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.

The $12.2 million expansion is largely funded by a $6.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal toured the construction site in September with the project team.

Phase II of the project will expand on the existing facility with the construction of 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 August 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.

Photo: U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (left) stands with Cal Poly Project Manager Daniel Contreras (middle) and Jon Broyles, corporate safety officer with AMG and Associates. Carbajal visited the work site on Sept. 6.