Olathe biotech startup represents Kansas in MassChallenge’s 50th accelerator program
July 8, 2021 | Channa Steinmetz
More than 3,000 startups across the world applied to the 2021 MassChallenge accelerator program with Olathe-based biotechnology lab Ronawk earning one of the 229 slots to participate, shared A.J. Mellott.
“[MassChallenge] has a really good reputation for accelerating companies that are in the startup mode and growing,” said Mellott, who co-founded Ronawk in 2019 with fellow scientist Heather Decker. “We’re given access to a wide network of mentors, resources and investors, along with helping companies in refining the pitch.”
The 229 invited startups represent the best of innovation and entrepreneurship from around the globe, wrote Cait Brumme, the senior vice president of MassChallenge Early Stage.
“The founders of each of these startups represent innovation at its core: they saw a problem and reframed it as an opportunity to improve the way we all live, work, and play by creating new businesses,” she shared on the accelerator’s website. “… Never has it been clearer that the ideas and the talent to bring innovation to life come from all corners of the world.”
Ronawk represents Kansas as the only startup from the Sunflower State in the 2021 cohort. Relay Trade in KCMO joins Ronawk in representing the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.
Click here to read why Ronawk was listed as one of Startland News’ 10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2021.
From the accelerator, Mellott and Decker hope to connect to other metropolitan areas with parallel research that might provide more insight into Ronawk’s state-of-the art technology, Tissue Blocks (T-Blocks) — which allow for researchers to rapidly expand the growth of cells.
“We’re hoping this program helps us gain access to national advisors who are in Texas, Boston and San Francisco,” Mellott noted. “Also — the big thing is we’re hoping to gain more exposure outside of Kansas City.”
Watch a video below of Mellott’s interview from Startland News’ Startups to Watch interview special, then keep reading.
Heather Decker and A.J. Mellott, Ronawk
The MassChallenge cohort is broken down into various groups, based on geographical location. Ronawk is participating in the Houston program. Other programs include Austin, Rhode Island and Boston.
News of the accelerator follows Ronawk’s announcement of plans to launch a STEM training facility amidst expanding their team.
Click here to read more about how Ronawk plans to create 150 jobs over the next seven years.
The MassChallenge Accelerator concludes Oct. 28, 2021, with a startup showcase and awards ceremony.
“It’s an intensive accelerator program, so Heather and I are definitely tag-teaming it,” Mellott said. “But we are really excited for what’s to come.”
This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.
For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn
Featured Business
2021 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
MindSport drives down the court with mindfulness and meditation app for athletes
Pressure doesn’t equal present, said Ryan Stock. Modern lifestyles that emphasize always being on-the-go only contribute to stress and anxiety, the MindSport founder added. “No matter what industry you’re in … it’s just part of Western culture,” he said. “I think it’s magnified in athletics because there’s so much pressure, because there’s so much money.”…
Edison Spaces launching second location focused on flexible offices for startups
Edison Spaces, a firm that offers flexible, private offices to entrepreneurs and small businesses, plans to open its second Johnson County location this summer. Focused on offering short-term lease options, Edison Spaces is launching its second locale in August at 7900 College Boulevard, on the corner of College and Metcalf. Owned by Kansas City entrepreneurs…
Watch: Choir Bar debuts ‘One Day’ video from its first reverse karaoke singalong event
The excitement was palpable Saturday as Choir Bar launched into song for the first time in River Market, said Matt Baysinger. Now organizers are ready to share the singalong experience with the world. “People are so dang impressive,” said Baysinger, co-founder of Swell Spark, which debuted the Choir Bar concept in hopes of it becoming…
Another slice in stock: Walmart picking up KC startup’s Made-in-the-USA Pizza Saver
Mighty Good Solutions leaves no ideas to waste, said co-founder Ben Rendo. The Crossroads-based company’s Pizza Saver product — baked from a simple premise — is its latest offering to earn a deal with the world’s largest retailer. “We just try to focus on products that are going to make everyday life better,” Rendo said…