School:Kent State University

Overview - Excellence in Action

Kent State University is a large, public state school in Northeast Ohio with over 26,000 students at the main campus. Kent State University is a leader in university research, placed 77th in the nation. Kent is made up of 8 different campuses spread throughout the region. It has satellite locations in New York City, Florence, and Cleveland. 

Some of Kent State University's strongest programs include Liquid Crystal Research, Fashion Merchandising and Design, Journalism and Mass Communication, Architecture, and Nursing. With such a wide variety of strengths, Kent has a very diverse and accepting population of creative and entrepreneurial students. 

Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Along with the rest of Northeast Ohio, Kent State University is experiencing a rise in the entrepreneurial spirits among students. As more programs are being added within the university, students are challenging themselves creatively as well as academically. Kent has a variety of degree programs spanning Entrepreneurship to Fashion Merchandising to Computer Science. Students can minor in subjects like Innovation or Megatronics. In the Entrepreneurship Department lies many resources for business sutdents including venture assistance and mentorship. The College of Business also has a co-working space called the Brinzo Lab for students to work and collaborate on campus. 

In addition to Kent State's many degree programs, Kent State has a branch of Blackstone Launchpad, a student venture accelerator. Housed in the middle of the Student Center, Blackstone Launchpad holds a variety of events including workshops, networking events, and more to inspire students and to speak to their entrepreneurial spirit. Blackstone Launchpad works with some of Kent State's student organizations to reach students from all areas of study. 

Kent State has over 300 student organizations, many of which have a creative or entrepreneurial focus. HacKSU is an organization focused on computer programming, teaching students from all dicsiplines to code build technology projects. HacKSU hosts Kent Hack Enough, a fall hackathon, each year. With about 400 participants, Kent Hack Enough is the largest collegiate hackathon in Ohio. HacKSU also participates in the Fashion Hackathon, a winter hackathon focused on wearable technology hosted by Blackstone Launchpad and the Fashion School's TechStyle Lab. Kent State's chapter of AIGA, an organization for graphic design students, hosts a Create-athon. 

Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Kent State's faculty are a vital part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Many of them have real-world experience creating their own businesses or working on start-ups. The faculty works hard to support the students and their ventures. The deans of the University are working together to bring a makerspace to campus as a resource for students. The faculty supports the ecosystem by holding events like the Kent State Mini Maker Faire and monthy maker meet ups to encourage making and cross-disciplinary exploration. 

University Tech Transfer Function

Specializing in Tech Transfer, Kent State has the Office of Corporate Engagement and Commercialization. Kent State holds over 190 patents for student and faculty inventions. Inventors go to this office with their ideas and the office will do all the research and paperwork to acquire the patent.

University-Industry Collaboration

Northest Ohio is a region that specializes in industrial and technological industries. Kent State University has strong relations to many companies in different parts of the region including Akron, Cleveland, and Youngstown. Outside companies get involved on campus through many events such as business pitch competitions and hackathons. Student Organizations tour different companies frequently, and Kent State hosts career fairs. Many incubators and accelerators are involved and accept Kent State students into their programs. 

Many faculty get involved with student innovation by sponsoring and mentoring different student-led events like Kent Hack Enough and the Fashion Hackathon. Faculty work closely with student organizations to promote creativity and innovation around campus. 

Regional and Local Economic Developments

Kent, Ohio is a unique down because the University and the downtown areas are strongly connected. In the past few years, the township has developed the downtown area with many small businesses. Kent State has