The Iowa State University Research Park success in building an innovation district has earned national recognition. On Nov. 13, the Association of University Research Parks named Iowa State’s Research Park its Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year. The award recognizes “active engagement with the higher ed or research institute community — through funding, research involvement, and providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for students.” “We are honored to receive this recognition for our success as a national model for university-affiliated innovation,” Rick Sanders, ISU Research Park president, said in a prepared statement. “The Iowa State University Research Park strives every day to connect innovative companies to the resources available at Iowa State University as we work to make Iowa and the world a better place.” Members of the research park team received the award during the 2025 Awards of Excellence in Innovation ceremony during the association’s international conference. Iowa State’s 550-acre research park is home to 144 companies and 2,500 employees.