NCSU’s Centennial Campus Is No. 1, Says Research Parks Group

Centennial Campus at North Carolina State University is the “Research Science Park of the Year,” according to the Association of University Research Parks.

The campus, which is home to more than 130 companies, is designed to foster research, cooperation with the private sector and commercialization of technology.

The AURP group cited the Centennial Campus for innovation, technology partnerships and economic development.

Linux software developer Red Hat is based at the campus. Other corporate tenants include GlaxoSmithKline, Talecris Biotherapeutics and MeadWestVaco.

“N.C. State is about unique partnerships – creating student opportunities, research and economic development,” Chancellor James Oblinger said in a statement. “Centennial Campus epitomizes the work of N.C. State. It’s no surprise that Centennial Campus has become a national model for university research parks.”

The Centennial Campus added 17 businesses in 2006.

Other finalists included a technology park in Baltimore and the Sandia Science and Technology Park in New Mexico.