Jan 14, 2025

K-State opens innovation hub to advance research, economic development

Posted Jan 14, 2025 2:00 PM
Kansas State University recently celebrated the ribbon cutting for a new collaborative office space that will serve as a catalyst for research commercialization, industry partnership and economic growth. From left: Emily Garwood, associate director of corporate engagement; Jessica Gnad, director of K-State 105; Marshall Stewart, executive vice president of external engagement and chief of staff; Richard Linton, president; Willie the Wildcat; David Toland, Kansas lieutenant governor and secretary of commerce; Hans Coetzee, interim vice president for research; Lindsay Gragg, director of licensing for the K-State Research Foundation; and Rachelle Banwart, executive director of corporate engagement. |
Kansas State University recently celebrated the ribbon cutting for a new collaborative office space that will serve as a catalyst for research commercialization, industry partnership and economic growth. From left: Emily Garwood, associate director of corporate engagement; Jessica Gnad, director of K-State 105; Marshall Stewart, executive vice president of external engagement and chief of staff; Richard Linton, president; Willie the Wildcat; David Toland, Kansas lieutenant governor and secretary of commerce; Hans Coetzee, interim vice president for research; Lindsay Gragg, director of licensing for the K-State Research Foundation; and Rachelle Banwart, executive director of corporate engagement. |

By LINDLEY LUND

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University has unveiled a new collaborative office space that will catalyze research commercialization, industry partnerships and economic growth. The facility is in the Kansas State University Foundation's Edge District and brings together three key units: the Kansas State University Research Foundation, the Office of Corporate Engagement and K-State 105.

Kansas Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland joined K-State President Richard Linton and other university leaders on Friday, Jan. 10, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the milestone achievement.

"This new space represents so much more than just a physical location. It embodies our commitment to driving economic growth in Kansas and beyond," Linton said.

"By bringing together our key offices under one roof, we're streamlining the process for industry partnerships and creating clear pathways to turn academic discoveries into real-world solutions.

"The facility at 1960 Kimball Ave. houses teams focused on intellectual property management, research commercialization, corporate partnerships and economic development initiatives.The space will serve as a central point for industry partners to engage with K-State researchers and access university innovations while supporting the university's broader economic development throughout Kansas.

"K-State has a new front door for private sector engagement with the university — the Edge District," Toland said. "This is much more than just shared office space — it's an opportunity for businesses to engage with the vast research capacity and talent pipeline that Kansas State University has to offer.

The state will continue making strategic investments in partnerships such as the innovative Edge District in order to create tomorrow's wealth here in Kansas."

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