Contact Us

Beth Schommer
Interim Executive Director, UBCC
Email: ubcc@uwrf.edu 

Your Future, Fueled by Innovation

The University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at UWRF is your gateway to a brighter future. We're committed to empowering students, driving innovation and fostering economic growth. Join us in shaping the future.

UWRF Section Separator

How the UBCC Can Benefit You:

  • Students: Gain practical experience, network with industry leaders and launch your career.
  • Faculty: Collaborate with businesses to solve real-world problems and advance research.
  • Businesses: Access a talented workforce, drive innovation and contribute to economic development. 
Professor Follensbee helps a student during a Chemistry lab
A student places a section of a miniature bridge under a hydraulic press during a test
A male student looks down into a 3D printer to view the progress

 
The UBCC at UW-River Falls bridges the gap between academia and industry, fostering a dynamic hub for discovery, innovation and talent development.

Our Mission: To increase student learning opportunities and enhance discovery, innovation and talent development by bringing university and business resources together in STEM fields and beyond. The UBCC will connect students with real-world opportunities, provide businesses with access to top talent and expertise and drive economic growth in the St. Croix Valley. We achieve this by:

  • Connecting Students: Offering internships, research and career opportunities for students, while providing employers access to skilled talent and faculty expertise.
  • Driving Innovation: Providing resources and spaces for collaboration in STEM fields and beyond, supporting startups and established businesses alike.
  • Fueling Economic Growth: Promoting entrepreneurship, especially in science and technology and expanding the local economy.

Our Vision: To be a leading regional innovation hub, where student talent, faculty expertise and industry resources converge to create groundbreaking solutions and drive economic prosperity.

Key Features: Our offerings are designed to encourage and support partnerships, innovation, research and more!

  • State-of-the-art facilities for product development, prototyping and research.
  • Opportunities for collaborative projects and partnerships.
  • Events like research poster sessions, innovation competitions and an annual symposium to showcase student and business achievements.
  • A focus on inclusive participation, engaging a variety of researchers and community members.
  • A collaborative space that enhances the educational experience of UW-River Falls students.
     
Rendering of the SciTech interior opening in January 2026
Rendering of the SciTech interior opening in January 2026

Join us in shaping the future. 

We invite businesses and community partners to join us in shaping the future of innovation and economic development. Email ubcc@uwrf.edu for more information.
 

The UBCC is intended to be a collaborative space that enhances the educational experience of UW-River Falls students, stimulates an ecosystem of innovation on campus and contributes to the sustainable economic development of our greater community and region. External partners who wish to benefit from available resources in the UBCC will be offered access in alignment with the UBCC mission.