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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The Mighty Middle
Not every startup is destined to be a unicorn. The nickname alone showcases how rare it is. And not every venture aims to be that big-time – some small businesses, like local retail or restaurants, don’t necessarily want to go global. But what about those companies that fall in the middle?
- The Harvard Business Review defines the mighty middle as startups that aim for valuations in the high single-digit or high tens of millions within five to ten years.
- Mighty middle companies usually target midsize niches with high growth potential, and high-tech tools and the internet allow cost-effective targeting of national or global markets.
- Recognizing the distinct traits of a mighty middle startup has implications for entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and entrepreneurship-focused programs.
One suggestion for economic development organizations includes accelerator programs focused on feedback from mentors. If your tech or bioscience company needs support to grow, the Park may be able to help.
KU names next Vice Chancellor for Research
The University of Kansas announced that Shelley Hooks will be its next vice chancellor for research.
- Hooks will join KU from the University of Georgia, where she is the associate vice president for research and a professor at its College of Pharmacy.
- “I am delighted to join the vibrant University of Kansas community,” Hooks said. “I am eager to partner with KU faculty, staff and students to drive forward our shared goals of advancing research, fostering innovation and nurturing creativity in all fields.”
- She will begin her new role on August 4.
The Park welcomes Dr. Hooks and looks forward to working with her!
Threats to Trust
The Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics at KU recently sat down with Dr. Perry Alexander, founder of Park company Invary, to talk about trust in the open-source community.
- The podcast discusses a recent cyber-attack on a Linux tool that most people rely on without thinking about it.
- Hear about the intersection of trust, security and community regarding open-source software.
KU launches new biomedical center
A National Institutes of Health grant will establish KU’s fifth Center of Biomedical Research Excellence. This center will research big data’s potential to improve women’s health.
- “This is part of NIH’s EPSCoR effort to enhance research in states like Kansas that historically have received a smaller portion of the pie,” said principal investigator Heather Desaire, Dean’s Professor and Keith D. Wilner Chair in Chemistry at KU, who will serve as the center’s director.
- The grant, totaling $11.3 million, will support research projects, improve lab facilities, boost collaboration and support three new tenure-track faculty hires in chemistry, psychology and sociology.
News at the Park
- Uplift Coffee will be at the Park next Tuesday, June 4, from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
- ADM is looking for a full-time summer intern for process development support. Learn more and how to apply here.
Have news and notes to share? Let Lindsey Slater, vice president of strategic communications, know by clicking here.