KU Innovation Park

Lunch & Learn: Sports Tech Fireside Chat
2025-10-23 11:45 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | KU Innovation Park Phase III, 2033 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS
Join us for a dynamic conversation at the intersection of sports and technology. This special Lunch & Learn features Davyeon Ross, co-founder and CEO of ShotTracker, a real-time performance analytics platform transforming basketball at every level. He’ll sit down for a fireside chat with Matt Gardner, current vice president of growth at YinzCam and former vice president of innovation and digital strategy for the St. Louis Blues.
Together, they’ll explore how data, AI, and sensor technology are reshaping athlete performance, team operations, and fan engagement—and what’s coming next in the rapidly evolving world of sports tech.
Lunch and networking begin at 11:45 a.m., and the presentation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. at KU Innovation Park’s Phase III auditorium, 2033 Becker Dr.This event is free, but registration is required as lunch will be provided. Please register below. This event is open to anyone. You do not have to work for a Park company to attend. If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know.

Davyeon Ross is a seasoned tech entrepreneur, innovator, and growth strategist with a track record of building and scaling high-impact companies. He is the co-founder of ShotTracker, a revolutionary sensor-based system that delivers real-time basketball stats and analytics to teams, fans, and broadcasters. Over his career, Davyeon has raised more than $40 million in capital, led companies from ideation to multi-million-dollar revenue, and forged strategic partnerships with major players like IBM, Google, the NBA, and ESPN. His investors include iconic names such as Magic Johnson and the late NBA Commissioner David Stern. Davyeon is known for turning bold ideas into game-changing ventures—and for proving, time and again, that you can’t score if you don’t shoot.

Matt Gardner is a longtime sports innovation leader with more than two decades of experience driving digital growth and fan engagement across professional sports. He currently serves as Vice President of Growth at YinzCam, a global leader in mobile app solutions for teams and leagues. Previously, Matt spent 13 years with the St. Louis Blues, where he led award-winning digital strategies that earned national recognition from Fast Company and the NHL’s Stanley Awards. His career includes roles with the Orlando Magic, the ATP Tour, and major entertainment clients across the agency world. A proud University of Kansas graduate, Matt also serves as an advisor for Stadia Ventures and recently contributed to the Fan Experience Committee for KU’s David Booth Memorial Stadium project.

SBIR/STTR Matching Information Session with Kansas Commerce
2025-11-19 10:30 - 11:30 | KU Innovation Park Phase III, 2033 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS
Kansas just launched ACCEL-KS – Kansas SBIR/STTR Matching Program (Phases 0 and 1) to help innovators compete for federal R&D dollars and speed commercialization. Learn how to apply, who’s eligible and how partners across the state can support your proposal.
Who should attendKansas-based founders, small businesses, KU researchers forming startups, and teams planning or holding SBIR/STTR awards.
What you’ll learn• Program overview and goals• Phase 0 proposal development assistance• Phase 1 state matching funds for awarded projects• Eligibility, review criteria and timelines
Program highlights• Total funding available: $250,000• Phase 0 awards: Up to $3,000 per award (50% match required)• Phase 1 awards: Up to $25,000 (with proof of federal award)• Eligible applicants: Kansas-based, for-profit small businesses that meet federal SBIR/STTR requirements and conduct at least 51% of Phase 1 research in Kansas• Application window: Opens Oct. 31; closes Friday, Nov. 28
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Can’t make Lawrence?
Kansas Commerce is hosting additional sessions statewide and online:• Virtual: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 — Register here• Wichita: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10 — Groover Labs, 334 N. Saint Francis Ave.• Manhattan: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14 — Innovate 24, 1880 Kimball Ave., Ste. 120• Virtual: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25 — Register here

RSVP with Kansas Commerce here

Please note that the registration link may list a different start time for the event at the Park, but the event will start at 10:30 a.m.

SBIR/STTR Boot Camp
2025-12-11 09:00 - 2025-12-12 14:00 | KU Innovation Park Phase III, 2033 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS
Dates: December 11, 2025 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) & December 12, 2025 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)Location: KU Innovation Park, 2033 Becker Dr., Lawrence, KS
Are you working on innovative technology with the potential to make a commercial impact? If you’re planning to apply for a competitive SBIR or STTR research grant in the coming year, this 2-day boot camp is designed to help you get there.
Applications are now closed.
Led by Veronika Redman and Ed Lahue, and supported by the KU Innovation Park team, this hands-on program will guide researchers in the KU community through the critical steps of preparing a strong SBIR/STTR grant application.
Note: Space is limited, and an application is required to participate.

Lunch & Learn: How are experts using AI?
2026-01-22 11:45 - 13:00 | KU Innovation Park Phase III, 2033 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is actively reshaping healthcare, education, research, and the products we use every day. Join KU Innovation Park on Thursday, January 22, for this lunch-and-learn session that brings together leaders who are not theorizing about AI’s potential but are building, deploying, and governing it in real-world environments.
Lunch and networking begin at 11:45 a.m., and the presentation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. at KU Innovation Park’s Phase III Facility, 2033 Becker Drive.
This panel features experts working at the intersection of AI and human impact. Dr. Dawn King leads national and enterprise-scale AI initiatives focused on secure, ethical, and translational applications in healthcare and public health. Dr. Lisa Dieker brings a practitioner’s lens to how AI and emerging technologies can support educators, students, and inclusive learning environments across disciplines.
From industry, Will Carey of Brand New Box shares how AI is being embedded into custom software and digital products that organizations actually use, emphasizing scalability, reliability, and practical value. Tihamer Levandovsky brings deep technical expertise from his work building large-scale, privacy-compliant AI systems at companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, including cutting-edge applications of large language models in production environments.
Together, these voices offer a grounded, cross-sector look at how experts are using AI today—and what it takes to move from experimentation to impact.
This event is free, but registration is required as lunch will be provided. Please register below. This event is open to anyone. You do not have to work for a Park company to attend. If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know.

Meet the Panelists

Will Carey
CTO
Brand New Box

Lisa Dieker
Williamson Family Distinguished Professor in Special Education
University of Kansas

Dawn King, Ph.D.
Director of Artificial Intelligence Initiatives, Enhanced AI Center
University of Kansas Medical Center

Tihamer Levendovszky
ML/AI Research Scientist
Formerly of Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon

Lunch & Learn: How to Work with KU
2026-02-24 11:45 - 13:00 | KU Innovation Park Phase III, 2033 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS
Working with the University of Kansas can open doors to research expertise, talent, facilities and commercialization pathways, but only if you know where to start.
Join KU Innovation Park at its next lunch and learn on Tuesday, February 24, to hear how entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and community partners can meaningfully engage with KU. Rather than focusing on procurement or vendor contracting, this session will highlight the many ways the broader ecosystem can collaborate with the university on research, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships.
Lunch and networking begin at 11:45 a.m., and the panel discussion will be from 12 to 1 p.m. at KU Innovation Park’s Phase III Facility, 2033 Becker Drive.
The conversation will feature a panel of representatives from across the KU ecosystem, including:

Howard Graham, Senior Director of Career and Professional Development, KU Alumni Association
Cliff Michaels, executive director, KU Center for Technology Commercialization
Jane New, director of industry partnerships, KU Office of Economic Development
Ryan Rains, director of entrepreneurship co-curricular programs, KU School of Business
Chris Wilson, executive director, Digital Health Co/Lab at KU Medical Center

Panelists will help level set expectations, explain how KU is structured, and clarify where real opportunities for engagement exist. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of who to talk to, how to approach collaboration, and how to work with KU in ways that align goals on both sides.
This session is intended for:

Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Industry partners interested in research or commercialization collaboration
Innovators seeking to engage KU expertise, facilities or talent

This event is free, but registration is required as lunch will be provided. Please register below. This event is open to anyone. You do not have to work for a Park company to attend. If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know.

Torched Goodness at the Park
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:00 | KU Innovation Park Main Facility, 2029 Becker Dr, Lawrence, KS, 66047, United States
Torched Goodness will be at the Park monthly on Thursdays starting in March through July, from 2 to 3 p.m. Stop by and grab a crème brûlée! Check the Park’s social media channels for the menu.
Torched Goodness at the Park dates in 2026:

March 26
April 16
May 21
June 18
July 16

Torched Goodness at the Park
2026-04-16 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-21 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 | KU Innovation Park Main Facility, 2029 Becker Dr, Lawrence, KS, 66047, United States
Torched Goodness will be at the Park monthly on Thursdays starting in March through July, from 2 to 3 p.m. Stop by and grab a crème brûlée! Check the Park’s social media channels for the menu.
Torched Goodness at the Park dates in 2026:

March 26
April 16
May 21
June 11
July 16

Lunch & Learn: How Kansas Supports Entrepreneurs
2026-04-28 11:45 | KU Innovation Park Phase III, 2033 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS
Building a business takes more than a good idea. It takes the right support at the right time.
On Tuesday, April 28, join the Park for an inside look at how the Kansas Department of Commerce is supporting entrepreneurs across the state. This panel will feature leaders from the Office of Innovation and the Office of Small Business, offering a clear view of the programs, funding and resources available to help startups launch, grow and scale in Kansas.
Lunch and networking begin at 11:45 a.m., and the presentation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. at KU Innovation Park’s Phase III Facility, 2033 Becker Drive.
What you’ll learn:

How Kansas Commerce supports founders from idea to expansion
Key programs and funding opportunities available today
Where entrepreneurs often get stuck and how to move forward
How to plug into statewide resources and support networks

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to accelerate growth, this session will connect you with the people and pathways designed to help your business move forward.
This event is free, but registration is required as lunch will be provided. Please register below. This event is open to anyone. You do not have to work for a Park company to attend. If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know.

That Gelato & Sorbetto Guy at the Park
2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-17 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-07-22 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-26 14:00 - 15:30 | KU Innovation Park Main Facility, 2029 Becker Dr, Lawrence, KS, 66047, United States
Mark your calendar once a month from 2 to 3:30 pm, for a special pop-up at KU Innovation Park showcasing some favorite gelato and sorbetto creations!
Upcoming dates: May 27, June 17, July 22, August 26
Indulge in a variety of refreshing flavors, each crafted to perfection. We’re thrilled to introduce some exciting new fall flavors that capture the essence of the season. Imagine rich, creamy gelato infused with the warmth of autumn spices and fruity sorbettos bursting with the fresh taste of seasonal fruits. Whether you prefer the smoothness of gelato or the lightness of sorbetto, there’s something to delight every palate.
But this event is more than just a tasty treat—it’s a full sensory experience. Bring your friends, bring your family, and savor every scoop as you make sweet memories together.

Lunch & Learn: Product Leadership in the AI Era
2026-06-26 11:45 | KU Innovation Park Phase III, 2033 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS
As AI reshapes how products are imagined, built, and scaled, the fundamentals of great product leadership matter more than ever.
Join us on Friday, June 26, for KU Innovation Park’s next Lunch and Learn, featuring a panel of technology leaders, founders, and product strategists working at the intersection of innovation, artificial intelligence, and product development.
The discussion will explore how AI is changing the way organizations build, launch, and scale products, while examining why many of the leadership behaviors that have always defined successful product teams remain as important as ever. From building small, empowered teams to developing a strong point of view and using products as a tool for learning, panelists will share how timeless leadership principles are evolving alongside rapidly advancing technology.
The conversation will also address what product leaders must rethink as AI capabilities accelerate, including how leadership itself is changing, where organizations are finding opportunities, and what challenges are becoming more difficult, not easier.
Lunch and networking begin at 11:45 a.m., and the panel discussion will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at KU Innovation Park’s Phase III Facility, 2033 Becker Drive.
Panelists include:
• Miles Bassett, CEO and Founder of Wildman Web Solutions and Founder of Prairie Code AI
• Robert Tipton, Director of Emerging Technologies at Burns & McDonnell
• Bruce Rasa, CEO and Founder of Dexer
• Tyler Hilker, Vice President of Strategy at Crema
• Phil Reynolds, Founder and CEO of DevStride
Representing startups, enterprise organizations, software development, consulting, and emerging technology, the panel will offer diverse perspectives on how AI is influencing product strategy, team leadership, innovation, and execution.
This Lunch and Learn is ideal for founders, product managers, technologists, marketers, and business leaders navigating how AI is changing the way organizations build, lead, and compete.
This event is free, but registration is required as lunch will be provided. Please register below. The event is open to anyone. You do not have to work for a Park company to attend. If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know.

Lunch & Learn: AI and the Kansas Economy
2026-07-14 11:45 - 13:00 | KU Innovation Park Phase III, 2033 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS
Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate, industries compete and communities grow. But what could those changes mean for Kansas?
Join KU Innovation Park on Tuesday, July 14, for our July Lunch and Learn featuring Donna K. Ginther, Roy A. Roberts & Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics at the University of Kansas. Ginther will explore the economic opportunities and challenges AI presents for Kansas, from workforce and innovation to business growth and the state’s long-term competitiveness.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, researcher, business leader or simply curious about AI’s growing role in the economy, you’ll leave with a broader understanding of how this rapidly evolving technology could shape Kansas in the years ahead.
Lunch and networking begin at 11:45 a.m., and the panel discussion will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at KU Innovation Park’s Phase III Facility, 2033 Becker Drive.
This event is free, but registration is required as lunch will be provided. Please register below. The event is open to anyone. You do not have to work for a Park company to attend. If you register and are no longer able to attend, please let us know.

About Donna Ginther
Donna K. Ginther is the Roy A. Roberts & Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics at the University of Kansas and serves as director of both the Institute for Policy & Social Research and the Center for Science, Technology & Economic Policy. Her research focuses on the economics of science, workforce trends, wage inequality and innovation policy, and has been published in leading journals including Science. Ginther’s work has informed policymakers at the national level, and she has advised organizations including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. In 2025, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in recognition of her contributions to economics and public policy.
