KU entrepreneurship program nabs award
October 6, 2015 | Bobby Burch
The University of Kansas’ entrepreneurial education program recently earned a national award.
The University Economic Development Association awarded the Entrepreneurs@KU program its “Award of Excellence in Innovation & Entrepreneurship.”
The commendation recognizes programs that accelerate economic development by supporting startups, high-growth companies and clusters within a region, and converting talent into wealth through innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We’re excited and honored to receive this award recognizing a program that is another great example of how KU is driving economic development in our region,” Julie Nagel, interim associate vice chancellor for innovation and entrepreneurship, said in a release. “It’s great to get national recognition for programs that help turn KU discoveries into jobs and companies.”
The Entrepreneurs@KU program offers students and faculty tools to launch a business, including access to the “Startup School@KU,” proof-of-concept funds and licensing terms. The program is a result of work among KU Innovation & Collaboration, the KU School of Business’ Center for Entrepreneurship and the Bioscience & Technology Business Center at KU. KU Innovation and Collaboration manages KU’s intellectual property, licensing and startup company activities.
KU beat out several universities for the award, including finalists at the University of New Mexico, Penn State University and the University of Southern Indiana. It’s the second time that KU was recognized by the University Economic Development Association, which in 2013 named KU a national finalist with the Bioscience & Technology Business Center in the Community-Connected Campus category.

2015 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
This Midtown pizza shop sliced through challenges, topping years of popup work with grand opening
Orange By: Devoured — the flagship pizza shop from Jhy Coulter — is finally ready for the public, she said, after enduring years of pop-ups to keep the dream alive, renovations, and the closure of business lending platform Mainvest that took founders by surprise. “I am tired — I’m exhausted,” Coulter said with a laugh,…
Exited founders: Face the tough conversations first; avoid a messy post-honeymoon breakup
Preparing for an exit begins with co-founder alignment at the startup’s launch, three veteran Kansas City founders agreed. “You are getting married to your founders,” explained Tony Caudill, who co-founded two tech startups with his best friend — including aware3, which was acquired in 2018 by Nelnet. “Just like when you find your mate of…
Hy-Vee’s small biz competition sends Midwest entrepreneurs racing for $50K checkout; Here are the winners
BaKIT Box, a Chicago-based subscription service offering baking kits inspired by diverse global cuisines, took home the $30,000 grand prize at the 2024 Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit. Shelley Gupta, the founder and CEO of BaKIT Box, was thrilled to receive the grand prize, she said. “It feels incredible,” Gupta said. “I flew here last…
How city dollars could help crime victims get back to business; Mayor unveils new fund to support struggling entrepreneurs
A newly introduced fund aimed at helping KCMO small businesses recover from and prevent property crimes — offering grants up to $3,000 for damage repairs and $5,000 for security upgrades — is a step in the right direction, said Joe Giammanco, whose pizza shop was recently hit by criminals. “Programs like this are going to…
