Rockhurst University’s vast roster of student organizations has a new addition: the Idea Lab, an innovation incubator dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving.
Founded in spring 2024 by junior Lars Yarkosky, the organization allows students to pursue self-motivated projects, offering hands-on support and resources. Members can collaborate with peers through a structured curriculum, guiding them from concept to product. This curriculum was developed by Mike Farmer, co-founder and CEO of Leap2, LLC mobile search venture., and former co-founder of carbon mitigation company CAP-CO2, bringing real-world expertise to students’ entrepreneurial journeys.
When students reach the prototype stage, they can request funding from the student senate to create their product.
The organization offers mentorship from professionals in relevant fields to help shape ideas and lay the groundwork for a go-to-market plan. With connections to local venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, students will receive valuable feedback and insights, enhancing their projects and expanding their networks.
The goal is for students to create a prototype to either enter into an innovation competition to gain further funding or take it directly to the market to start earning revenue.
There are several active projects in Idea Lab, including one being built by freshmen Keira Naidoo and Alexandria Tullius who are also on the cross-country team. They are creating a robotic running assistant that helps you maintain pace during a run – a great example of how the Idea Lab helps students turn their interests into real-world innovations.
Additionally, Yarkosy and junior Abby Gerstner are working on developing a web app called Task Pop intended to streamline outdoor event organization and management using mapping software.
Yarkosky emphasized that while the majority of Idea Lab’s members are STEM majors, the organization welcomes and would be beneficial for any career industry.
“Innovation exists within every industry, and within every company,” said Yarkosky.
Problem-solving is at the core of Idea Lab. Seeing a project from start to finish means overcoming significant obstacles—one of the most valuable skills in any career. The organization also emphasizes teamwork, with members often finding solutions through the new perspectives of their peers. Beyond project experience, Idea Lab offers a strong resume boost, catering to specific skills students want to learn and develop.
Idea Lab meets every other Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the STEAM Studio in the basement of the Greenlease Library with the next meeting being Nov. 20. All students are encouraged to attend.
