SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Opening a new chapter in the University of California, Davis’ role as a regional engine of innovation and economic growth, Chancellor Gary S. May joined city of Sacramento leaders, developer Wexford Science & Technology LLC, business partners and community members on Friday, May 2 to inaugurate Aggie Square, the $1.1 billion innovation district that will bring together the university’s cutting-edge research with private-sector companies and startups. The chancellor also announced new partnerships to accelerate life sciences ventures at Aggie Square.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the culmination of eight years of planning and development of the 11-acre site on the UC Davis Sacramento campus, but it is only the beginning of the story of Aggie Square as a catalyst of collaboration and innovation in the life sciences and other fields, a hub of education and discovery at one of the nation’s top research universities, and a community asset for Oak Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

“Today’s opening celebration marks a major milestone for UC Davis as Aggie Square becomes the region’s newest innovation district. It’s where the brightest minds from UC Davis, industry leaders and startups will come together and spark collaboration and innovation that will benefit our region and the world for generations to come,” May said.

 “Aggie Square is a reality thanks to the dedicated efforts of thousands of people from the university, the city of Sacramento, our neighboring communities, Wexford Science & Technology and the hardworking builders and contractors, all of whom have helped bring this vision to life. This is a moment we can all be proud of, and it truly showcases the power of our private-public partnership.”

On May 2, UC Davis, Wexford Science & Technology and FLANN Inc. — a South Korean firm that supports Korean biotech and pharmaceutical companies expanding into the United States — announced a new partnership. 

Together, they will launch a soft landing program at Aggie Square within Connect Labs by Wexford, designed to support cohorts of up to 10 early-stage South Korean life science companies as they establish a foothold in the U.S. market. This initiative strengthens Aggie Square’s position as a global gateway for innovation and international collaboration in the life sciences.

“UC Davis, the city of Sacramento and Wexford Science & Technology have long shared a vision for creating a premier innovation district that attracts cutting-edge research, sparks groundbreaking discoveries, and serves as vibrant community and innovation hub that enriches the entire Sacramento region,” said Ted Russell, president and CEO of Wexford Science & Technology. “Today, that vision comes to life with the opening of this intentionally designed first phase: a place purpose-built to foster connection, creativity and community. We’re excited to see these spaces activated through vibrant programming, dynamic events and ongoing collaboration between UC Davis researchers, industry partners and the broader Sacramento community.”

“Aggie Square is more than a collection of new buildings; it’s a place where research, business and community come together,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty. “Today’s event marks the start of Sacramento’s next chapter in life sciences, technology and opportunity.”

The first phase of Aggie Square, unveiled on May 2, delivers 767,000 square feet of transformative development that anchors the district’s bold vision. This milestone includes three state-of-the-art buildings featuring wet and dry laboratories, modern classrooms, collaborative community spaces and a variety of flexible-use areas.

 Included in this phase is Connect Labs by Wexford, a flexible, scale-in-place lab and innovation infrastructure that will include pre-built and furnished lab, support and office spaces with a curated set of amenities, services and shared equipment for emerging and growth companies, particularly in life sciences, biomedical engineering, technology and data sciences.

Also opening is ANOVA Aggie Square, a thoughtfully designed residential building offering 190 apartments and 252 beds to support the innovation community. The phase is rounded out by a 1,550-stall parking garage, providing essential infrastructure to support this dynamic new hub of research, learning and engagement.