Welcome back to another edition of Park Points, a quick recap of news, information, and events relevant to KU Innovation Park’s mission and vision.
Our newsletter has launched! We shared the news of our federal funding first in our newsletter. If you’d like to get Park news as it happens, please subscribe here. See what you missed in the first edition.
ICYMI: Park announces federal funding, new director of business services
Spring started with plenty of great news for the Park, including federal funding and a new face on staff.
- The Park secured $22 million in federal funding through the support of Sen. Jerry Moran. The new facility, Phase IV, is the Kansas National Security Innovation Center. Funding was first announced at the FBI/KU Cybersecurity Conference earlier this month.
- Chris Rehkamp, an experienced entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, joined the Park staff as its director of business services. For nearly a decade, Rehkamp has supported the launch and growth of new businesses. He most recently served as associate director of the Technology Venture Studio at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Innovation Center. Send Chris a welcome note here.
Cybersecurity takes center stage at KU
The FBI/KU Cybersecurity Conference put a spotlight on the university’s burgeoning expertise in cybersecurity.
- FBI Director Christopher Wray shared the latest threats and successes in national cybersecurity efforts during his keynote address.
- Jason Rogers, CEO of Park company Invary, participated in a panel sharing insights on cybersecurity from the startup perspective. “Be inspired by research and collaborate with the government,” he told the audience.
- Rogers also highlighted the benefits of being located at the Park. “It brings a diverse set of thoughts to a problem. I find great value in exchanging information,” he said.
Last chance to pitch
The deadline to apply for this year’s Douglas County CORE pitch competition is tonight, April 15, at 11:59 p.m.
- Here’s the online application. There are 18 spots – nine for tech-base startups and nine for non-tech startups. Entrepreneurs chosen to pitch will be notified on Wednesday, April 17.
- Don’t have anything to pitch? Grab a free ticket for the event on April 25 here.
Park Company News
- Congrats to Icorium Engineering Company on their top-5 finish at the Rice Business Plan Competition!
- Sinochips Diagnostics is using DNA testing to save patients from the side effects of drugs.
- Rubrik has filed to go public, which TechCrunch believes hints that the market for tech companies is thawing.
Quick Links
- KU research growth fuels Kansas economy, improves lives
- Voice of the Chiefs offers advice for startups: Stay hungry, humble and pointed toward your goal
Have news and notes to share? Let Lindsey Slater, vice president of strategic communications, know by clicking here.