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Caterpillar Celebrates Grand Opening of Data Innovation Lab at UI Research Park

Article Source: University of Illinois Research Park 

Caterpillar Inc. announced today the grand opening of its first data innovation lab, located in Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The lab brings together resources from key fields for the company’s research and development (R&D) efforts, including engineering, computer science, operations research and statistics, to drive innovative development through data analysis. Today’s announcement builds upon work underway at Caterpillar’s existing simulation center, also located on the Urbana-Champaign campus, which operates in conjunction with the University of Illinois’ National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA).

Work at the new data innovation lab will focus on exploration of emerging and disruptive data-based technologies, as well as advanced analytics technologies, demonstrated through proof of concept projects.

“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our data innovation lab here at the University of Illinois and look forward to further collaboration with our university partners and researchers,” said Gwenne Henricks, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Product  Development & Global Technology for Caterpillar. “By examining the world of data analytics, we can uncover hidden insights on how our customers use our products and services, and deliver that feedback to our product and customer support teams to drive better solutions and further our R&D efforts.”

“Caterpillar has been a tremendous partner with the U of I – ours is a strategic relationship that helps drive success at our respective institutions,” said University of Illinois Vice Chancellor for Research, Dr. Peter Schiffer. “The Research Park is a natural fit for a tech-focused company like Caterpillar, and this new innovation lab will leverage Illinois strengths in computing and data analysis in exciting ways.”

The new lab also expands upon the existing recruitment efforts with the university to engage future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent through additional research and development opportunities, and is a key component of the company’s innovation strategy. As work at the data innovation lab evolves, more information will be made available about the various activities that take place there. For more information on Caterpillar’s efforts, please view the following video: http://youtu.be/QfVIJD0Vd0Y.

About Caterpillar:

For nearly 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2013 sales and revenues of $55.656 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments – Resource Industries, Construction Industries and Energy & Transportation – and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

Press:

Caterpillar Opens New Data Analysis Lab at U of I Research Park, WILL

World’s first opens in Research Park, WCIA 3 News

Caterpillar opens lab at UI research park, The News-Gazette

Champaign County EDC Announces Elmore as New SBDC Director

The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce Don Elmore as the new Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. Elmore was chosen as the top candidate after a search and evaluation that included EDC Board members and community leaders. Elmore’s first day of work is set for Monday, March 2, 2015.

SBDC Logo

As the SBDC Director, Elmore will be responsible for creating and managing programs to expand small business development opportunities in the community including minority and women owned businesses. He will also develop, coordinate and administer SBDC programs and activities, develop appropriate programs for client groups, and provide client counseling.

“Don has the best combination of small business operation and advising experience to operate the SBDC and provide business assistance to new and established small businesses,” said Craig Rost, EDC Executive Director. “The SBDC utilizes federal SBA funding and state DCEO program management and funding to provide free advisory help to any area resident interested in starting a small business or growing their existing business. Don is well qualified to provide these services and advance the SBDC mission and reach.”

“I feel excited and very fortunate for the opportunity to work with small businesses in our community,” stated Elmore. “Craig Rost and the EDC staff already do a great job of advancing business and economic development in the area, and I will use my skills, experience and energy to make this Small Business Development Center the most accessible, effective resource in the community for anyone who wants to start or grow a small business. Our area offers a great environment for developing businesses of all kinds. I look forward to doing my part in making our business environment even stronger.”

To learn more about the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC or schedule an appointment with an advisor, visit www.cusbdc.org.

About the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC:

The mission of the Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is to assist in job creation, support entrepreneurship, business start-up, expansion, productivity, and to sharpen small business management in the region. Our organization and partners accomplish this through one-on-one counseling, technical assistance, training seminars, information provision, networking opportunities and business development and real estate expertise.

The Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois DCEO, the University of Illinois and Champaign County Economic Development Corporation.

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Contact:
Carly McCrory, Communications Director
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
(217) 359-6261
carly@champaigncountyedc.org

Press:

Elmore to lead Small Business Development Center, The News-Gazette

Ameren Innovation Center Opens at University of Illinois Research Park

Article Source: University of Illinois Research Park 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign announced that Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), a St. Louis-based Fortune 500 energy company, has opened an Innovation Center on campus. Ameren is the first major energy company to open an office at the University of Illinois Research Park.

The Ameren Innovation Center will collaborate with university students and faculty and other companies across multiple industries at the Research Park. The goal is to foster an exploratory environment that focuses on innovations to help Ameren better meet the future needs of its customers.

“By establishing an innovative and collaborative work center at a world-class research university with access to top students and faculty, we can better leverage information technology to seize business opportunities and improve our customer satisfaction,” said Mary Heger, vice president of Information Technology and Ameren Services Center and chief information officer, Ameren Services. “We also hope to develop a talent pipeline to help us continue to build a skilled workforce. This is important as we transition to smart grid technologies and explore future new energy services that may be wanted and needed by our customers.”

The Center is hiring for several positions and eventually plans to employ up to 12 students. Undergraduate and graduate students across disciplines will work on a part-time basis on projects ranging from data analytics and mobile applications to projects that focus on the needs of the utility of the future. Some of these projects will leverage Ameren Illinois’ Technology Application Center in Champaign, an on-grid testing facility for smart grid technologies that opened in August 2013. A full-time Ameren site manager will supervise the students and serve as liaison between the Innovation Center and the University of Illinois.

“The Ameren Innovation Center will give our students the opportunity to work on smart energy solutions for the Midwest and beyond,” said Chancellor Phyllis Wise. “Such real-world experiences are examples of the transformative educational opportunities at Illinois that grow from our leadership in engineering, computing and energy.”

The Research Park, located on the campus of the University of Illinois in Champaign, provides an opportunity for technology-based businesses to collaborate with students and faculty. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Engineering is among the highest ranked in the nation, and is a highly sought after as a partner for pursuing information security for the energy industry.

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About Ameren

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric delivery and transmission service as well as natural gas delivery service while Ameren Missouri provides vertically integrated electric service, with generating capacity of 10,300 megawatts, and natural gas delivery service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops regional electric transmission projects. Follow the company on Twitter @AmerenCorp. For more information, visit Ameren.com.

Press:

Ameren opens Innovation Center at Research Park, The Daily Illini

Ameren opens center in research park, The News-Gazette

Ameren opens Innovation Center in Research Park, WCIA 3 News

 

AbbVie Innovation Center Opens at UI Research Park

Article Source: University of Illinois Research Park

The University of Illinois has announced that AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global research-based biopharmaceutical company based in North Chicago, IL, has opened the AbbVie Innovation Center on campus at the University of Illinois Research Park in Urbana-Champaign.

The AbbVie Innovation Center plans to employ more than 18 students, from undergraduate to graduate level, on a part-time basis throughout the year. Eight students have started working on several AbbVie Research & Development Information Technology projects, which is the initial focus of work in the AbbVie Innovation Center. AbbVie is currently hiring for several open positions.

“At AbbVie, we know that advancing science requires strong collaboration and different ways of working. Establishing this innovative and collaborative work center at a world-class research university offers us access to top students and faculty who can help us explore new ideas,” said Mike Carlin, Vice President, R&D Information Technology, AbbVie. “The AbbVie Innovation Center is a great example of how AbbVie is partnering in unique ways to find new solutions that will have an impact for patients.”

Students will work on real-world projects ranging from utilizing visualization software which can help AbbVie scientists see clinical trial research data in new ways, to harnessing the power of reporting tools which helps AbbVie medical teams identify additional areas of research, to using informatics, text mining and other analytics software to uncover connections in medical research – all of which can lead to discoveries that will improve patient care.

While students will gain real-world professional experience by working directly with AbbVie project managers, an AbbVie Site Manager will manage the students and serve as liaison between the AbbVie Innovation Center and the University of Illinois.

“The AbbVie Innovation Center will give our students the opportunity to be at the forefront of information technologies for leading-edge therapies that can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Chancellor Phyllis Wise. “Such real-world experiences are examples of the transformative educational opportunities at Illinois that grow from our leadership in engineering, big data, and biomedical sciences.”

The Research Park, located on the campus of the University of Illinois in Champaign, provides an opportunity for technology-based businesses to collaborate with students and faculty. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Engineering is among the highest ranked in the nation, and is a highly sought after partner for pursuing the integration of engineering, computing, and medicine.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott Laboratories. The company’s mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases. AbbVie employs approximately 25,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries. For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

Press:

U of I, AbbVie partner on innovation center, Chicago Tribune

AbbVie opens site at UI Research Park, The News-Gazette

2015 Innovation Celebration Finalists Announced

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The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce finalists for the Tenth Annual Innovation Celebration in recognition of those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in the community.

Innovation Celebration is not merely an award for accomplishment, but a benchmark of success for those outstanding individuals, organizations and corporations who are nominated and selected to receive this prestigious award. Additionally, Innovation Celebration serves as a tangible collaboration between the University of Illinois, Parkland College and the community.

The winner of each award category will be announced at Innovation Celebration 2015, held at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. To RSVP and learn more about the event, visit www.innovationcelebration.com.

Award Finalists

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award
Neutral Cycle
Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO)

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award
AVriculture
Lumenous Co.
Rithmio, Inc.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award
Veriflow Systems, Inc.
Agrible, Inc. (Ag Informatics)
EP Purification, Inc.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Advocacy Award
Deana McDonagh
Jennifer Bechtel
Alex Ruggieri

Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award
The Product Manufactory, LLC
BRG Sports, Inc.
HL Precision Manufacturing, Inc.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award
Cathy Singer – Yahoo!, Inc.
David Markun – Artisan Technology Group
Craig Bethke – Aqueous Solutions, LLC

Innovation: Longevity Award
ShapeMaster, Inc.
Horizon Hobby, LLC
Cozad Asset Management, Inc.

Innovation Transfer Award – University of Illinois
Dr. Ryan Bailey
Dr. Kenneth Suslick
Dr. Brian Cunningham

Innovation in Engagement Award – Parkland College
Award recipient will be announced at the event.

The EDC is pleased to work with the following sponsors of Innovation Celebration 2015: the University of Illinois’ Technology Entrepreneur Center, Research Park, Office of Corporate Relations, and Office of Technology Management, along with Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Parkland College, Singleton Law Firm, Serra Ventures, Ramshaw Real Estate, Pixo, Pavlov Media, Meyer Capel, Martin Hood Friese & Associates, IllinoisVENTURES, Fox Development Corporation, U of I Employees Credit Union, Surface 51, Prominic.NET, Akuna Capital, JSM Development, M2 on Neil, Waterborne Environmental, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, and McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff.

Contact:
Carly McCrory, Communications Director
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
(217) 359-6261
carly@champaigncountyedc.org

Press:

Innovation Celebration finalists named, The News-Gazette

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