Named in September as the country's 2004 outstanding university research park by the Association of University Research Parks, Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette serves as the state of Indiana's model for the best way to grow the next generation of technology companies.
      Purdue Research Park has the greatest concentration of high-tech businesses within the state and has been a magnet for new business development. More than 110 companies, including 70 technology firms, are housed in 1.3 million square feet of research and manufacturing space in the 591-acre park.
      Of these companies, more than 40 are "incubating" within the park's high-tech business incubation complex. Along with basic services, client firms have access to HR, media/marketing and business plan assistance. They also benefit from a close proximity to Purdue University's researchers and resources.
      Joseph Hornett, senior vice president and treasurer for the Purdue Research Foundation, which owns and manages the park, said recent successes of several of the park's emerging firms have led to a substantial increase in venture capital funding from firms across the United States.
      "Combining entrepreneurial spirit with the discoveries and talent of Purdue researchers, faculty and students has led to exciting new firms and future growth possibilities," Hornett said.
      Among the companies that have incubated and grown in the Purdue Research Park environment, Hornett said, are gh LLC, a company that produces accessibility products for people with physical disabilities; Griffin Analytical Technologies Inc., a developer of miniature mass spectrometry; and SSCI Inc., a company that analyzes drug compounds for the pharmaceutical industry.
      David Schleppenbach, gh's chief executive officer, said the park's name recognition combined with Purdue's reputation adds value to his company, "Our business contacts recognize the Purdue Research Park as one of the top institutions for business development and incubation."
      Schleppenbach's company is located inside the park's flagship incubator, which is undergoing a 45,000-square-foot expansion.
      Purdue Research Foundation brought home several other prestigious awards in 2004, including a TechPoint MIRA Award that named the foundation as the state's top professional service provider. The park also is a finalist this year for the Global Innovator's Award from CoreNET Global, an association for corporate real estate and related professionals. In addition, gh LLC received the 2004 Outstanding Incubator Graduate Award from the National Business Incubation Association.
     

Top of Page | Cover | Letter to Editor | Site Selection Online | SiteNet |