Innovation can be a one-off stroke of genius in a place not known for new concepts.
More often, spaces — either formalized or due to the strengths of a collective community — can assist, foster, and push forward innovation, which can in turn lead to startups and founders striving to break new ground in any number of fields.
Since its fall 2021 launch, Memphis Inno — MBJ’s brand geared toward startups, technology, and innovation — has expanded its coverage of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In that vein of coverage, MBJ is spotlighting Inno Spaces — such as UMRF Research Park — that are shaping the fortunes of individual startups and creating that community of innovation in Memphis.
UMRF Research Park
Here’s a question for you. What provides space for bustling local startups like SweetBio, the tech-focused nonprofit CodeCrew, and the Seattle-based business Ookla?
The answer: the UMRF Research Park.
Since its inception, the Research Park has housed organizations across the medical device, technology, transportation, and logistics sectors. Founded by the University of Memphis Research Foundation, it looks to bolster ties between promising companies and the U of M and provide new opportunities for innovation in the Mid-South.
It’s also doing this at a critical time for the university. In December 2021, U of M received R1 status from the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education — and it's intent on cementing its status as a premiere research organization.
The Research Park, however, wouldn’t be able to aid U of M in this mission if it didn’t have the resources to draw in businesses.
We asked Cody Behles, U of M’s director of research development and innovation, to give us the rundown of the Research Park’s space.
Here’s what he said:
MBJ: Please provide a brief history of the research park.
Cody Behles: The UMRF Research Park was founded in early 2018 to serve as a way to strengthen the relationship between companies and the University of Memphis by building pipelines to talent, research, and the resources of a Carnegie R1 campus. The University of Memphis Research Foundation (UMRF) established the Research Park as part of a larger strategy to create innovation opportunities in the Memphis area, working with other units across the University of Memphis campus and partners in the wider community.
How big is it? The park, located in the former Highland Branch of the Memphis Public Library System, is a space of approximately 4,000 square feet. The facility serves as the home for Ookla, Code Crew, SweetBio, Preteckt, and community member companies.
What are some of its primary features? The UMRF Research Park is designed to help companies looking to grow in Memphis with direct access and relationship development to the University campus. Companies are provided with support through the development of workforce pipelines, access to faculty who can support research that aligns with company priorities, and connection to funding opportunities through collaborative grant applications. The park collaborates with organizations on the University of Memphis campus, such as the FedEx Institute of Technology, to create expanded resource and footprint access that extends beyond the main research park facility.
How does it help startups and entrepreneurs, and what kinds of spaces are offered to them? Companies in the UMRF Research Park are part of a community that is committed to growing research-driven innovation in Memphis. Ranging from global technology companies to university-based technology spinout companies to startups and nonprofits, the UMRF Research Park creates an ecosystem of innovation that is based around the strengths of the University of Memphis.
What do the startups pay to have offices there? The Park has a variable rent rate depending on footprint size with entry level, single desks starting at $500 per month. For companies that want to be a part of the community but don't need space, a community collaborator membership level is available for $100 per month. This affords use of the space for events after hours, mailbox usage, occasional use of flex spaces, and access to community events.
