Tech CEO Ankur Gopal discusses economic development with Craft Academy students

Students from The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics recently heard a presentation from a technology CEO promoting economic development in Kentucky.  

Ankur Gopal, CEO of mobile/web application development company Interapt, spoke to 54 students when he visited MSU Monday, Nov. 29, in the Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) theater.  

Gopal has founded skills apprenticeship programs such as TechHire Eastern Kentucky (TEKY.) In addition, he is a member of the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and has earned numerous other awards and achievements. He spoke to the students about his career and how he decided to build a technology company in his home state of Kentucky.  

"Instead of trying to climb the Silicon Valley ladder, he saw value in creating an apprenticeship program by taking unemployed workers from Kentucky and training them in software development," said Ryan Arney, Craft Academy student activities and events coordinator. "The students were tough; they asked hard questions to gain ideas and perspective on how they can use his experience for their own dreams. Ankur did a wonderful job of giving advice and explaining the importance of having mentors."  

The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics is a dual-credit academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students. Craft Academy provides students with a postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior years of high school by enrolling in college courses. The Craft Academy's purpose is to meet the unique educational needs of academically gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors in the Commonwealth.   

To learn more, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/craft-academy, email craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2093.