Happy holidays! Welcome back to another edition of Park Points. Get a quick recap of news, information and events relevant to the mission and vision of KU Innovation Park. Please note that the administrative offices for the Park will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1.
InvestMidwest set for April 2024
For the first time since 2019, InvestMidwest is headed to the KC Heartland. The startup-investor conference and showcase will welcome dozens of companies on April 17 and 18. The event’s goal is for entrepreneurs to connect and raise capital.
- The early decision window is closed for companies, but applications will reopen in January.
- The event includes the chance to get feedback on your pitch and opportunities to meet with investors.
Headlines from Park companies
- ADM issued its first annual report on regenerative agriculture, the focus of its presence at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai last week.
- Burns & McDonnell shared a new white paper, Preparing for Successful and Sustainable Electric Vehicle Market Growth. Projections show that over one-third of all lightweight vehicles will be electric by 2030.
- Cingulate received guidance from the FDA on advancing an investigational asset for the treatment of anxiety into clinical development.
- One of the newest Park-affiliated companies, Mpruv Sports, was featured in a startup scout blog, Venturous.
Quick links
- Congratulations to Mary Rezac, the new dean of the KU School of Engineering.
- The KU Research Grant Opportunity program works to expand the university’s research enterprise by supporting the work needed to prepare proposals for competitive external funding opportunities. The 2024 proposal deadline is January 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
- The Kansas Consortium Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence is seeking proposals for annual national security research funding. The deadline is January 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
- Have a young entrepreneur in your life? The Douglas County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is accepting applications! Applications are due February 2. The event will be held on February 16 at Peaslee Tech in Lawrence.
What we’re reading:
- Arch Daily: What are innovation districts?
- EAB: 7 missteps university leaders must avoid in their AI approach
- S Small Business Administration: These small business trends look to shape 2024
- PitchBook: North America claims largest share of early-stage global VC deals
- McKinsey: New-business building: A winning strategy in uncertain times
Have news and notes to share? Let Lindsey Slater, vice president of strategic communications, know by clicking here.