It’s hard to believe another year is coming to an end. At the Park, 2024 had plenty of good news to celebrate. Here’s our year in review.
TOP STORIES of 2024
The Park had a busy year! Here are the stories that made the biggest splash on social media and our website.
- Adam Courtney was named CEO of KU Innovation Park in March. He started as the Park’s vice president of finance in January 2014. In September 2023, after the passing of its founding executive chair, LaVerne Epp, he was named interim CEO.
- In April, The Park secured $22 million in federal funding for the Phase IV facility.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a long-time supporter of the Park, helped secure the funding as the co-chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies.
- That same month, Chris Rehkamp joined the Park as its director of business services. An experienced entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, Chris has supported the launch and growth of new businesses for nearly a decade.
- The Park announced in May that its Phase III graduate expansion facility was at capacity. The building, which includes lab and office space, also features a large meeting space that has hosted many business and community events.
- Adam packed his bags and journeyed to Japan in July to support a new MOU between KU and Panasonic Energy to promote next-generation technologies and expertise in lithium-ion batteries.
- And in September, the Park announced the launch of the Oread Angel Investors network. The membership-based network allows startups to regularly present investment opportunities to prospective investors, improving access to capital.
We welcomed four companies this year and added over $700,000 to our annual payroll. Plus, our companies added 70 jobs to the Park system.
a few other 2024 highlights
The Park hosted the first-ever Lawrence Tech Conference, organized by the Lawrence Tech Guild, featuring various speakers, including Brian McClendon.
ONE FINAL NOTE…
The Park couldn’t do it without the support of our founding partners, dedicated companies, collaborators and supporters, and all of you. Here’s to 2025 being another year of progress and partnerships!