University Research Park to add second technology "accelerator"

Madison, Wis. - University Research Park has announced plans to build a new, 65,000-square-foot “accelerator building” to house life-science companies that have moved beyond early-stage development.

Mark Bugher, director of the research park, announced plans for the park's second accelerator building during the monthly breakfast hosted by the Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association.

The three-story building will be located due south of the MGE Innovation Center, a 113,000-square-foot facility that is designed for early-stage companies. While the accelerator building could serve as a bridge for companies seeking to move from the park's incubator facilities to a stand-alone building outside the park, its suites would range in size from 2,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet - large enough for small and mid-sized companies to make a long-term commitment.

Bugher said URP is seeking an anchor tenant for the building, which will have suites with wet labs, fume hoods, and other amenities associated with life-science and technology space.

The nine-month construction timetable will start in May, with the opening set for early 2009.

The research park also is negotiating with CUNA Mutual Group to buy a 20-acre parcel across from CUNA's facility on Mineral Point Road. The parcel would be divided into five lots and be the site of future research park construction activity.

In a related matter, the research park has published a retrospective titled “The First Fifteen Years: 1984-1999,” which chronicles the park's early history. Written by Arthur Hove, the publication can be downloaded on the research park's website, and hard copies are available at the MGE Innovation Center, 510 Charmany Dr., Madison.

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