KS: Department of Commerce Launches ACCEL-KS Program to Fast-Track Innovation

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation is proud to announce the launch of the Accelerating Concept to Commercialization in Kansas (ACCEL-KS) program, an initiative aimed at fast-tracking innovative ideas to market-ready solutions. The program is designed to empower entrepreneurs, foster collaboration, maximize diverse resources, and support Kansas businesses to drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs in target industries.

“ACCEL-KS embodies Kansas’ bold commitment to supporting innovators and entrepreneurs by providing the tools, resources and collaborative network they need to create home-grown wealth and products throughout the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By strengthening the pipeline from concept to commercialization, we are positioning our state as a hub for transformative technologies and additional economic growth.”

The Office of Innovation seeks to collaborate with existing incubators or innovation centers on Proof-of-Concept (PoC) programming. In partnership with Commerce, entities will be awarded up to $500,000 to develop and deliver a statewide PoC network. The awards require a 25% cash match.

“The ACCEL-KS partners will align with the Office of Innovation’s goals to accelerate the state’s innovation economy,” Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Romaine Redman said. “Through this model, we are forging a partnership for excellence as we surround innovators and entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship and commercialization support needed to turn bold ideas into market-ready solutions.”

To be selected, innovation incubators and centers are required to outline a plan detailing how a statewide PoC program would work. The plans must be focused on identifying and supporting idea- and early-stage entrepreneurs through the development of high-impact PoC projects by providing technical assistance, mentorship, prototyping resources and commercialization support to innovators.

Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. May 9.