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
Style on standby: How an 18th & Vine barber shop is turning heads inside KC’s airport
Armon Lasker’s barber shop inside security at the new Kansas City airport terminal flies a cut above the rest, said the former information technology professional-turned-entrepreneur. His spot — Director’s Cut: Take Two — allows travelers to conveniently get a haircut and other services before or after their flights. “This is the first one like this,” said…
Construction tech startup built for the job site, cementing quality data into infrastructure
A veteran Kansas City startup duo’s latest project — Tractics — is set to disrupt an in-demand, yet underserved, market with its construction management platform for heavy civil contractors. “True disruption occurs when behavior changes and I think we found an opportunity to change behavior in a positive way and continue to innovate in a…
Startup founded to save local news acquires Modulist, expanding to obits, classifieds
A fast-growing public notice software platform with Kansas ties this week announced its acquisition of a North Dakota company built to serve publishers with paid celebrations, obituaries, and announcements. Column — founded by Jake Seaton, a fifth-generation member of the Manhattan, Kansas-based Seaton newspaper family — is expected to expand its own platform with the Modulist…
Purina prize earns KC startup a $25K treat in its bid to help foster pets of abuse survivors without safe homes
ST. LOUIS — As a finalist for Purina’s 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize, Kansas City-built BestyBnB is expected to receive $25,000 and support from the pet care leader as the startup’s co-founders work to grow their business in a $136.8 billion industry. A $25,000 grand prize is on the line this spring. “At Purina, our…