Here’s your chance to nominate the trailblazers who are setting the bar higher! In 2025, AURP will gather in Las Vegas at the AURP 2025 International Conference to recognize and honor parks, companies and individuals that have demonstrated excellence in innovation.
| Award Categories |
Submission Requirements (No more than 2 pages) |
- Your Excellence in Innovation Impact (over 10+ yrs) or Emerging Innovation Ecosystem (under 10-years)
- Visionary leadership and next-gen rising stars
- Innovative companies with game-changing business models, products and services
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CRITERIA: Nominee must be an AURP member for over 12 months or a tenant within a member’s community
- Overview of the nominated Research Park/Innovation District or an individual’s key activities and accomplishments.
- Why they deserve to be honored.
- Notable achievements, including any awards or special recognitions.
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| PRESTIGE! |
- Award recipients are celebrated across a global network of innovation leaders through media and press
- Gain global recognition, build new network partners and foster support to engage local/regional stakeholders and congressional leaders
- Posterity—recognition doesn’t end at the awards ceremony! Achievements will be highlighted in future awards communications, #AURPinAction features showcasing the ‘power of our innovation network’ and beyond!
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Innovation drives the global economy! Let’s highlight and showcase AURP’s MVPs.
AURP Awards of Excellence: Award Categories
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION
The AURP Awards of Excellence in Innovation honor exceptional research parks, innovation districts, their visionary leaders, and the groundbreaking companies driving technological advancements. Each year, we recognize those who contribute to fostering innovation, developing tomorrow's workforce, and addressing global challenges, celebrating their achievements in building thriving R&D communities. |
DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY OF INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
Formerly known as the Outstanding Research Park or Innovation District, this category honors one distinguished Community of Innovation that has cultivated exceptional ecosystems, driving the journey of research translation from concept to market and creating measurable impact, during the former calendar year. These entities are instrumental in fostering sustainable business growth, creating high-paying jobs that outpace regional averages, and boosting the economic prosperity of their communities. A hallmark of success in this category is active engagement with the higher ed or research institute community—through funding, research involvement, and providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for students. Additionally, successful candidates will be recognized for their substantial contribution to the region by nurturing a dynamic environment that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and translation.
With this annual recognition, a chosen Community of Innovation may receive this honor more than one year and in consecutive years.
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EMERGING COMMUNITY OF INNOVATION
This category celebrates Research Parks and Innovation Districts that have been operational for ten (10) years or less—defined as having either hired dedicated staff or begun construction/renovation within this timeframe. Candidates in this category have built sustainable ecosystems that foster the development of technology from its early stages to market-ready solutions. By nurturing scalable businesses, creating new jobs that exceed the regional average, and enhancing the economic vitality of their communities, these entities are driving sustainable growth. Active collaborators with their affiliated university or research institute community, they make a powerful impact on regional innovation, entrepreneurship, and translation, contributing to a thriving hub that will scale for the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.
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INNOVATION IMPACT (AURP’s Members’ Choice Award)
Community of Innovation that has introduced a transformative technological advancement through a proprietary product, process, or service. These innovations make a significant impact on the economic, health, or overall well-being of a broad and diverse population. Nominees selected for consideration will present at the annual International Conference where attendees will vote and select the annual Innovation Impact Award.
Research park and innovation district members are encouraged to submit nominations for their tenant companies, especially those that particularly utilized your available programming and engagement features, furthering their development and impact in your region and beyond.
Additionally, I2RP (Insights into Research Parks) hosts will have the unique opportunity to present their nominee at their hosted program, leading up to formal selection at the AURP Awards of Excellence in Innovation ceremony at the annual International Conference.
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MASTER PLANNING EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION (NEW)
Acknowledges Research Parks and Innovation Districts that have successfully completed a comprehensive master plan, setting the stage for transformative development in the next 2-to-5 years. This prestigious award celebrates the vision and strategic planning involved in creating a forward-thinking, sustainable, and community-focused ecosystem.
Eligible Communities of Innovation include new developments or existing park campuses undergoing revitalization. The award highlights master plans that incorporate innovative design, environmental sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement, and are set to positively impact the region for decades to come.
Master plans will be reviewed and rated based on their creativity, feasibility, and long-term benefits to the community. Award recipients will be celebrated as leaders in the field of park development and revitalization. This award not only honors the detailed planning that goes into crafting these future spaces but also serves as a public endorsement, elevating the park's reputation as a model for future developments.
Master planning nominees must have been an AURP Institutional since the prior calendar year.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
- The diversity and mix of stakeholders.
- Projected financial and community impact.
- Novel programs and amenities as best practices
- Compelling visually and contemporary design materials (i.e. resilient materials)
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LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION
Celebrates an individual—from business, higher education, government, or the community—who has made a significant and enduring contribution to the creation, development, or regional impact of an innovation ecosystem. This award recognizes a visionary leader whose efforts have been instrumental in nurturing the growth and success to dynamic Communities of Innovation.
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CAREER ACHIEVEMENT
This distinguished peer recognition honors an individual whose leadership and contributions over the course of their career have had a lasting impact on the advancement and recognition of research parks, science parks, or innovation districts. This award celebrates a trailblazer whose dedication, vision and impact have significantly shaped the growth and success of these ecosystems.
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RISING STAR: NEXT GEN INNOVATION LEADER
Recognizes an individual who has made contributions to the development and success of their community and innovation ecosystem. Nominated by the leadership of their Community of Innovation, candidates must hold a key leadership role (within areas such as an incubator, facilities, finance, business development, workforce development) and demonstrate exceptional impact within their organization and the broader innovation landscape.
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SPECIAL AWARD DESIGNATIONS
These Special Award Designations are presented by the AURP Awards Committee to honor exceptional contributions within the network and recognize outstanding leadership within our members' communities. Nominations are not accepted for these designations; however, submissions received may be considered for elevation to these specific award categories and recognition.
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AURP DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES OF INNOVATION
Recognizes the milestone anniversaries of our Communities of Innovation and their lasting and impactful contributions to the industry through years of continued success and operational excellence.
Anniversary recognition includes 25, 50, 75 years and beyond.
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VISION
Acknowledges an organization or individual who has made a lasting and exceptional contribution to the global Community of Innovation, as demonstrated through their work in the AURP network. This award celebrates those who have significantly advanced the growth and success of innovative ecosystems on a national or multinational scale.
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EXCALIBUR
Established in 2006 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in Louisiana, the Excalibur Award honors organizations or individuals who, in response to crises at the global, national, or regional level, have delivered innovative and impactful technology solutions, community outreach, or leadership. This award celebrates those who have made a profound difference by improving health outcomes or creating workforce opportunities, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and dedication to their communities in times of need.
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APPRECIATION
Recognizes an individual whose career has made a lasting and significant contribution to the advancement and recognition of the industry. This award celebrates key figures, including those from corporate partners or sustaining corporate members, who have played a pivotal role in shaping and driving the growth and success of the industry.
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