Welcome back to the third edition of Park Points. Get a quick recap of news, information and events relevant to the mission and vision of KU Innovation Park.
ICYMI – KC region named Tech Hub
From more than 370 applications, the U.S. Economic Development Administration chose 31 Tech Hubs to apply for funding through the Chips and Science Act of 2022. The KC region, including Lawrence, earned a designation.
- The Kansas City Inclusive Biologics & Biomanufacturing Tech Hub, a.k.a. the KC BioHub, will ramp up life-saving vaccine production and other preventative technologies.
- The hub can apply for phase two funding of up to $75 million.
- KU Innovation Park was one of the 60+ partners of BioNexus KC for the regional proposal.
Economic Impact of AAU Universities
The University of Kansas is a member of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious organization comprised of the country’s leading research universities.
- In 2020 alone, AAU members paid $107.4 billion in salaries to nearly 850,000 employees.
- These universities also produced 4,980 patents while fostering the creation of 622 start-ups.
- Plus, AAU schools perform the majority of research for federal agencies, to the time of $31.5 billion. That’s 64% of the total amount funded.
The Art of Data
Data isn’t just for labs. A pilot course called Community Data Labs through the Kansas Data Science Consortium (KDSC) connected a KU senior with the Lied Center to share data analysis with the performing arts center.
- Student Nikita Kuzin analyzed the Lied Center’s ticket sales data to figure out how audiences find out about performances, buy tickets and their preferred performances.
- The KSDC hopes to fill the need for machine learning and data analytics for small businesses, townships and nonprofits that don’t have the expertise to do it themselves. The overall goal is to help boost economic development in Kansas.
- The KDSC is seeking organizations for spring 2024. Learn how to partner with them by clicking here.
Quick Links:
- A research and development team based at KU recently earned a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to strengthen the security of 5G wireless networks used by U.S. armed forces.
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center announced a $2.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to grow and train future clinical and translational scientists.
- The National Institutes of Health awarded KU Medical Center with a $11.5 million five-year grant to bridge the gap between research knowledge and clinical practice and to reduce health inequities.
What we’re reading:
- State Science & Technology Institute: Data reveals VC market settling from pandemic boom. What will it mean for regional economies?
- Brookings: Five roles communities need for implementing once-in-a-generation federal resources
- Times Higher Education: Eight actions to launch your university start-up
- McKinsey & Company: A vision for medical affairs 2030: Five priorities for patient impact
Have news and notes to share? Let Lindsey Slater, vice president of strategic communications, know by clicking here.