Up to 10 Kansas-founded startups will be chosen for the first Launch a Business (LAB) program, presented by the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

The five-session LAB summer program, in partnership with KS StateBank, will be from July 10 to Aug. 8 and will offer selected early-stage companies faculty-taught courses, team research opportunities and access to K-State’s alumni mentor network.

The program’s closing celebration on Aug. 12 will feature presentations from all participants, one of whom will receive a prize package valued at more than $50,000.

Ali Malekzadeh, Edgerley family dean of the College of Business Administration, said in a release: “The LAB program allows us to share our expertise with the community. Our faculty, alumni and students are incredible resources, and we are excited to ask them to volunteer to support the next great startup ventures.”

Criterion for selection to the LAB program includes:

• Recognizing a genuine problem and an inventive solution

• Demonstrating the determination to succeed and the capacity to incorporate feedback

• Showing dedication to the idea and the LAB program.

Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. April 28. There is no fee to apply or participate. For more details and to apply, go to www.k-state.edu/lab.