for-profit, independent corporation. Guided by a Board of Directors appointed by Iowa State University and the ISU Foundation, the Corporation was charged with building a community where business, research, and talent intersect.
In its early days, the Park offered a modest footprint. But over the past three decades, it has grown dramatically—both in size and impact. Today, the Park includes a dynamic mix of university-affiliated and private buildings. Of the 21 buildings on campus, 11 are owned and operated by ISURP, including incubator spaces equipped for technology development and wet/dry lab research. Additional buildings are owned by private development partners, a model that allows for flexible growth while supporting a wide range of tenant needs.
A Growing Economic Engine
With more than 2,400 employees working onsite and more than 300 student interns actively gaining real-world experience each year, ISURP is a vital hub for workforce development and innovation in Iowa. As the Park continues to expand, employment numbers are expected to continue to increase, reinforcing ISURP’s role as a driver of regional prosperity and technological advancement.
Breakthroughs Born at ISURP
Over the years, the Park has been home to groundbreaking discoveries and world-changing ideas. Some of the most notable innovations developed at ISURP include:
- An Ebola vaccine developed by NewLink Genetics, advancing global health security
- Secure cloud-based financial reporting tools created by Workiva (formerly WebFilings), now used by companies worldwide
- Genome editing technology in commercial crops from Phytodyne, now part of BASF Plant Sciences
- Lightweight, flexible solar panel films by PowerFilm, with both military and civilian applications
- The ISURP is home to the Digital Ag Innovation Lab ISU research team responsible for more than 90 products sold globally
Looking Ahead
The Research Park’s legacy is rooted in its ability to evolve alongside the needs of the industries it serves. What began as a small cluster of buildings supporting early-stage science ventures has grown into a nationally recognized innovation district, anchored by public-private partnerships, corporate R&D, and a robust talent pipeline from Iowa State University.
Through flexible infrastructure, cutting-edge resources, and a culture of collaboration, ISURP continues to empower visionaries, engineers, and entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into reality—right here in Ames, Iowa.