University Research Park opens January 01, 1996 The Irvine Company spearheaded an effort to develop 185 acres next to UC Irvine and create the University Research Park in 1996. The area houses a mix of large tech companies, UCI offices and local businesses. Email Related posts: Regents name new campus University of California, Irvine William Pereira engaged to research O.C. sites Bren Fellows Program created Irvine Company donates land