KU Innovation Park hires former Tech Venture Studio leader to support its entrepreneurs

LAWRENCE, Kansas — An entrepreneurial support expert who made his entry into the Kansas City startup ecosystem through the UMKC Innovation Center, Chris Rehkamp is now building founder relationships at a business incubator in Kansas.

KU Innovation Park today announced Rehkamp’s new role as director of business services at the nonprofit economic development organization’s sprawling campus in Lawrence.

“I’m excited to join the KU Innovation Park team and contribute to the mission of driving  economic prosperity in the region through supporting our innovative companies,” Rehkamp said.  “My passion is helping people and companies achieve their goals. The Park’s existing  infrastructure and plans for future growth are a unique opportunity to help entrepreneurs succeed  and positively impact our community.” 

KU Innovation Park, formerly the Bioscience and Technology Business Center

KU Innovation Park — which offers lab, office, and co-working facilities — is home to more than 70 companies that employ 680 people, supporting an annual  payroll of $45 million.

Rehkamp’s first day in the role was Monday.

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An entrepreneur himself, Rehkamp most recently served as associate director of the Technology Venture Studio at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Innovation Center.  

“The Park is thrilled to welcome Chris to the team,” said Adam Courtney, CEO at the KU Innovation Park. “His experience aligns so well with the  mission of the Park, and his passion for helping entrepreneurs is evident. The knowledge and connections he brings to the role will be a huge advantage  for the Park’s startups and entrepreneurs across the region.” 

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While at UMKC, Rehkamp represented the Kansas City region by participating in the MIT  Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program, which focused on advancing the region’s  biologics ecosystem. Those efforts culminated when the region, which includes Lawrence, was  designated as a Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in October 2023.

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Rehkamp started his career as the membership manager for Union Kitchen Food Accelerator in  Washington, D.C. He then served as the student venture programs manager at the University of  Maryland before consulting for entrepreneurs, teaching and founding a pizza business on the  Hawaiian Islands.

Click here to read more about Chris Rehkamp’s life before moving to Kansas City.

He has a Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship from the  University of Maryland.

Startland News named Rehkamp a Community Builder to Watch in 2022.