Many businesses have grown and left the Technology Park since it began 13 years ago. Here is a look at i2rd’s journey since leaving the Park in 2005.
Managing Director Joseph Knecht works to develop new relationships with and expand i2rd.
Dr. Don Nelson and Dr. Muhlin Chen began i2rd (Interactive Information Research Development) in 1997, but the two began the framework for i2rd in 1992 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as the Research Computing Group (RCG). RCG provided a state-wide resource for businesses and the public sector helping to solve technical challenges facing Nebraskan firms.
Out of RCG grew i2rd, a privately held company. i2rd’s sister company Vipa Solutions later emerged offering industry-specific technology solutions for Web site management. This also includes: e-Commerce, online registration, CSS Programming and content management.
In 2001, The University of Nebraska Technology Park became i2rd’s home. While at the Park, i2rd was named Business of the Year by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in 2002. Joseph Knecht described the experience at the Technology Park as “invaluable.”
“There is a critical time period for businesses,” he said. “The Tech Park offered resources, relationships, shelter, finances and networking unlike anywhere else... For example, you have businessmen who are going through the same thing. Talking with guys like Abe Oommen (president and CEO of Geneseek) help you make better business decisions.”
In 2005, i2rd saw it needed more space to grow. i2rd left the Technology Park for larger offices at 6345 South 56 Street. Vipa Solutions shares the space. The company received another business award from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in 2006, by being named the Fastest Growing Business.
i2rd will be expanding again and moving into new offices. “We continue to grow, invest and grow again,” said Knecht. “In the future, we’ll have more software and company ideas for the start-up phase.” Learn more about i2rd at http://www.i2rd.com/index.sp.
The University of Nebraska Technology Park is a cooperative partnership of the University of Nebraska Foundation, University of Nebraska and private sector investors. Founded in 1997, the Technology Park is home to 18 companies and organizations. The Park provides access to university resources, technology transfer assistance, funding resources, highly competitive lease rates, professional office services, high-speed data services and on-site expansion or building options. For more information, contact President Stephen Frayser at sfrayser@nufoundation.org, or visit the University of Nebraska Technology Park’s Web site at www.nutechpark.com.