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
Coming soon: New Plexpod River Market space will be a welcome sign to KC entrepreneurs
Plexpod is continuing its ride north along Kansas City’s streetcar line — announcing today a new co-working and office space on Delaware Street in the River Market. “River Market is like any other district in the metro,” said Gerald Smith, Plexpod founder and CEO. “Entrepreneurs are everywhere and access to affordable flexible office space is…
Designed by a language of love, ‘my clothing is my ministry,’ says Esmeralda Lole
Kyrie Eleison Couture creates custom pieces that incorporate the customer’s cultural influences, said Esmeralda Lole. Lole works closely with individual customers and draws colors from flags and patterns from their countries of origin, she said. “Everyone has a different love language and my love language is acts of service. So for me, to be able…
KCultivator Q&A: Bo Nelson percolates on positive energy in his Crossroads coffee shop
Editor’s note: KCultivators is a lighthearted profile series to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The KCultivator Series is sponsored by WeWork Corrigan Station, a modern twist on Kansas City office space.Holding a red, Thou Mayest-branded mug, Bo Nelson credited the success of his 18th Street coffee shop to family talent,…
Scoops and fruit loops: Quirky collaboration melds Crumble candles, Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Brandon Love hungered for a Kansas City brand as unconventional as his own high-growth aroma confectionery, Crumble Co. He found his match at Betty Rae’s. “I started trying to pick apart [potential partners] to see who would be the best fit,” said Love, Crumble Co.’s founder and “head fruit loop in charge.” “Our way’s really…
