Creating Solutions from Research at KSU
At Kennesaw State University, innovation is more than discovery—it’s a bridge between bold ideas and real-world solutions. KSU Innovation connects faculty, students, entrepreneurs, and industry partners in a shared mission to solve today’s most pressing challenges through applied research, technology development, and purposeful collaboration. From early-stage product development and intellectual property creation to startup support and corporate partnerships, our innovation ecosystem transforms opportunities to acceleration and lasting growth.
KSU proudly offers the talent, expertise, and resources to move ideas forward.
Experience Innovation at KSU
Supporting Startups & Entrepreneurs
KSU empowers entrepreneurs with the tools to launch, grow, and scale their ventures. From incubator programs and prototyping space to educational opportunities and access to student talent, we connect startups with the resources, expertise, and partnerships needed to move ideas into action.
Resources for Founders & Startup Teams
- Startup Incubation & Business Development
- Founder Networking & Peer Learning
- Prototyping Resources & Workspace Access
- Student Collaborators for Startup Projects
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Programs & Services
Aspiring Community Entrepreneurs (ACE)
The Aspiring Community Entrepreneurs (ACE) program empowers early-stage entrepreneurs who have faced barriers to opportunity or access—particularly those from historically underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds—to gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to grow strong, sustainable businesses.
learn moreFamily Enterprise Center
The Family Enterprise Center (FEC) is a practical hub for the family enterprise field, sharing common experiences when navigating the business spaces where family relationships and professional demands coexist
learn moreHatchBridge Incubator
HatchBridge Incubator supports North Atlanta entrepreneurs with vital resources for successful business development. Programming includes training on customer segmentation.
learn moreStartup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE)
Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) exists to open the door to economic opportunity for veterans and military family members by equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and connections to succeed in business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to strengthen your early-stage venture, STRIVE is here to help you build your future.
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Educational & Networking Opportunities
HatchBridge Incubator
HatchBridge Incubator supports North Atlanta entrepreneurs with vital resources for successful business development.
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Incubator & Prototyping Space
HatchBridge Incubator
HatchBridge Incubator supports North Atlanta entrepreneurs with vital resources for successful business development.
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Access to Student Talent
Connect with the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center
At the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, there are many ways to engage with both students and start-ups.
learn moreOffice of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate students innovate solutions aligned to real-world applications, which leads to their transformative experience from consumers to producers of knowledge.
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Industry Partners: Connect with Emerging Talent
KSU students bring fresh ideas, technical skills, and a problem-solving mindset to real-world challenges. Through research partnerships, internships, and project-based collaborations, industry partners can connect with high-performing undergraduates ready to contribute to your organization’s innovation and growth.
Collaboration Opportunities for Your Industry
- Student Internships & Co-ops
- Applied Research Collaboration
- Capstone & Class Project Partnerships
- Workforce Pipeline Development
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Access to KSU Student Talent
Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center
At the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, there are many ways to engage with both students and start-ups.
learn moreOffice of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate students innovate solutions aligned to real-world applications, which leads to their transformative experience from consumers to producers of knowledge.
learn more
Alumni: Promoting the Next Generation of Innovators
As a KSU graduate, you can help shape the future by engaging with student researchers and emerging talent. Whether you're looking to mentor, collaborate, or tap into fresh ideas, the Office of Undergraduate Research offers meaningful ways to stay connected and contribute to the surrounding community with real innovation.
Ways for Alumni to Get Involved
- Alumni Mentorship & Guest Speaking
- Student-Faculty Innovation Partnerships
- Participation in Innovation Events
- Support for Undergraduate Research Initiatives
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Access to KSU Student Talent
Connect with the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center
At the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, there are many ways to engage with both students and start-ups.
learn moreOffice of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate students innovate solutions aligned to real-world applications, which leads to their transformative experience from consumers to producers of knowledge.
learn more
Students: Launch Your Future Through Innovation
Whether you're interested in launching a startup, growing your network, or gaining real-world experience, KSU offers a wide range of opportunities to help you turn ideas into action. From leadership development and funding support to incubator access and internships, you’ll find the resources to shape your future and make your mark.
Opportunities to Grow, Lead, and Launch
- Leadership Development & Professional Networking
- Startup Support & Mentorship
- Innovation Funding & Pitch Competitions
- Access to Incubators & Collaborative Workspaces
- Career Connections & Internship Placement
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Education & Networking
Entrepreneurship
Whether you want to start your own company or help others develop their companies, the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship degree will get you on the right path.
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Coles College Leadership Scholars
The Coles College Leadership Scholars program is a leadership development program designed to give high-achieving, highly motivated business students unique opportunities that challenge them, expand their capabilities, and improve their professional networks. If you are a high-performing business student looking to maximize your college experience, then this program may be for you.
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Startup Assistance
The Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center
The Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center provides valuable support and resources to many entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses.
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Funding
Mookerji Innovation Fund
learn moreThe Mookerji Innovation Fund at Kennesaw State University provides over $120,000 annually in startup capital to support students and recent alumni with innovative, tech-focused business ideas.
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Incubator Space
HatchBridge Incubator
HatchBridge Incubator supports North Atlanta entrepreneurs with vital resources for successful business development.
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Careers & Internships
Career Planning and Development
Internships and co-ops can help you make the most of your KSU experience by allowing you the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and ultimately gain valuable work experience.
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Faculty: Advance Research, Innovation, and Impact
KSU empowers faculty to turn research into real-world solutions. Whether you’re building interdisciplinary collaborations, launching a startup, pursuing commercialization, or securing funding, we offer the tools, resources, and infrastructure to help bring your ideas to life—and to market.
Pathways to Research & Publication
- Interdisciplinary Research Communities & Peer Collaboration
- Startup Support & Licensing Programs
- Innovation-Focused Grant & Seed Funding Opportunities
- Incubator Space & Venture Development Resources
- Intellectual Property Disclosures & Protection Tools
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Education & Networking
Research Communities
The Research Communities at KSU represent an interdisciplinary infrastructure with resources to provide faculty with meaningful research and entrepreneurial experience.
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Startup Assistance
Quick Start License Program
The Quick Start License Program aims to better position KSU startup companies for success by offering preferred option and licensing terms, and priority support services.
learn moreFaculty Startup Company Guide
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Funding
Innovation Launch Pad
The Innovation Launch Pad is a 5-session workshop, followed by asynchronous coaching, modeled on the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program.
learn moreSmall Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR)
Through SBIR and STTR programs, federal agencies award non-dilutive funding in 2 phases to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization.
Georgia Research Alliance
The Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) provides non-dilutive grant funding to support the commercialization of university owned IP at Georgia universities.
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Incubator Space
HatchBridge Incubator
HatchBridge Incubator supports North Atlanta entrepreneurs with vital resources for successful business development.
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Disclose Intellectual Property
KSU IP Policy
Read the KSU’s current Intellectual Property Policy. Because a significant portion of KSU's IP policy was based on the University System of Georgia policy on Intellectual Properties, reading this policy is recommended.
learn moreInvention Disclosure Form
access formSoftware Disclosure
view disclosure
Explore More Ways to Partner with KSU
From protecting your innovations to launching startups, Kennesaw State offers a full suite of services to support industry collaboration and research-driven growth. Discover how our team can help bring your ideas to market, train your workforce, and advance your business goals.
Driving Impact Through Research Communities
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Innovative Creativity
Explore breakthroughs in creative media, performing arts, game design, interactive technology, and AI-powered storytelling. -
Health and Wellness
Join interdisciplinary efforts to advance health research and wellness outcomes across diverse populations. -
Resilient Communities
Collaborate on technologies and strategies that support resilient communities. -
Applied Technologies
Connect with research focused on real-world applications of emerging technologies to solve today’s toughest problems.
Let's Work Together
Whether you're a startup, Fortune 500 company, or nonprofit, KSU is ready to collaborate. From sponsored research to workforce partnerships, we make it easy to get started.
Name
Position
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Christopher Cornelison Assistant Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Associate Professor of Microbiology
Assistant Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Associate Professor of Microbiology
ccornel5@kennesaw.edu
(470) 578-5115
SC 519 -
Colin Ake Executive Director, Incubation and Commercialization
Executive Director, Incubation and Commercialization
cake@kennesaw.edu
(678) 977-7039
HB 1111 -
Graham Gintz Associate Director, Hatchbridge Incubator
Associate Director, Hatchbridge Incubator
ggintz@kennesaw.edu
(470) 578-6637
HB 1111 -
Tom Waters Director, Technology Transfer
Director, Technology Transfer
twater34@kennesaw.edu
(470) 578-5348
KH 3420-A