K-State opens physical innovation hub space to boost research, economic development

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — A newly unveiled collaborative office space at Kansas State University  is expected to catalyze research commercialization, industry partnerships and economic growth, said Richard Linton. 

“This new space represents so much more than just a physical location. It embodies our commitment to driving economic growth in Kansas and beyond,” explained Linton, president of K-State, noting the facility brings together three key units from within the Kansas State University Foundation’s Edge District: the Kansas State University Research Foundation, the Office of Corporate Engagement and K-State 105.

“By bringing together our key offices under one roof, we’re streamlining the process for industry partnerships and creating clear pathways to turn academic discoveries into real-world solutions.”

Kansas State University ribbon cutting for a new collaborative office space: from left, Emily Garwood, associate director of corporate engagement; Jessica Gnad, director of K-State 105; Marshall Stewart, executive director of external engagement and chief of staff; Richard Linton, president; Willie the Wildcat; David Toland, Kansas lieutenant governor and secretary of commerce; Hans Coetzee, interim vice president for research; Lindsay Gragg, director of licensing for the K-State Research Foundation; and Rachelle Banwart, executive director of corporate engagement; photo by K-State News & Communications Services

Kansas Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland joined Linton and other university leaders earlier this month for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the milestone achievement.

The facility at 1960 Kimball Ave. houses teams focused on intellectual property management, research commercialization, corporate partnerships and economic development initiatives.

The space will serve as a central point for industry partners to engage with K-State researchers and access university innovations while supporting the university’s broader economic development throughout Kansas.

“K-State has a new front door for private sector engagement with the university — the Edge District,” Toland said. “This is much more than just shared office space — it’s an opportunity for businesses to engage with the vast research capacity and talent pipeline that Kansas State University has to offer. The state will continue making strategic investments in partnerships such as the innovative Edge District in order to create tomorrow’s wealth here in Kansas.”

Earlier in January, the university and Network Kansas announced their partnership with communities across Kansas to support entrepreneurship and small business through a new program with the K-State 105 initiative.

K-State has selected 11 projects for the first cohort of the K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative, which supports collaborative community-based projects focused on entrepreneurship and small business development in Kansas communities.

“The K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative is an example of a next-generation land-grant university in action – we’re bringing people and partners together to co-develop new and innovative ways to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across Kansas,” said Jessica Gnad, K-State 105 director. “In a way, we’re co-creating blueprints that can guide future work for economic growth in Kansas. We’re so excited to work alongside these 11 project collaborators in our first cohort.”

This map shows the locations of the 11 collaborative community-based projects that have been selected for the first cohort of the K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative. The projects focus on entrepreneurship and small business development; map by K-State News & Communications Services

The funded projects involve collaborations with Network Kansas, K-State Research and Extension, higher education institutions and multiple community partners. The collaborations aim to leverage resources and build new ways to foster economic growth and community development in Kansas. The 11 projects in the first cohort were selected after a competitive process and review of applications from across the state.

“For nearly 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of seeing how innovative Kansas communities can be,” said Erik Pedersen, president and chief operating officer of Network Kansas. “The applicants in the Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative have raised the bar, proving once again that Kansas is a leader in creativity and forward thinking.”

The 11 projects selected include:

• “Neosho Valley Event Center incubator kitchen,” led by the Neosho County Fair Board in Chanute, Neosho County.
• “Life Skills Academy and Makerspace springboard,” led by Life Skills Academy Innovative Business Resource Center in Coffeyville, Montgomery County.
• “Entrepreneurs Intersection Fabrication Lab Expansion,” led by Emporia Main Street in Emporia, Lyon County.
• “IGNITE Innovation Center,” led by Great Bend Alive in Great Bend, Barton County.
• “Bluejay community retail renovation,” led by the city of Hillsboro, Marion County.
• “Edwards County Fair Building commercial kitchen renovation,” led by Edwards County Fair Board in Kinsley, Edwards County.
• “The Community Hub,” led by Wichita County Economic Development in Leoti, Wichita County.
• “Launching the Topeka startup community,” led by Omni Circle Group in Topeka, Shawnee County.
• “Caldwell Workspace commercial kitchen,” led by Sumner County Economic Development Commission in Wellington, Sumner County.
• “Side Gig Studio,” led by Cardinal Community Foundation in Wetmore, Nemaha County.
• “A La Carte commercial kitchen incubator,” led by Create Campaign in Wichita, Sedgwick County.

The K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative is one part of a variety of K-State 105 work happening across Kansas.

Click here to learn more about this project and others through K-State 105.