Association of University Research Parks

06/19/2026

: DEADLINE TODAY! Nominate your outstanding , companies plus the leaders driving impact for the 2026 AURP Awards of Excellence in Innovation, presented at AURP's International Conference hosted by Pegasus Park. https://aurp.org/about/aurp-awards-of-excellence/

You're minutes away from gaining global recognition of the , companies, and individuals who are driving innovation, advancingPegasus Parknities, and setting the standard for excellence across our global network. Award recipients will be honored at the 2026 AURP International Conference, hosted by Pegasus Park.

Nominate your Community of Innovation or distinguished Leader today: https://aurp.org/about/aurp-awards-of-excellence/

06/18/2026

: We're delighted to welcome the Howard County Economic Development Authority as our newest AURP Member!

06/17/2026

The wait is over! Register now for the International Conference and sit side-by-side with global innovation leaders.

Join the AURP community for three days of executive-level dialogue, high-value networking, and immersive learning experiences focused on the future of research parks, innovation districts, and place-based economic development.

Hosted at Pegasus Park—one of the nation's most dynamic innovation districts—attendees will explore how intentional investment, cross-sector partnerships, and innovation leadership are shaping the next generation of thriving communities and competitive regions.
From strategic plenaries and collaborative working sessions to exclusive tours and engagement with Dallas's growing life sciences ecosystem, this is where the future of innovation comes together.

Register today and secure your place in the conversation: https://aurp.users.membersuite.com/events/d3524eca-0078-cb1b-8abb-0b4944b04267/details

06/16/2026

Reminder: Taco ’Bout Biotech Breakfast at BIO!

If you're attending the BIO International Convention in San Diego next week, don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow biotech leaders, innovators, and ecosystem partners before the day’s activities begin. Join the BioTexas delegation and AURP for tacos, coffee, and networking at the beautiful Tortuga Rooftop at the Omni San Diego.

📅 Wednesday, June 24 | 8:00–9:00 AM
📍 Omni San Diego – Tortuga Rooftop

Please RSVP: [email protected]

06/10/2026

Thinking about applying for the NSF Tech Accelerator? 🌟

One of the best ways to prepare is by connecting with the people and organizations already building successful innovation ecosystems across the country.

AURP brings together universities, research parks, startups, accelerators, economic development organizations, and industry partners in a collaborative national network dedicated to advancing innovation and commercialization.

Membership gives you access to valuable connections, expert insights, partnership opportunities, and a community that understands how to move breakthrough ideas from the lab to the marketplace.

Join the network that has been supporting innovation communities for more than 40 years and discover how AURP can help strengthen your NSF Tech Accelerator journey.

Learn more about membership today!

06/09/2026

: We're excited to welcome Christopher Rooney, Senior Director, Research and Innovation at Trent University, to the AURP Board of Directors.

Christopher is a respected leader in innovation ecosystem development and a longtime champion of the AURP community. Through his dedicated service on AURP's Member/Sponsor Committee, Bio Health Caucus, and International Conference Committee, he has helped strengthen member engagement, advance strategic programming, and support the success of AURP's signature events.

Please join us in congratulating Christopher on his well-deserved appointment and read the full announcement below.

🔗 https://aurp.org/aurp-announces-christopher-rooney-of-trent-university-as-new-member-of-board-of-directors/

06/06/2026

Today, on , we celebrate the universities, research parks, innovation districts, and partners that power progress in communities around the world.

Higher education powers research. Innovation. Workforce development. Entrepreneurship. Discovery. Opportunity.

At AURP, we're proud to support a global network of organizations that transform ideas into impact—advancing technologies, launching startups, preparing tomorrow's workforce, and strengthening regional economies.

Thank you to our members for your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to building a brighter future through higher education and innovation.

06/05/2026

What happens when workforce development, veterans, and industry growth come together?

Todd Lutz, Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, shared how new partnerships and investments are building the talent pipeline for the region’s future industries.

In Central Texas:
Texas A&M–Central Texas is expanding its workforce development initiatives to support growing regional demand in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, defense technology, and life sciences.
• Launch of the Military Talent Pipeline (MTP) portal to help veterans transition into semiconductor careers
• Groundbreaking of the Forge Economic Development Incubator, an adaptive reuse project supported by HUD funding and a partnership with the Killeen Economic Development Corporation (KEDC)
• New incubator space and workforce programming for veterans and entrepreneurs, expected to open in early 2027
• Development underway for the 94-acre Wolf Tech & Life Science Park adjacent to campus
• Recruitment of anchor tenants in advanced manufacturing, defense technology, life sciences, and industrial innovation

Through strategic partnerships and place-based development, Texas A&M–Central Texas is helping create a connected ecosystem where talent, industry, and innovation can thrive.

06/04/2026

is headed to Dallas this fall!

AURP is proud to announce Pegasus Park as the host of the 2026 AURP International Conference, September 29–October 1, 2026. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of AURP, 5 years of Pegasus Park, and America’s 250th anniversary while exploring the future of innovation.

Read the announcement: https://aurp.org/pegasus-park-announced-as-host-of-aurp-2026-international-conference/

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Pegasus Park Announced as Host of AURP 2026 International Conference   Tucson, AZ and Dallas, TX, June 4, 2026 — The Association of University Research Parks (AURP), the leading global nonprofit advancing university-based innovation communities, proudly announce...

06/03/2026

Lead the future of AURP! It's the last call for 2027 AURP Board of Directors nominations. If you or someone you know has the vision, experience, and passion to help guide our community, now is the time to step forward.

Deadline is this Friday, June 5th at 5:00 PM ET. Submit here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AURPBoard_2026