LISTEN: Founder on his third startup shares his ‘toilet test’ for culture, talks the lonely eship rollercoaster from Ireland to Topeka
August 29, 2025 | Austin Barnes
On this episode of Startland News’ new Plug and Play Topeka founder podcast series, we chat with Barry McDonogh — CEO of Hinalea Imaging — to uncover how cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging is changing the way industries see the world.
From food safety and agriculture to pharmaceuticals and defense, Hinalea’s technology reveals the invisible — capturing data far beyond the limits of the human eye. And along the way, we’ll hear how McDonogh has learned a range of lessons about being a founder, and how to build alongside the right kind of team.
Recorded live at the Plug and Play Animal Health & AgTech Expo in Topeka, this episode continues Startland News’ 12-part series on the founders transforming the future of animal health and agtech — and putting Topeka on the map as a national innovation hub.
Listen to a teaser below or click here for the full podcast episode.
Featured Business

2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
OHUB’s ‘unapologetic’ arrival in KC comes with $300K in support; ‘Cosby Show’ alum at Friday event
A familiar face from pop culture and $300,000 in entrepreneurial support are just two highlights tied to the Opportunity Hub’s new effort to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Kansas City. “Many times, [building an inclusive community] involves hosting a series of frequently held, branded events that introduce community stakeholders to black and Latinx…
Women2Women tour: Conversation in Kansas City will ripple back to lawmakers in DC
Editor’s note: This content was sponsored by Women2Women Conversation Tours but independently produced by Startland News. From the dining room table to the halls of Congress, conversations about issues important to women need to be at the forefront of the national agenda, said Sarah Chamberlain, founder of the Women2Women Conversation Tours and CEO of Republican…
Ready to ghost summer? Boozy ‘spookeasy’ pop-up concepts pour ‘horror movies in a cup’
A graveyard smash is expected to sweep the metro this fall as two Kansas City hotspots prepare to unleash new pop-up bar concepts for Halloween. “Ever since I watched ‘The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror’ when I was like 8, I have been into, in some manner, scary things,” said Edward Schmalz, founder of Pawn and…
Zohr takes startup lessons on the road as on-demand tire service expands to Dallas streets
As Zohr drives toward national expansion, the on-demand tire services startup is already finding success in Dallas, replicating the metro-wide experience it made popular in hometown Kansas City, said Komal Choong. “We’re getting great responses from our early adopters,” the Zohr co-founder and CEO said. “So we’re very optimistic that it’ll continue to grow, just…

