KU entrepreneurship program nabs award

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.