The Iowa State University Research Park began as a hub for startups on 40 acres in 1987. It has grown to more than 550 acres and 145 companies with more than 2,500 employees. And with the university owning another 3,000 acres south of the Research Park, there is an opportunity for continued growth, leaders of the organization said.

Those acres are being used primarily for agriculture. ISU Research Park President and Director Rick Sanders said the land opens the door to conversations about “how are we making sure that we’re using all of that for the highest and best purpose? Not that it’s not being used that way right now, but there’s a lot of components south of town here that are 50 years old and being utilized in that way. Is that the highest and best use today? We need to start to answer some of those questions.”

“If those ag uses can really be located anywhere — draw a circle around the campus, can they be located anywhere within that circle? If we think there is a market to do more than that, what are those highest and best uses and how are we moving thoughtfully in a way that frees land up?” Sanders said.

Over the years, the Research Park has been home to both human and animal vaccine developers and financial reporting software makers. There are seed scientists, pet food researchers, and a company that develops technology for using human brain waves to control objects and studies the relationship of the brain activities to emotional and intellectual states.

Deere & Co., Vermeer, Kent Corp., Pella Corp., and Collins Aerospace also have a presence at the Research Park.

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Originally published by The Business Record April 24, 2025