Reynolds Journalism Institute Lands US$100K To Advance Student Entrepreneurship

University of Missouri’s Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) has landed a US$100,000 grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as a “Kauffman Commercialization Leader”, and aims to use that grant to advance student entrepreneurship. As part of the new grant, RJI intends to document the progress of student entrepreneurs by recording their experiences on video as they go through the commercialization process. These video clips will be put into a repository and made available for other aspiring entrepreneurs.

“We know through our various RJI initiatives, that our students are powerful innovation instigators,” says Keith Politte, manager of the RJI Technology Testing Center. “Our role is to enable them with thoughtful opportunities that allow their entrepreneurial instincts to catch fire.”

“The University of Missouri exhibits a strong commitment to bringing the innovations developed on campuses into the commercial marketplace, which benefits society and ultimately enhances economic growth,” says Carl J. Schramm, Kauffman Foundation president and CEO. “We are very pleased to recognize and support their efforts.”

RJI‘s  recent 2008-2009 student competition saw student teams develop iPhone applications. The competition’s winning team iPhone application, NearBuy, achieved a top 10 business applications rating and maintained a top 20 ranking in the iPhone App Store. They also made it to Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference (you can learn more about their experience here).

The grant will also support the MU Student Angel Capital Program, providing startup funding for student entrepreneurs and the Collaboration Leadership and Innovation for Missouri Business program (CLIMB).