University of Memphis UMRF Research Park receives Soft Landings designation 

Jan. 11, 2021 — After a nearly two-year process, the UMRF Research Park at the University of Memphis has received the “Soft Landings” designation from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA).  

InBIA is a global non-profit with more than 1,200 members who lead entrepreneurship support organizations in 30 countries. InBIA provides industry best practices through education while enabling collaboration, mentorship, peer-based learning and the sharing of innovative ideas for entrepreneurs across the globe. 

The InBIA Soft Landings network ensures that businesses entering or expanding into new countries are provided with an accelerated introduction to that country’s business practices, regulations and culture. Soft Landings designees help make contacts in a new country more quickly and efficiently while providing access to the resources necessary to meet their business goals.  

“The UMRF Research Park’s Soft Landings designation will help us to attract and recruit international companies to the U.S., particularly to the Mid-South,” said Troy B. Parkes, director of the UMRF Research Park. “We have all of the necessary services and support systems in place to ensure a seamless relocation or expansion to the U.S.” 

The Soft Landings designation is available to any entrepreneurship center that demonstrates it has the resources and programming available to meet the needs of foreign/non-domestic companies that want to enter their markets. The UMRF Research Park is the first to receive the designation in West Tennessee. 

“Since its inception in 2019, the UMRF Research Park has expanded its services and partnerships in order to recruit startups and companies to relocate to the Memphis area,” said Ted Townsend, chief economic development and government relations officer for the UofM. “This Soft Landings designation is a testament to the dedication the UMRF Research Park has to expanding the economic footprint for the Mid-South and adds a high level of credibility to our Research Park and University.” 

The University opened the UMRF Research Park in collaboration with the Government Relations and Policy in early 2019 as an innovation hub to attract global talent and enhance the community the University serves. 

“The University of Memphis UMRF Research Park will make an excellent addition to the InBIA global network of Soft Landings certified entrepreneurship centers,” said Charles Ross, interim president and chief executive officer for the InBIA. “The University of Memphis is a hub for entrepreneurship in the region and the range of services offered to support international entrepreneurs will provide significant opportunities for those entrepreneurs seeking to enter the U.S. market.”