EnterpriseWorks provides budding entrepreneurs with not only access to a physical space to conduct research but also access to cutting-edge technology and equipment.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — In 2003, the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana launched its startup incubator, EnterpriseWorks.

Now, over 20 years later, they have incubated over 350 different startups and are expanding thanks to a grant given by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

EnterpriseWorks provides budding entrepreneurs with not only access to a physical space to conduct research but also access to cutting-edge technology and equipment, and a plethora of advisors and mentors to help build their startup. 

The $3 million award will enable EnterpriseWorks to build a facility for a second incubator—EnterpriseWorks 2.0—to support startups that are expanding, therefore freeing up space to bring in new startups. 

The $20 million project is projected to take three to four years to complete, and will include spaces that will satisfy specialized lab and manufacturing needs that are not available at the existing incubator. It will also feature facilities for early-stage manufacturing of high-tech products and high bay space for bioprocessing and fermentation equipment.

EnterpriseWorks 2.0 will usher in at least 50 new jobs and will open up 25 new internships.

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