Contact: Aaron Lambert

805-234-4644; amlamber@calpoly.edu

$12.2 million project will increase collaboration between industry and the university while drawing from the expertise of faculty and students. New facility expected to open in September 2024

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly has broken ground on the second phase of its Technology Park expansion, a project aimed at providing additional space to engage with industry and other partners to support student success and meet local workforce and innovation needs.

The 16,200-square-foot expansion is the second in a multiphase plan to create a Cal Poly Tech Park campus that will increase opportunity for student and faculty collaboration and partnership with the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and liberal studies (STEML) communities.

“With the Tech Park, Cal Poly has created a unique opportunity for students and faculty to pursue advanced research, prospect startups and develop early and lasting relationships with industry and other partners,” said Jim Dunning, associate executive director, Real Estate Development and Services at the Cal Poly Corporation.

The $12.2 million expansion is largely funded by a $6.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, toured the construction site in early September with the project team.

Phase II of the project will build a new two-story building adjacent to the existing Mount Bishop Road complex. The addition will include a mix of fully finished space ready for occupancy as well as spaces ready for custom tenant improvements.

The new facility will create additional avenues for collaboration between the university and make it easier for park tenants to draw from the expertise of faculty and students.

Scheduled to open in September 2024, the expanded facility will also provide space for faculty startups and opportunities for students to engage in sponsored research and development activities with entities that reside in the Tech Park.

About Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year about 22,000 top-tier students come to Cal Poly to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in areas such as engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on approach, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates Ready Day One to impact their communities, California and the world. Visit: www.calpoly.edu.

About Cal Poly Corporation

Cal Poly Corporation is the nonprofit auxiliary organization to Cal Poly, providing self-supporting, innovative, and high-quality services to the university and assisting the institution in achieving its educational mission. For additional information, visit www.calpolycorporation.org or call 805-756-1451.