It’s the largest project in the University of Wisconsin-River Falls’ history.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Monday for the university’s new $117 million Science and Technology Innovation Center, known as SciTech.

SciTech will be home to students who will learn through hands-on experiences. The project will create partnerships between the university and businesses, providing students with valuable research opportunities and jobs while growing the economy.

“This is the largest building project in the history of UW-River Falls,” UWRF Chancellor Maria Gallo said. “I hope it’s a really good collaborative space, that’s really what I’m looking for, and a space for incubation of ideas.”

The SciTech building is scheduled to open in about two years.