Technology
Innovation
The region has joined the ranks of the country’s hot technology centers.
Research Park at the University of Illinois
T
he Research Park at the University of Illinois is home to more than 50 companies that employ about 1,000 people. The park has grown rapidly since it opened its gates in 2000. Companies such as Yahoo!, State Farm and Caterpillar have all set up shop inside the park. Smaller companies such as Obiter Research have gotten their start in the park as well. Students also gain experience in the park. More than 200 serve as interns, gaining valuable work experience they’ll need upon graduation. Additionally, Fox/Atkins Development, developer of the Research Park, is building a fivestory hotel on the premises, with meeting rooms and a restaurant to better serve the park and surrounding area.
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