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CU-ICAR recognized as top emerging technology research center

Oct. 28, 2009
Swamp Fox
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP), an international organization representing university-related research parks from around the world, presented its Emerging Research/Science Park Award to the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) at the organization’s annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Initiated in 2007, the award is presented to a research park that has been in operation less than five years and that has excelled in bringing technology from the laboratory to economically viable business activities, promoting the growth of businesses, jobs and public revenue.

Association President Gregory Deason said CU-ICAR’s success in attracting automotive and motorsports companies for collaboration is exemplary.

“The AURP leadership has been impressed with how quickly Clemson University has fulfilled its promise to provide research and economic development support for the automotive and motorsports industry,” he said. “Since opening its doors in 2006, the list of partnerships and research collaborations has grown steadily. Its future looks very bright, and the value it provides to the economy of South Carolina and the region is commendable.”

Robert Geolas, executive director of CU-ICAR, said the AURP award is an exciting validation.

“We are very appreciative that AURP has honored CU-ICAR and Clemson University with this award. This recognition sends a message to our partners and potential partners that CU-ICAR and Clemson University are committed to serving the automotive industry and to the economic development of the state of South Carolina and the region.”

CU-ICAR also is featured in a recent publication of the National Research Council of the National Academies: Understanding Research, Science and Technology Parks: Global Best Practices.

About CU-ICAR
The Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research is an advanced-technology research campus where academia, industry and government organizations engage in synergistic collaboration. Launched in 2003 and opened in 2006, the 250-acre research campus off I-85 in Greenville, S.C., has generated more than $215 million in funding commitments. The heart of the campus is the Carroll A. Campbell Graduate Engineering Center, which houses the nation’s only automotive engineering Ph.D. program. Private partners include BMW, which has a research-and-development facility on the campus; Michelin; AT&T; Sun Microsystems; Timken; and numerous others. For more information, visit CU-ICAR’s Web site at www.cuicar.com.

About AURP
The Association of University Research Parks is a professional association of university related research and science parks. AURP’s mission is to foster innovation, commercialization and economic growth through university, industry and government partnerships. For more information, visit AURP’s Web site at www.aurp.net.

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