Iowa State University Research Park Corporation

What Iowa State University Research Park Corporation does

Iowa State University Research Park Corporation (ISURP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 1987 and governed by a Board of Directors appointed by Iowa State University and the ISU Foundation. The company operates a 550-acre innovation district adjacent to the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa, comprising 23 buildings (13 owned and operated by ISURP, plus private partner buildings) that house more than 145 tenant companies, 2,500 employees, and 300+ student interns. The park serves three primary customer segments: early-stage startups seeking incubation and university resources, scaling mid-market companies needing R&D infrastructure and workforce pipelines, and global enterprises (including Bayer, Workiva, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck, Syngenta, Vermeer, Sukup, and Alliant Energy) establishing satellite R&D centers and innovation facilities.

ISURP's core products are physical infrastructure and ecosystem services, not software. The product portfolio includes move-in-ready office suites, wet/dry laboratory spaces, incubator spaces with month-to-month flexibility, build-to-suit facilities (clean rooms, high-bay test facilities), and development-ready land parcels. Tenants gain access to specialized research infrastructure through partnerships with Iowa State University facilities, including the BioCentury Research Farm (3,000 acres of contiguous test ground), the Digital Ag Innovation Lab (machine learning, robotics, autonomous systems, geospatial data modeling), the ISU Office of Biotechnology (30+ core facilities), CIRAS (engineering and process improvement since 1963), and the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames National Laboratory (materials science, high-performance computing). Supporting programs include the ISU Startup Factory (52-week accelerator), CYstarters (student entrepreneurship), and the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship.

The business model is a hybrid of commercial real estate and mission-driven economic development. Recurring revenue comes from leasing of office, lab, and co-working spaces on monthly to multi-year contracts, with tiered pricing from co-working/affiliate arrangements for early-stage companies through custom build-to-suit and land sales for larger enterprises. One-time revenue comes from build-to-suit construction and land parcel development. Supplementary revenue streams include conference room rentals (via YarRooms integration) and grant funding from Iowa State University, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and federal programs. Tenant digital services are delivered through third-party integrations (YarRooms for room reservations, Member Marketplace Inc for tenant directory, CyHire for university recruiting) rather than proprietary software. The park was named the Association of University Research Parks' Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year in 2025 and recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a $40M BioMADE biomanufacturing facility (November 2025) and the opening of Bayer's Seed Production Innovation Center (April 2026).

Name

Iowa State University Research Park Corporation

Legal name

Iowa State University Research Park Corporation

Website

https://isupark.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Iowa State University Research Park Corporation (ISURP) operates a 550-acre innovation district in Ames, Iowa, providing lab, office, and build-to-suit facilities to 145+ tenant companies ranging from startups to global enterprises such as Bayer, Workiva, and Boehringer Ingelheim, anchored by access to Iowa State University's talent, research, and 3,000 acres of test ground.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Research Park / Innovation District

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Educational Support Services (61171), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552), Patent Owners & Lessors (6794)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Universities with Strong Industry Partnerships (EDAHAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Entrepreneurship & Incubation Focus (EDAHAEAH), Public Research Universities with Engineering/Polytechnic Emphasis (EDAHAAAD)

Keywords

• Research park services
• Innovation campus leasing
• University technology transfer
• Startup incubator facilities
• Commercial laboratory space

Headquarters

HQ city

Ames

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Commercial Real Estate Leasing: Revenue generated from leasing flexible office space, laboratory facilities, co-working spaces, and development-ready land to tenant companies ranging from startups to global enterprises
2. Build-to-Suit and Land Development: Revenue from custom facility development and land sales to companies requiring specialized environments such as clean rooms, high-bay test facilities, and R&D spaces
3. Conference and Event Facilities: Rental income from conference rooms and meeting spaces available to tenants and external organizations
4. Government and Foundation Grants: Funding from Iowa State University, Iowa Economic Development Authority, and federal programs to support innovation ecosystem development and workforce initiatives

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ISURP operates a 550-acre university-affiliated innovation campus in Ames, Iowa, providing commercial office and laboratory space, build-to-suit facilities, development-ready land, and conference amenities to tenant companies ranging from startups to global enterprises. The organization brokers tenant access to Iowa State University's 30,000+ student talent pipeline, the BioCentury Research Farm's 3,000 acres of test ground, the Digital Ag Innovation Lab, CIRAS industrial research services, and 30+ university biotechnology core facilities.

Product overview

Iowa State University Research Park Corporation operates as a 550-acre innovation campus and technology district, not a traditional software product company. The organization provides physical infrastructure and ecosystem services organized around a 23-building Core Facility (13 owned/operated by ISURP, plus private development partner buildings). Core offerings include move-in-ready office suites, wet/dry laboratory spaces, build-to-suit facilities, and development-ready land. The portfolio includes specialized research infrastructure access (BioCentury Research Farm's 3,000 test acres, Digital Ag Innovation Lab), startup acceleration programs (CYstarters, ISU Startup Factory), workforce pipeline services, and conference/amenity facilities. The ecosystem supports 145+ tenant companies, 2,500 employees, and 300 student interns across agriculture, biosciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Tenant-facing digital services (room reservation, tenant directory, career posting) are provided through integrated third-party platforms (YarRooms, Member Marketplace Inc, CyHire) rather than proprietary software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Core Facility Leasing Move-in-ready office suites, wet/dry laboratory spaces, conference rooms, and co-working spaces across the Core Facility's 23-building campus complex, available on monthly or annual subscription leases to tenant companies ranging from startups to global enterprises.
• Incubator Spaces Technology development and laboratory-equipped incubator spaces within the Core Facility for early-stage companies, offered via month-to-month lease structures and affiliate arrangements designed for startups.
• Build-to-Suit Facilities Custom-built laboratory, R&D, and light manufacturing facilities tailored to tenant specifications, including clean rooms and high-bay test facilities, delivered under multi-year contracts.
• Development-Ready Land Parcels Parcels of shovel-ready land for larger-scale operations or long-term investment, allowing companies to build customized facilities on the research park's 550-acre footprint under multi-year contracts.
• Conference Room Facilities Multi-capacity conference rooms and meeting spaces available to tenants and external organizations, reservable via the YarRooms platform, including the Core Facility Commons, Executive Board Room, and smaller meeting rooms.
• ISU Startup Factory A 52-week, two-phase accelerator program offering structured entrepreneurial training, mentorship, investor connections, and business development resources for technology-based companies, managed by ISU EDIR.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90+ products sold globally from the Digital Ag Innovation Lab research team
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Bayer Crop ScienceflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026ISURP and Bayer Crop Science division opened the Seed Production Innovation (SPI) Innovation Center at the research park campus. The facility enables innovation maximizing Bayer-branded seed quality and supports farmers by improving seed production operations. The center includes laboratory, office, and high-bay space (~1,600 sq. ft.) designed to foster collaboration between Bayer engineers and Iowa State researchers in digital agriculture, data science, engineering systems, and advanced imaging technologies. Bayer's investment underscores the Research Park's mission to connect leading companies with Iowa State's research strengths and talent pipeline.
• BioMADEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 November 2025BioMADE, the State of Iowa, Iowa State University, and ISURP broke ground on a new $40M pilot-scale bioindustrial manufacturing facility near Ames. BioMADE committed at least $20M of the project's value, with ISU providing $10M in cost-share and IEDA providing $10M in funding. The 15,000 sq. ft. facility will support manufacture of defense and commercial products, create new revenue streams for farmers, and establish Iowa as a biomanufacturing hub. Scheduled to open in 2027 with 5,000 and 10,000-liter industrial fermenters, dry/wet lab space, and downstream processing capabilities.
• Iowa State UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerISURP is an extension of Iowa State University's mission to fuel economic development, foster research collaboration, and support commercialization of new technologies. The partnership provides tenants with access to 30,000+ students, faculty expertise, research facilities, CIRAS engineering support, and technology commercialization pathways through ISU Research Foundation.
• BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF)coreTechnology or IntegrationThe BCRF is the first-in-the-nation integrated research and demonstration facility where ISU researchers, students, and private industry work together on biomass production, precision ag technologies, scale-up studies, and field trials. Located minutes from ISURP, it enables rapid movement from concept to field implementation for tenant companies.
• Digital Ag Innovation LabcoreTechnology or IntegrationThe Digital Ag Innovation Lab bridges agriculture and data science, providing expertise in machine learning, sensor integration, automation, and data analytics. Companies can collaborate on robotics, autonomous systems, geospatial data modeling, AI-powered agronomic tools, and software systems for precision livestock and crop management.
• CIRAS (Center for Industrial Research and Service)coreTechnology or IntegrationCIRAS has been helping Iowa businesses grow stronger since 1963, providing engineering solutions, process improvement, supply chain optimization, and workforce strategies. Located in ISURP, CIRAS helps tenants analyze materials, access technical assistance, and accelerate innovation through federal programs like the MEP National Network.
• Iowa State University Office of BiotechnologycoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides access to more than 30 core facilities and instrumentation labs for tenants advancing discoveries in biosciences, agricultural tech, and biomedical engineering. Includes genomics, proteomics, metabolomics labs, advanced microscopy, protein production systems, and bioinformatics resources.
• Ames National LaboratorycoreTechnology or IntegrationAmes National Laboratory is one of the U.S. Department of Energy's premier research facilities focused on materials science, critical materials, chemical and biological sciences, and high-performance computing. Gives companies opportunity to partner with nationally recognized scientists, access advanced tools, and collaborate on federally funded research.
• Pappajohn Center for EntrepreneurshipcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerServes as the front door for business-minded innovators, offering mentorship, business model development, pitch coaching, access to funding, and programs like CYstarters where students turn ideas into real ventures. Judi Eyles received the GCEC Legacy Award for her nearly 30 years of leadership.
• ISU Startup FactorycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerA 52-week, two-phase program managed by ISU's Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) helping faculty, staff, and community innovators launch scalable technology-based companies. Participants receive structured training, mentorship, investor connections, and business development resources.
• Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIEDA provides funding and incentive programs for companies at ISURP. Contributed $10M in funding from the Strategic Infrastructure Program for the BioMADE biomanufacturing facility and supports various economic development initiatives.
• Ames Regional Economic AlliancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorServes as a dedicated resource for growing businesses in Ames and Story County, providing local and state incentive navigation, site selection, workforce recruitment, and business retention services.
• America's Cultivation CorridorcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChampions agricultural innovation across Iowa, connecting agribusinesses, startups, researchers, and investors. Provides global visibility for Iowa's ag-bioscience ecosystem, industry networking, and support for companies expanding into the Midwest ag-tech market.
• BioConnect IowacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState's catalyst for bioscience and high-tech innovation driving idea-to-impact ventures. Brings together mentorship, funding, and commercialization support through programs like the G2M Accelerator, InnoVenture Iowa ($30M co-investment fund), and HighTech Connect Iowa.
• Iowa State University Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerServes as single point of contact for industry engagement, research partnerships, and business support across the university. Provides access to facilities, labs, researchers, talent connections, funding guidance, and technology commercialization pathways.
• Iowa State University Institute for Transportation (InTrans)coreTechnology or IntegrationNationally recognized leader in transportation research enabling tenants to explore intelligent transportation systems, test vehicle safety technologies, conduct data analysis, and collaborate on DOT-funded transportation initiatives.
• ISU Research Foundation (ISURF) & Office of Innovation CommercializationcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHelps businesses navigate IP licensing and patent filings, manage technology disclosures, explore joint R&D agreements, and secure rights to university-developed innovations.
• America's SBDC – Ames/Iowa State UniversityminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOffers no-cost, confidential business consulting to entrepreneurs and small business owners including business plan development, financial forecasting, marketing guidance, and licensing assistance.
• Iowa State University Chief Technology OfficerscoreTechnology or IntegrationCTOs serve as liaison between industry and researchers, offering in-depth knowledge in their area of expertise and working closely with industry partners to identify technologies with commercial potential.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kansas State University Research Park (Edge District): Land-grant university research park focused on animal health, agriculture, and biosciences — directly comparable to ISURP's ag-tech and biomanufacturing emphasis, sharing a similar tenant base and Midwest location.
• University City Science Center (Philadelphia): University-affiliated research park and innovation hub that commercializes research from partner universities (Penn, Drexel, etc.). Comparable as a non-profit research park operator supporting startup incubation and corporate R&D partnerships.
• University of Illinois Research Park: University research park adjacent to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offering corporate R&D space, incubation, and talent pipeline access. Closely mirrors ISURP's Big Ten land-grant model and tenant composition in engineering and ag-tech.
• Purdue Research Park: University-affiliated research park adjacent to Purdue University providing office/lab space, business incubation, and access to faculty and students. Most direct comparable to ISURP in terms of land-grant university tie-in and ag-tech/biotech tenant focus.
• University of Michigan Research Park (North Campus): University-affiliated research park providing corporate R&D space adjacent to a major public research university with engineering strengths. Comparable tenant mix in mobility, manufacturing, and biotech, similar talent-pipeline value proposition.

Emerging players

• Innovation Works / AlphaLab (Pittsburgh): University-affiliated (Carnegie Mellon, University of Pittsburgh) startup incubator and accelerator network. Comparable as a complementary university-tied ecosystem for tech commercialization and early-stage company formation.

Broad incumbents

• Research Triangle Park (RTP): One of the largest and oldest university-affiliated research parks in the U.S., anchored by Duke, UNC, and NC State. Operates a comparable model of research park real estate hosting corporate R&D and startups in a multi-university ecosystem.
• Stanford Research Park: Historic university-affiliated research park on Stanford University land hosting tech and life science tenants. Relevant comparable for university-tied research park economics, though more focused on software/biotech than ag-tech.
• Cummings Research Park: One of the largest research parks in the U.S. located in Huntsville, Alabama, hosting aerospace, defense, and biotech R&D facilities. Operates at a much larger scale but shares the model of a planned corporate R&D district anchored by research talent.

Regional players

• University of Florida Innovate / Sid Martin Biotech: University of Florida's affiliated research park and biotech incubator providing space and lab facilities for ag-tech and life science companies. Comparable in incubator function and biotech focus, though serving a different regional geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/isuresearchpark
• Facebookfacebook.com/155068177892823
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/isu-research-park

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Iowa State University Research Park Corporation