Lawrence, Kansas — July 6, 2026 — Techstars, the globally recognized startup accelerator and investment network, has announced a new three-year partnership with the University of Kansas School of Business, marking a major investment in the future of entrepreneurship and founder development across the Jayhawk community and contributing to innovation in Kansas and the broader Midwest region.

The partnership reconnects Techstars with the Kansas City innovation ecosystem, where the organization previously played a defining role in helping shape one of the Midwest’s most promising startup communities. Through its accelerator presence in Kansas City, Techstars helped founders access mentorship, capital, and a global entrepreneurial network that contributed to positioning the city on the national innovation stage.

Now, through this new collaboration, Techstars and the KU School of Business will work together to create new opportunities for students, researchers, alumni, and aspiring entrepreneurs across the university, while strengthening connections with the broader regional startup community.

The partnership is designed to expand entrepreneurial access, strengthen founder support systems, and cultivate innovation-driven programming that empowers the next generation of builders and problem-solvers.

Get in touch or sign up to our program waitlist here.

“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for entrepreneurship in Kansas and across the Midwest.” - Glory Eromosele, Program Manager, KU & Techstars Programs at Techstars

“This partnership strengthens KU’s role as a driver of innovation and economic growth in Kansas and the Midwest. By connecting the KU community with Techstars’ global network, we are creating a cohesive founder journey at KU and expanding the number of Jayhawk entrepreneurs.” - Jide Wintoki, Dean of the KU School of Business

“Greater access to mentorship, capital, and technical expertise will better equip our students, researchers, and alumni with the skills to compete in today’s innovation economy, including building and scaling technology-based startups." - Brian Anderson, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives at the KU School of Business

By combining KU’s academic and research strengths with Techstars’ global network of founders, mentors, investors, and operators, the partnership aims to create meaningful pathways for innovation and startup creation close to home while connecting emerging entrepreneurs to opportunities worldwide.

Additional programming and community initiatives connected to the partnership will be announced in the coming months.

About Techstars

Techstars helps founders succeed. Through its global accelerators, Techstars invests in early-stage startups led by entrepreneurs building a better future for everyone. By leveraging its worldwide network of alumni, mentors, partners, and investors, Techstars supports founders while helping build thriving startup communities around the globe. Since 2006, Techstars has invested in industry-defining companies, including Chainalysis, Zipline, DataRobot, Alloy, and many more.

About the University of Kansas School of Business

The University of Kansas School of Business develops analytical thinkers and creative problem solvers who drive change in business and beyond. Through academic and co-curricular entrepreneurship programs, KU students of every major and experience level learn to tackle meaningful challenges, building an entrepreneurial competency that equips them to thrive in any career.

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