ISU Research Park fosters community, collaboration, and shared momentum
When you drive through the Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) on the south side of Ames, you are met with an interesting mix of buildings—some house international brands, others local retail outlets or eager startups, and yet others multi-unit residential complexes.
It is this mix that gives the Research Park its unique energy. It is a place where innovation is fueled by community. Whether you’re a founder with a bold idea or a global company looking to grow, ISURP offers something invaluable: a shared culture of curiosity, collaboration, and mutual support.
For companies with international scope like Vermeer, Workiva, and Sukup being co-located with other forward-thinking businesses has created daily opportunities for learning, inspiration, and growth. For smaller companies—include those as-yet-unheard-of startups—being included in the innovation ecosystem is a game-changer.
Innovation with Neighbors
“We’re not a startup, but we’re also not a publicly traded company. We fall somewhere in the middle,” says Mike Byram, Vermeer’s Vice President of Infrastructure Solutions and Engineering Centers of Excellence. “Being in this environment lets us interact with companies of all sizes, and that’s really beneficial. We can see what the bigger companies are working on and draw inspiration from the energy of the startups.”
Vermeer’s facility hosts both their long-term R&D team and their industrial design group—two forward-thinking teams embedded in an equally forward-thinking place. With dozens of interns cycling through each year and frequent collaborations with Iowa State faculty, Vermeer has made community part of its innovation model.
Shared Space, Shared Purpose
It’s a similar story for Ag Startup Engine, which has used its space in the Research Park to cultivate a thriving ag tech network.
“We have a space where founders can come together, learn from each other, and accelerate their growth,” says Mikayla Mooney, Venture Partner at Ag Startup Engine. “A big piece of what we do is creating that community—bringing together investors, founders, and helping companies scale.”
That spirit of connectivity extends beyond formal programs. From student showcases and company-hosted events to impromptu hallway conversations, the Research Park provides an environment where people naturally gravitate toward collaboration.
“Having that close connection to the university is beneficial for us,” Mooney adds. “It allows us to engage with a diverse range of entrepreneurs and leverage the research and resources available.”
A Culture of Open Doors
Workiva, one of the Park’s most prominent success stories, started as a lean startup with an eye on secure, cloud-based solutions. Over the years, it’s become a global powerhouse in financial reporting—while still rooted in Ames. Their early days in ISURP were defined not just by hard work, but by mentorship and mutual support.
“We started in Iowa because it was an efficient place to launch a software company,” says Jill Klindt, EVP and Chief Financial Officer. “Our resources stretched further here, and the supportive ecosystem provided by ISURP, Iowa State University, and local organizations was instrumental to our success.”
That support is something many Research Park tenants point to.
Sukup Manufacturing, known for its agricultural innovation, sees its ISURP location as an extension of its collaborative philosophy.
“ISU Research Park offers us the opportunity to innovate just down the road from where we were founded,” says Emily Schmitt, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel. “We’re surrounded by other forward-thinking businesses, world-class researchers, and top-tier students, all of whom share the same passion for advancing agriculture.”
A Stronger Future, Together
“The Research Park’s resources and community have been invaluable,” says Klindt. “From logistical support in our early years to fostering connections with other innovative companies and Iowa State University, ISURP has been more than just a location—it’s been a partner in our growth.”
Metalcraft, a company known for its data and identification solutions, echoes that sentiment.
“We weren’t just looking to expand—we needed redundancy, innovation, and a deeper talent pool,” says Kyle Bermel, CEO of Metalcraft. “Ames checked every box. Being here puts us in close proximity to programs like CIRAS, with whom we’ve partnered for years.”
The benefits of proximity and culture aren’t just anecdotal—they’re strategic. With shared amenities, collaborative programming, and access to talent, ISURP provides a framework where companies can build smarter and scale faster. And in an era when talent attraction and innovation agility are top priorities, that matters.
For the team at ISU Research Park, fostering this ecosystem is the goal.
“We’ve worked hard to make ISURP a place where companies can not only build, but also belong,” says Alison Doyle, Associate Director of the ISU Research Park. “That sense of community is what keeps our companies here, and what helps them thrive."
Doyle adds that co-location isn’t just about real estate—it’s about opportunity.
“When you have Vermeer, for example, down the street from a startup, and both are engaging with Iowa State students, faculty, and each other, you create a network effect that benefits everyone. That’s the power of community.”
As companies large and small continue to choose the ISU Research Park as home, one thing is clear: innovation happens faster—and feels more meaningful—when you’re surrounded by others building toward a brighter future.