Government Stories
First ACCEL-KS cohort funded at KU Innovation Park deepens Jayhawk, Sunflower State investments
A “3x Jayhawk” — and award-winning Kansas City healthtech founder — was among the first 16 recipients of proof-of-concept funding from ACCEL-KS at KU Innovation Park, officials announced Thursday, revealing a new Kansas-focused resource built to reduce the gap between a strong idea and a viable company. Each selected company is expected to receive $25,000 in…
Bracket-style startup pitch competition courts innovators, angels for March gameplay
WICHITA, Kan. — Applications are open for a statewide startup pitch competition set to return in March alongside the Big 12 men’s basketball tourney. The high-profile event connects emerging founders with angel investors and corporate innovators — and a $25,000 top prize. The Gamechangers & Champions 2026 “Bracket Bash” is planned for March 10 at the…
MTC advances deputy into interim exec role ahead of critical funding push for Missouri entrepreneurs
A leading advocate for Missouri entrepreneurs plans to approach the next legislative cycle — championing renewed funding for Show-Me State innovation — with a freshly-promoted leader, the group announced Friday. Julia Campbell has been elevated to interim executive director at the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), as the public-private partnership continues a leadership transition prompted by…
It’s official: Chiefs are border hopping to KCK; Kansas now ‘a touchdown state,’ governor says
Editor’s note: The following story was published by Kansas News Service and KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. A major tax incentives package approved Monday by Kansas lawmakers will help the Chiefs build a new…
LISTEN: Kansas innovation boosters are willing to play in the same sandbox; it’s time to shout it from the rooftop, leader says
In this bonus episode of Startland News’ Plug and Play Topeka podcast series, we’re joined by Lindsay Lebahn, director and partner success manager for Plug and Play Topeka (through Go Topeka), to look ahead at what’s next for the region’s innovation ecosystem. Lebahn shares how her work bridges Go Topeka’s economic development mission with the…
