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.
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Entrepreneurial events
Spring has sprung, and there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about, learn the latest in tech and make connections in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- April 4 at 8 a.m.: The FBI & KU Cybersecurity Conference returns to KU Memorial Union. Keynote speakers include FBI Director Christopher Wray, Bernard Global CEO Stevan Bernard, and Sen. Jerry Moran. Registration is $25, and attendees must pre-register here.
- April 5 at 9 a.m.: The Park is pleased to host and support the first-ever Lawrence Tech Conference, along with Park company Invary, organized by the Lawrence Tech Guild. With great roots in innovative technology like the origin of Google Earth and the Django Framework, Lawrence is taking its famous origins and building towards the future. Speakers include Elizabeth Christensen, Taejoon Kim and Brian McClendon. Register for free here.
- April 25: The Douglas County CORE Pitch Competition is back for its second year. Fill out this interest form to let organizers know how you’d like to participate, from pitching your business and mentoring entrepreneurs to volunteering at the event.
Local coverage: Lawrence Tech Conference
Thanks to The Lawrence Times for publishing a preview of the Lawrence Tech Conference!
- “Lawrence has a lot of great technical talent — experienced people living in the community,” Jason Rogers, CEO of Park company Invary, told the Times. “There’s no reason that we shouldn’t have more technology companies, technology jobs in this area.”
Park hiring summer student business analysts
The Park is looking for full-time student business analysts for the summer. This paid internship supports the Park and its resident companies through hands-on business development and consulting services. Analysts work closely with Park staff, company leadership and each other to solve complex and challenging problems that can affect real businesses. See what to include in your submission and how to submit it here.
Park Company News
- Likarda CEO Stella Vnook sat down with The Medicine Maker to discuss trends in cell and gene therapeutics.
- Rubrik CEO Bipul Sinha shared how the company keeps Fortune 500 ventures safe from cyberattacks.
Quick Links
- Universities say they promote economic development, but how? This article from New America explains.
- KC has requested $75 million in federal funds as part of the Tech Hubs program. Here’s the latest from Startland News. (Note: KU Innovation Park is part of the KC Biohub consortium.)
- The KU School of Business shared its Five Questions series featuring Josh Wexler, a professor of the practice and Innovator-in-Residence.
Have news and notes to share? Let Lindsey Slater, vice president of strategic communications, know by clicking here.