{"id":89,"date":"2012-11-12T22:18:11","date_gmt":"2012-11-12T22:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2012\/?p=89"},"modified":"2012-11-28T16:24:10","modified_gmt":"2012-11-28T16:24:10","slug":"nebraska-innovation-campus-construction-under-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2012\/nebraska-innovation-campus-construction-under-way\/","title":{"rendered":"

Nebraska Innovation Campus<\/h1>

Construction Under Way<\/h2>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nebraska Innovation Campus is taking shape adjacent to UNL.<\/p>\n

Construction began in fall 2012 on the first buildings for the 232-acre private-public research campus. It\u2019s being developed as a world-class campus that is a conduit for innovation \u2013 connecting companies, entrepreneurs and university researchers in a collaborative environment to help fuel Nebraska\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n

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Rendering of buildings in Phase I construction<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cEngagement with the private sector on Nebraska Innovation Campus will enhance the application of university research and create jobs to absorb the talent of our graduates,\u201d said UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman. \u201cInnovation Campus is the logical next step in pursuing our two priorities of undergraduate education and research, based on the objectives of attracting talented young people to Nebraska and providing them with jobs when they graduate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Four buildings being built or renovated in the initial construction phase will open in late 2013 and early 2014, providing about 280,000 square feet of space for diverse research and office needs.<\/p>\n

The campus site previously housed the state fairgrounds, and NIC\u2019s design incorporates two historic structures, the 4-H Building and the Industrial Arts Building.<\/p>\n

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Conceptual illustrations of Nebraska Innovation Campus Phase I buildings from different perspectives. Bottom left: Dan Duncan in front of NIC companion building illustration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The renovated former 4-H Building and new companion wing will be completed first.\u00a0This complex will feature a commons area and office, meeting and conference space.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis will be the front door to Nebraska Innovation Campus,\u201d said Dan Duncan, who became NIC\u2019s founding executive director in October 2011.<\/p>\n

A life sciences collaboration facility will open next. It will consist of the repurposed\u00a0Industrial Arts Building, including state-of-the-art greenhouses and other space, linked to a major life sciences research building with labs for the university, private industry and startup companies.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn short, we\u2019re open for business.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The past year also brought significant progress on the plans and business structure critical to NIC\u2019s success. Discussions with interested companies are ongoing, with the first corporate partnership announcement expected in late 2012. Flexibility will be the cornerstone of NIC\u2019s business structure, Duncan said, enabling a wide range of collaborations and partnerships with private partners.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn short, we\u2019re open for business,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n