BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Established in late 2021 by a consortium of key regional organizations, the Uplands Science and Technology Foundation (USTF) is a nonprofit research foundation dedicated to enhancing the vitality of WestGate@Crane Technology Park (WestGate). The USTF will lead the physical development of WestGate as an innovation district and grow the park’s capabilities in emerging technology areas such as microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and hypersonics.
Joe Carley, who currently serves as Indiana University’s Director for Economic Development and the Director for Strategic Partnerships at the IU Center for Rural Engagement (CRE), will serve as the USTF’s Interim CEO. Carley will lead USTF on a loan basis from IU.
“I’m honored to serve the Uplands region in this role and to build on the work of the many partners who have helped make WestGate Technology Park a unique asset for our state,” said Carley. “Throughout the process of creating USTF, we’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best minds in the country on building innovation communities, and I believe that we have a roadmap for WestGate that has the potential to be transformative for the region and the state.”
IU Vice President for Government Relations and Economic Engagement Bill Stephan added, “IU has a deep interest in ensuring that the regions around our campuses grow and prosper.” “We are pleased to be able to provide support for this important initiative and look forward to seeing USTF become a vital partner for Crane and the Indiana economic development community.”
WestGate is located outside the gates of Naval Support Activity Crane, the 3rd largest Naval installation in the world. The park is currently home to more than 50 organizations and more than 850 employees.
The formation of the USTF follows the completion of a master plan for WestGate by TEConomy Partners and Perkins + Will. These two firms have previously collaborated on master plans for other technology parks in close proximity to defense installations, including a master plan for Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, AL.
