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! If you’d like to get Park news, please subscribe here. See what you missed in the latest edition.
Are you ready for AI?
The Park is thrilled to bring tech entrepreneur and Ancestry.com founder Paul Allen to Lawrence for a free lunch and learn on Wednesday, September 25.
- As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine the future of business, entrepreneurs and innovators must stay ahead of the curve.
- Allen will delve into the rapidly evolving world of AI technologies and their impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
- His latest venture, Soar.com, is an AI studio that will form more than fifteen separate corporations to bring PURE AI (Personalized Uplifting Responsible Ethical AI) to many fields.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required before Friday, September 20. Lunch is included. Learn more about Paul Allen here.
Innovation fueled by creativity
As students descend upon Lawrence for the start of the semester, one class that might be on their schedule is “Boundless Creativity.” Josh Wexler, the business school’s innovator-in-residence, teaches the six-week course.
- “Knowing how to be creative is also a part of learning how to take matters in your own hands — or not be a victim about things — and learning how to really build better relationships,” explained Wexler in an article from Startland News.
- The class is small—eight students—and focuses on honing practices and skills like listening and curiosity. To cap off the experience, each student creates an audio journal.
- This is just one aspect of the business school’s focus on entrepreneurship, which offers a minor, a certificate and various hands-on learning opportunities
GEWKC announces lineup and location
Planning for Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City is well underway! The event, which will take place November 19-21, will utilize Union Station as its base camp.
- “Global Entrepreneurship Week — Kansas City will help you learn new things to boost your business or side hustle, connect with key experts and have a little fun,” said Callie England, director of brand marketing for the UMKC Innovation Center and KCSourceLink, which has organized GEWKC since 2008.
- Check out the full schedule here. The event is free, but registration is required.
In the news
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the University of Kansas $26 million to establish a new Gen-4 Engineering Research Center (ERC) — Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) — that will create a sustainable and circular refrigerant economy. Mark Shiflett – co-founder of Park company Icorium Engineering – serves as the director of EARTH.
- The KC Tech Council recently featured park company Invary in its 4×4 series. Check it out here.
Funding opportunities
- The Kauffman Foundation recently shared its new grantmaking strategy and upcoming opportunities.
- The organization offers capacity building, project, research, and collective impact grants on an ongoing cycle and one-time sunset
- Take a deeper dive into the changes with Startland News.
- NASA wants your CubeSat. Learn more about the agency’s CubeSat Launch Initiative.
- Douglas County CORE’s Launchpad event is a weekend-long hackathon at the Park with a $15,000 prize pool for early-stage tech projects or businesses. Submit your idea here or find a team that weekend.
Upcoming events at the Park
- On Wednesday, September 25, enjoy That Gelato & Sorbetto Guy between 2-3 p.m.
- 1 Million Cups Lawrence is at the Park every Wednesday at 9 a.m. They are always looking for entrepreneurs to present, and you can apply to do that here.
Have news and notes to share? Let Lindsey Slater, vice president of strategic communications, know by clicking here.