K-State names Garmin ‘company of the year’ for putting Kansas talent on innovation’s front lines
September 22, 2026 | Startland News Staff
Garmin's Olathe, Kansas, headquarters in 2025; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
A leading source of top engineering talent is honoring Garmin for the global tech company’s commitment to a Kansas university-to-corporate workforce pipeline — fueling development of its GPS-enabled navigation, fitness, and outdoor wearable devices.
The Olathe, Kansas-headquartered tech giant is being honored Wednesday as the 2026 Company of the Year by Kansas State University’s Carl R. Ice College of Engineering.
Garmin’s Olathe, Kansas, headquarters in 2025; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Founded by engineers Gary Burrell and Min Kao in 1989, Garmin was built on a shared vision to bring the potential of emerging GPS technology to customers around the world. The company now creates products and solutions for the aviation, automotive, fitness, marine and outdoor markets, and employs nearly 24,000 associates in 37 countries — about 5,000 in the Kansas City area.
Garmin was named the best in-state employer in Kansas by Forbes in late 2025.
In addition to hiring K-State engineers, Garmin engages with the college as a participant in its E-LEAD course, which aims to provide students with experience solving real-world corporate problems while building essential leadership skills.
“Garmin’s partnership with the college exemplifies the powerful impact when industry and higher education work together with a shared commitment to developing talent and advancing innovation,” said Ashfaq Khokhar, dean of K-State college of engineering. “Garmin helps connect engineering education with real-world challenges and creates pathways for our graduates to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”
The company also has donated equipment to various K-State design teams and clubs and has been a strong corporate partner through a variety of college-based programs over the years, the university said.
“K-State is an important source of engineering talent for Garmin, and we are grateful for the opportunity to engage with K-State students through internships, career development programs and full-time opportunities,” said Laurie Minard, vice president of human resources for Garmin. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and supporting the next generation of innovators.”
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