August 19, 2020
Wichita State University is awarded $100k Heartland Challenge grant to help increase the entrepreneurial activity in the Midwest region
By WSU Strategic Initiatives
Today, industry-driven research and innovation provide the foundation for technology-based economic development. In order for the heartland economy to grow, or even maintain economic prosperity, the region needs to improve its innovative capacity through greater investment in local manufacturing-demonstration institutions, enhanced understanding of supply chains and workforce gaps, and additional institutions for collaboration and networking. The Heartland Challenge grant, provided by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, will assist a number of programs WSU facilitates, such as Rise of the Rest, I-Corps, and SBIR, to increase the volume of technologies in development and increase the successful market launch of new products that are competitive in global markets. Wichita State University will collaboratively work with Kauffman and stakeholders from neighboring states to build complementary programs that expand support to aspiring entrepreneurs and increase access to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This 12-month grant will help support the university’s efforts to act as an economic driver for the community. The grant will be collaboratively administered by WSU Strategic Initiatives and the department of Innovation & New Ventures. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Heartland Program will build cross-university programs that increase knowledge related to securing research and development funding and commercializing available technology to start new businesses. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2WkpgoF
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works with communities in education and entrepreneurship to increase opportunities that allow all people to learn, take risks, and own their success. The Kauffman Foundation is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and uses its $2 billion in assets to collaboratively help people be self-sufficient, productive citizens. For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect with us at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn.
