\u2014 including hosting a national conference there \u2014<\/a> but is working to secure two lab spaces at the park for quantum computing research this spring, company President Trey Rutledge told the Journal-World. <\/p>\nThe lab spaces would have direct links to quantum computers operated by two of the largest players in the industry, Rutledge said. Researchers \u2014 the company has three employees currently \u2014 would use time on those supercomputers to research how quantum computing can improve areas such as climate modeling, financial analysis, drug discovery, supply chains and other systems that involve complex mathematics or massive amounts of data. <\/p>\n
Rutledge hopes to finalize agreements and launch the labs in March. Once launched, he said the lab won\u2019t only be doing research for the sake of research, but will be able to work with companies or entire industries to use the power of quantum computing to create new efficiencies. At that point, he thinks his company\u2019s Lawrence operations could grow significantly. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think what we have put together has legs of its own,\u201d Rutledge said. \u201cOnce we get it going, we will see what it grows into. Only time will tell, but I definitely think we have the right players, and we are in the right place with the right support team.\u201d <\/p>\n
As for who is supporting the venture, Rutledge, who is an Olathe resident, said the company has support from a \u201cfamily office\u201d \u2014 generally a type of private wealth management firm \u2014 based in Charleston, South Carolina. <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/KU-aerial-1100x619.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
photo by: Shawn Valverde\/Special to the Journal-World<\/p>\n
The University of Kansas campus is pictured in this aerial photo from September 2023.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u2022\u2022<\/p>\n
KU is providing thousands of dollars in state grant funding to six university researchers who leaders believe are on the verge of launching successful research-based companies. <\/p>\n
The six researchers are the first to receive awards under a new program called Rock Chalk Ready, which aims to help university researchers navigate the risks involved with turning research findings into a commercial business. The six researchers and their projects are: <\/p>\n
\u2022 Alan Allgeier, a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering, studying technologies to extract corn oil during the ethanol production process. <\/p>\n
\u2022 Michael Hageman, a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry, studying formulations for oral testosterone replacement therapy. <\/p>\n
\u2022 Divya Kamath, an assistant professor of cancer biology, studying therapies for multiple sclerosis. <\/p>\n
\u2022 Simon Patton, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, studying medical devices for improved hysterectomy surgeries. <\/p>\n
\u2022 Shyam Sathyamoorthi, an associate professor of medicinal chemistry, studying antifungal and antibacterial agents for industrial agricultural uses. <\/p>\n
\u2022 Mark Shiflett, a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering, studying acids for the fuel and detergent industries. <\/p>\n
The Rock Chalk Ready awards program is funded by a FORGE grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. In its recent announcement, KU did not specify how much each research project received in award money. However, when KU announced last year that it had received the Department of Commerce grant, the university said it anticipated providing research awards of $35,000 to each researcher chosen for the program. <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_3917-1100x733.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
photo by: Chad Lawhorn\/Journal-World<\/p>\n
KU Innovation Park\u2019s new research and office building opened to the public on Aug. 17, 2022. <\/p>\n
\u2022\u2022\u2022<\/p>\n
KU Innovation Park is one of two entities in the state that have been tasked with distributing $800,000 in start-up assistance to entrepreneurs and early-stage companies in Kansas. <\/p>\n
The funding is part of a pilot program through the Kansas Department of Commerce that is trying to boost business innovation in the state. The program \u2014 dubbed ACCEL-KS \u2014 will provide monetary support for young companies that are developing a proof-of-concept for a product, need funding to access lab space, require assistance in business planning or are in need of mentorship and coaching. <\/p>\n
KU Innovation Park and Grover Labs \u2014 a Wichita-based nonprofit that helps young businesses \u2014 were awarded a combined $800,000 in state funding to distribute to approximately 30 start-up companies. A requirement of the state program is that at least 30% of the selected projects come from rural Kansas. <\/p>\n
Businesses interested in applying for the program should schedule an appointment with a representative at KU Innovation Park for more information. <\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
photo by: AdobeStock
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