OnRamp Hub To Create Product Prototyping Workshop and Training Center

We are thrilled to announce the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas is joining Groover Labs. As part of the membership, the OnRamp Hub will establish an office in the gallery space at the front of the building.

What is the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas?
Funded through the Department of Defense (DoD), the OnRamp Hub: Kansas program is facilitated by FirePoint Innovations Center of Wichita State University’s Industry and Defense Program and focuses on developing dual-use technologies with both commercial and defense applications in support of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), a component of DIU.

What Will the OnRamp Hub Do at Groover Labs?
The OnRamp Hub will transform the gallery into a collaboration space and prototype development workshop for tech hardware startups to support the Department of Defense’s mission. The space will function as a training center where instructors and subject matter experts will have access to equipment to teach prototyping methods and techniques and discuss cutting-edge technologies that support the warfighter. Based on real DoD needs, the workshop prototypes may be further refined and tested by select Mission Partners.

Comments from Groover Labs Co-Founder Tracy Hoover
When asked about the partnership Tracy Hoover, co-founder of Groover Labs, said “Curt and I founded Groover Labs to bring together all the essential elements of a startup ecosystem under one roof, helping founders build transformative technologies in Wichita. With a deep passion for solving engineering problems, Curt envisioned the Maker Labs as a hands-on resource for founders in the early stages of product development.” She continued, “Curt believed that Wichita, with its unique density of engineering talent, could drive hardware innovation. Now, with partnerships like the Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas, I am honored to continue his legacy by scaling our capabilities to establish a physical technology prototyping ecosystem that inspires investment, supports founders, and positions Wichita and the Midwest as leaders in tech development.”

Comments from OnRamp Hub Managing Director Rob Carpenter
When asked about the new collaboration Rob Carpenter, Managing Director of the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas, said “Establishing a presence at Groover Labs was a logical next step for the OnRamp Hub: Kansas team to further connect with the startup ecosystem here in Kansas and the Great Plains. Co-locating with so many innovative people will allow us to identify creative solutions to fill technology gaps we hear from our mission partners across the DoD, and will also encourage more ad-hoc conversations that will lead to a better understanding of the capabilities of the state and region.” He continued, “Additionally, we are here to support these innovators as they navigate the challenges associated with entering into the complex world of contracting with the government.  We are most excited about the Maker Labs and the additional capabilities this brings to the OnRamp Hub program. Advancing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a key factor in demonstrating real world applicability of emerging technologies and we see this as an opportunity to unlock solutions to countless DoD challenges.”

What is Groover Labs?
Groover Labs is a shared coworking space, event venue, and Maker Labs. With over 150 members, we offer affordable office space, desks, studios, and hotseats at below-market rates on a month-to-month basis. Members of the Maker Labs are accepted on a case-by-case basis, depending on their needs and the lab’s capabilities.

In 2019, Groover Labs was grateful to receive an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant from the City of Wichita to fund a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly area, including a pick and place machine, which provides equipment to assemble electronic components into circuit boards. In 2023, the Kansas Department of Commerce awarded Groover Labs funds from the Building A Stronger Economy (BASE) 2.0 grant to expand the flexible workspace and purchase advanced prototyping equipment for the Maker Labs.

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About Groover Labs
Founded in 2020, Groover Labs is a non-profit whose mission is to help foster growth in local startup activity by providing a single location where entrepreneurs and tech workers can get support and share ideas in a collaborative working environment. To fulfill that mission, Groover Labs provides coworking, event, and meeting spaces, and a large prototyping and product development lab. We have a dedicated community of founders, remote workers, entrepreneurs, and freelance workers.

About Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: KansasDefense

Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas is an open front door to the Department of Defense (DoD) innovation ecosystem, providing a physical space within the nationwide DIU/NSIN network where academics, industry, and government can unite to address national security challenges. As a part of NSIN/DIU’s regional engagement strategy, the OnRamp Hub brings the nation’s brightest minds together to develop actionable solutions to complex and critical needs of current and future warfighters.