K-State and industry partners make magic happen in the Edge District
Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got. You want to go where research, innovation and opportunity are the main game in town.
For companies who want to tap into K-State brainpower, that place is the Edge District. And now there’s 80,000 additional square feet of space available for them to lease.
What is the Edge District?
Located on the north side of the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, the Edge District is where industry, K-State faculty and students converge to create meaningful innovations and real outcomes that benefit K-State, Kansas and beyond.
Industry partners who lease office space in the Edge enrich research endeavors on campus, bring valuable industry insights, build regional and international partnerships and tap into student talent.
The newest addition to the Edge is an office building at 1960 Kimball Avenue, alongside two existing Edge office buildings to the east and adjacent to the grain science research corridor.
“One of the most attractive things about the Edge District is the opportunity to be a part of the Manhattan community,” said Gabe Hernandez ’95, vice president of transmission and distribution services at Burns & McDonnell, a company with an office in the Edge. “We’re always looking for opportunities to find synergies with the universities we recruit from, and K-State is one of the top ones.”
Why the Edge District?
Proximity to campus enables faculty, students and industry to work together at solving everyday problems, as well as tackling global challenges. And what better way for students to get hands-on experience where they live and go to school than with an internship that also helps industry attract top talent for future employment?
“Being able to attract interns and have them get to know your company is beneficial for everyone. It brings new talent and new ideas to your company,” said Josh Wolters, founder and president of SurePoint AG Systems, a current Edge resident. “Students get real-world experiences. They get to translate what they learn in the classroom to what they’re going to do professionally.”
Where opportunities abound
The Edge District delivers a win-win situation for all involved.
“The Edge is one of the most exciting projects happening in our region, in that it creates a gateway to possibility,” said K-State President Richard Linton. “It empowers our students to innovate and explore in an atmosphere of true collaboration across disciplines and industries, and it gives industry access to a pipeline of best-in-class talent — all right here on our campus. This latest building will provide even more opportunities for our students and future-focused businesses to come together.”
The new building will be home to K-State’s Office for Corporate Engagement and Economic Development, the K-State Research Foundation Technology Commercialization and New Ventures Development Group, and K-State 105. These offices will forge connections with local, regional and state entities to support K-State’s economic prosperity initiatives. They’ll focus on commercial deployment of K-State innovation via licensing and business startup, as well as attracting, growing and retaining large businesses in Kansas.
And there’s fun, too!
While a lot of work happens at the Edge, it’s also a great place for entertainment. It’s just north of K-State Athletics, making it the perfect pregame destination.
Rockin K’s provides delicious and creative pre-game food and beverages. And if caffeine is your thing, Brothers Coffee is located in the new building.
Learn more at The Edge District at K-State
