Foundation
for the Future
Since 1951, Stanford Research Park has been home to the R&D branches of pioneering companies from Varian Associates to HP, Lockheed Martin, SAP, Tesla, and more.
Stanford Research Park is a community of and for people who seek to invent the future.
Why companies choose
Stanford Research Park
Stanford Research Park is situated squarely in the heart of Silicon Valley’s business community, surrounded by popular social spots, and a rich arts and culture scene. Our location provides easy access to California Avenue, featuring numerous restaurants, bars and shops.
It’s a short Marguerite shuttle ride to the Caltrain station at University Avenue, Silicon Valley’s vibrant “Main Street.” Stanford University is just two miles away, offering a wealth of events, lectures, classes, performances, museums, and walking trails open to our community.
Scores of Stanford alumni have launched or headquartered their companies within our borders, as have those who have traveled near and far to join a legacy of success. Founders choose Stanford Research Park for our prestigious Palo Alto address, access to Stanford University’s emerging research and brainpower, close proximity to venture capital firms, and sustainable buildings in a stunning natural environment.
Our unique blend of nature and culture has made Stanford Research Park the R&D park that others emulate. People repeatedly tell us they feel better connected and more inspired just by being here.
A History Of
Innovation
The Stanford Industrial Park, as Stanford Research Park was first called, was the brainchild of Stanford University’s Provost and Dean of Engineering, Frederick Terman, who saw the potential of a University-affiliated business park that focused on research and development and generated income for the University and community.
Dean Terman envisioned a new kind of collaboration, where Stanford University could join forces with industry and the City of Palo Alto to advance shared interests. He saw the Park’s potential to serve as a beacon for new, high-quality scientists and faculty, to provide jobs for University graduates, and stimulate regional economic development.
In the 1950s, leaders within the City of Palo Alto and Stanford University forged a pioneering partnership by creating Stanford Research Park, agreeing to annex 700 acres of Stanford lands into the City of Palo Alto to generate significant tax revenues for the County, City, and Palo Alto Unified School District.
- VARIAN ASSOCIATES
Developed the microwave tube, forming the basis for satellite technology and particle accelerators.
- HEWLETT-PACKARD
Developed electronic measuring instruments, leading to medical electronic equipment, instrumentation for chemical analysis, hand-held calculators, the mainframe computer, and laser printers.
- PARC
Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) created innovations such as personal work stations, Ethernet cabling and the personal computer mouse.
- NeXT COMPUTER
Steve Jobs broke ground for the next generation of graphics and audio capabilities in personal computing.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons - VARIAN MEDICAL
Developed radiation oncology treatments, medical devices and software for medical diagnostics.
- LOCKHEED MARTIN
Their space and missile division developed critical components for the International Space Station.
- FACEBOOK
Mark Zuckerberg grew the social networking platform from 20 million to 750 million people worldwide while its headquarters were in the Park.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Still Going
Strong
Today, Tesla’s electric vehicle and battery prototypes are developed and assembled here in its engineering headquarters. Electric vehicle rival Rivian now resides in the buildings originally occupied by our first tenant - Varian Associates.
With over 150 companies in 10 million square feet and 140 buildings, Stanford Research Park maintains a world-class reputation. It has been our mission to capture the spirit and vision of Dean Terman by supporting the needs of our tenant companies so they can perpetuate the Park’s legacy of innovation and build a bold future.
Economic Contributions
1951
Year founded as a partnership between Stanford and City of Palo Alto150+
Companies comprising a diverse and thriving community of entrepreneurs and innovators$518M
Estimated annual direct spending by SRP-based employers, employees, and visitors$24M
Contributed to Palo Alto schools every year - the equivalent of 144 full-time teaching positions$775M
Annual value to Palo Alto economy stimulated by SRP$2.4B
Annual value to Santa Clara County stimulated by SRP1951
Year founded as a partnership between Stanford and City of Palo Alto150+
Companies comprising a diverse and thriving community of entrepreneurs and innovators$518M
Estimated annual direct spending by SRP-based employers, employees, and visitors$24M
Contributed to Palo Alto schools every year - the equivalent of 144 full-time teaching positions$775M
Annual value to Palo Alto economy stimulated by SRP$2.4B
Annual value to Santa Clara County stimulated by SRPGiving
Back
Stanford Research Park and our tenants channel the power of innovation into community-oriented service and investments focused on improving human and environmental progress in the world.
Discover how we work together to produce positive impacts in our community.