Quick look
The Iowa State University Research Park received the Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year award from the Association of University Research Parks. The award, presented on Nov. 13, recognizes ecosystems that are making an impact by helping move research to market.
AMES, Iowa - Connections to cutting-edge research, student talent, infrastructure and other resources are why dozens of startups, global corporations and business ventures call the Iowa State University Research Park home.
The park's success in building a thriving innovation district has earned national recognition. On Nov. 13, the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) named Iowa State's Research Park its Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year. The award recognizes ecosystems that are "driving the journey of research translations from concept to market and creating measurable impact."
"We are honored to receive this recognition for our success as a national model for university-affiliated innovation," said Rick Sanders, ISU Research Park president. "The Iowa State University Research Park strives every day to connect innovative companies to the resources available at Iowa State University as we work to make Iowa and the world a better place."
Members of the research park team received the award during the 2025 Awards of Excellence in Innovation ceremony, which is part of AURP's international conference. The Distinguished Community of Innovation award recognizes "active engagement with the higher ed or research institute community - through funding, research involvement, and providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for students."
Tenant success
Iowa State's 550-acre research park is home to 144 companies and 2,500 employees. For Craig Rupp, the founder of Sabanto, choosing the research park was rooted in his personal connection to Iowa State. His company specializes in transforming conventional tractors into autonomous machines by integrating electronics, navigation systems and hydraulic components.
"I grew up in Iowa. I went to Iowa State. I moved to Chicago and realized where I really wanted to be was back in Iowa," Rupp said. "The vibrant ecosystem of talent and resources offered at the research park, combined with my affinity for this area, made Ames the ideal location for Sabanto's operations."
Mason City-based CURRIES is at the forefront of door manufacturing for malls, hotels, stadiums, airports and universities. The company, founded in 1895, has a long-standing relationship with the university through career fairs and student projects and decided to extend that connection by opening an office at the research park.
"We went down with a group of our engineers, and we were surprised at how many Midwest-based companies had offices in the research park," said Pamela Lampman, director of human resources at CURRIES Mason City location. "A lot of them are manufacturers in rural areas like us. As we learned more, we saw the benefit to having a physical presence where we could more easily engage with students and faculty exploring new materials engineering."
