LISTEN: Meet the partners behind Plug and Play Topeka’s growth (and impact)
October 10, 2025 | Austin Barnes
On a special episode of Startland News’ 12-part podcast series diving deeper into Plug and Play, we explore how the Topeka-based program and its partners work to turn bold ideas into Kansas success stories.
Cole Ahlvers, NQV8 Fund, right, speaks on a panel at the Plug and Play Animal Health & AgTech Expo in Topeka; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Guests includes Bret Lanz from Kansas State University’s Technology Development Institute; John G. Brown of StenCo; and Cole Ahlvers from NQV8 Fund.
RELATED: Global startups plug into Topeka: How Kansas connections are powering their innovation
Together guests unpack collaboration across universities, corporations, and investment firms is accelerating innovation in the Midwest — fueling everything from advanced manufacturing to agtech and animal health.
Recorded live at the Plug and Play Animal Health & AgTech Expo in Topeka, hear how Plug and Play connects these players, why Kansas is quietly becoming a national hub for commercialization, and what it takes to turn breakthrough ideas into scalable companies.
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
Batch of startup funding news kicks off Kansas City’s autumn
In response to readers’ desire for quick-hitting stories, Startland News is launching a new segment, “News Flash,” to enable more coverage. Let us know what you think! Fall in Kansas City is off to a solid start for area startups. Several firms in the metro area have recently raised capital that they hope will accelerate…
Medical device startup Forest Devices finds local fit with stroke detection tech
Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by LaunchKC but independently produced by Startland News. Everyone who goes into medicine is motivated, in part, by their desire to reduce pain and suffering. That desire is what pushed Matt Kesinger to go to medical school. In 2009, Kesinger worked as an emergency medical technician in Boston.…
Events Preview: Find Your Focus to Growing Your Business
There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Social Media Club Kansas City: October Breakfast When: October 7 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am Where: Grand Street Cafe…
‘Hustle’ and a heart: Beth Engel on the ethos of Dundee Venture Capital’s new fund
In a red, grid-lined journal, Beth Engel outlines a note in large block letters. With each stroke of her pen, “HUSTLE” grows bolder. As though to protect the musing, the venture capitalist of three years adds a box around the reminder before once again tracing over the word. Engel continues to sketch as she eloquently…