Tucked into a hill on the west campus of the University of Kansas, a group of engineers is tackling global climate change with technology to recycle refrigerants. A team of industry professionals and academic researchers is staying ahead of cybersecurity threats using NSA-licensed technology. A married team of PhDs is making medicine easier to take through dissolvable oral strips. All of this—and more—is happening at KU Innovation Park.
The Park’s Purpose
In 2005, the idea of KU Innovation Park percolated among the organization’s founding partners – leaders with the city of Lawrence, Douglas County, the Chamber of Lawrence, and the University of Kansas. This public-private partnership represents one of the Kansas City region’s most comprehensive economic development coalitions, representing the interests and combined resources of regional government, business, and academic entities.
Its mission is to create, recruit, grow, and retain technology and bioscience businesses in northeast Kansas, with the ultimate vision of building a more modern, resilient, and diverse regional economy. The focus on technology and bioscience is based on the strengths of the University of Kansas. The Park is uniquely positioned to provide startups and growing companies access to world-class research, cutting-edge facilities, and a well-educated talent pipeline.
“We’re dedicated to creating a vibrant community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers who will contribute to our region’s economic growth and resiliency,” said Adam Courtney, CEO of KU Innovation Park. “We’re building a hub of discovery that not only supports individual companies but also positions Lawrence, the Kansas City region, and the state of Kansas as leaders in bioscience and technology development.”
Space + Services
The Park’s facilities boast customizable office and lab space tailored to fit the needs of any company, from concept to Fortune 500. But it’s more than just a collection of buildings. Park tenants have access to a comprehensive suite of business services designed to nurture and accelerate the growth of these companies. From building a pitch deck to facilitating research collaboration with KU, the Park supports companies where and when they need it most.
“Our goal is to create a seamless pathway for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful ventures,” said Chris Rehkamp, the Park’s director of business services. “We offer everything from commercialization planning and financial consulting to networking opportunities and access to capital. We’re here to help navigate challenges and accelerate growth.”
In addition to professional staff, student business analysts support the Park and its resident startup companies. More than an internship, being a business analyst allows students to work as part of a dynamic and professional management team to provide hands-on business development and consulting services to the Park and its resident bioscience and technology companies and startups.
The Park’s Future
The Park’s previous success is the foundation for a bright future. In April 2024, the Park was awarded $22 million in federal funding for Phase IV of its development—the Kansas National Security Innovation Center. The high-security office and lab space will enable collaborative research and commercialization of national security technologies.
That July, KU and Panasonic created a new partnership to develop next-generation technologies and cultivate specialist expertise in lithium-ion batteries, a project the Park will collaborate on.
Adjacent to the Park, the KU Endowment Association is developing The Crossing at KU, a mixed-use development with retail, dining, and living spaces. This development aligns with the strengths and opportunities created by a major international research university and the Park. It will engage the community, attract new business, and position the region for future growth.
By 2036, the Park will welcome 4,000 people a day who will work at one of ten facilities on KU’s west campus to generate the next great discovery. The future is a transformative economic development engine of commercialization, entrepreneurship, small business support, and industry-university collaboration – the nucleus of a regional network supporting innovation-based economic growth.
By the Numbers
- 70+ companies
- 730+ jobs
- $48.5 million in annual payroll
- 135,000+ square feet
