University of Wisconsin-River Falls Builds SciTech Innovation Center

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is constructing the $117 million Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) to provide dynamic environments for hands-on discovery. Designed by BWBR Architects, the 134,560-gsf building will accommodate programs in biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology, as well as supporting related courses in pre-engineering, biotechnology, and neuroscience. This nexus of experiential education will house 32 undergraduate research venues, 12 teaching labs, three wet research labs, an optics lab, an imaging suite, a maker space, and areas for prototyping and fabrication.

Featuring collaboration zones on each floor, the three-story structure will also offer active learning studios, computational labs, offices, conference rooms, a vivarium, a greenhouse, and space for the Environmental Affinity Group. The new University and Business Collaboration Center (UBC²) will foster interaction between students and regional employers through internships, seminars, and shared R&D initiatives. A large presentation space will serve as a launchpad for pitching ideas, showcasing capstone projects, and engaging with industry partners.

Market & Johnson is the general contractor for the facility with Graef as the structural engineer. Ground was broken in October of 2023 and occupancy is expected in January of 2026.