PORTSMOUTH-Construction on the Shawnee State University Kricker Innovation Hub (KIH) is progressing. Once completed, the KIH will bring a unique opportunity to students on campus as well as the surrounding community members.

“There are a variety of opportunities, mainly focused around entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity,” said SSU KIH Director David Kilroy.

Beginning construction in 2020 on the mutli-story facility, KIH faced construction delays like many other projects throughout the world during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was convenient that when I started having to work from home, so did everyone else, but this also meant a lot of delays in construction,” said Kilroy. “You can’t get step five done before you get step one done, and there’s not much we can do.”

Overcoming these obstacles, the $4.5 million renovation on the 27,000 square-foot building is on track to be completed this academic year, and will soon be opening its doors and resources to students and the community alike. The facility’s mission is to helps business and entrepreneurs grow and bring their ideas to tomorrow’s market.

“We are also the bridge between campus and community,” Kilroy said. “We want to make sure we offer that pipeline from the very beginning all the way to the end.”

KIH will be able to help students with their business ideas and give them the opportunity to connect with experts and mentors within the region. SSU students have full access to KIH resources and programs and will receive support in their entrepreneurial journey from start to finish.

To learn more about the Shawnee State University Kricker Innovation Hub, visit www.ssuinnovation.com.