About PIPELINE

IN THIS SECTION:

Message from the Governor

Message from PIPELINE Leadership

History

Benefits

Qualifications

Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions

PIPELINE BENEFITS

Investing in the professional development of tomorrow’s leaders of fast-growing technology companies is a smart strategy for the state of Kansas. Some “experts” will advise high potential scientists and technology entrepreneurs to move to California, Boston or other high-tech hotbeds in order to better access venture capital, mentors and talented employees. Those who do make a move usually put down roots where they experience their first significant success. But the reality in today’s highly networked “flat” world is that entrepreneurs achieve great success in the middle of the country or on the other side of the world. There are no substantive reasons why aspiring entrepreneurs with the greatest potential should feel the need to leave the state when Kansas can create access to know-how, mentors and capital through an innovation such as the KTEC PIPELINE.

For aspiring technology entrepreneurs, this program will offer benefits that will accrue throughout their careers:

• Best-in-class training in the fundamentals of technology entrepreneurship.
• Three-day formal learning sessions each quarter. Innovators will receive cutting-edge education, skill-building and networking. Other components include self-assessments, growth plan, field trips and bonding processes.
• Access to accomplished mentors from technology businesses in or with strong ties to Kansas.
• One-year, $36,000 stipend for discretionary use while exploring opportunities for a startup technology venture.
• Access to venture capitalists with the capabilities of financing early stage technology companies.
• Leverage use of resources to highest potential talent.

For Kansas, the primary goal is to forge strong professional ties between high potential technology entrepreneurs and the business communities in Kansas that can support their future endeavors. Technology entrepreneurs are the leading creators of high-paying jobs and wealth in the U.S. Our goal is to foster more of this high quality economic growth in Kansas. When entrepreneurs with Kansas roots discover that they can accomplish their goals from Kansas, then Kansas communities will benefit from the economic outputs of their creative business pursuits.