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.

Barry McDonogh, Hinalea Imaging; photo by Austin Barnes, Startland News

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.

[adinserter block="4"]

2025 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    André’s planted its flag in KC 70 years ago; chocolatier says that’s just a taste of what’s to come

    By Tommy Felts | October 24, 2025

    Nearly 5,000 miles from Switzerland, a small group toured the inner sanctum of an iconic 70-year-old Kansas City company — a family-run brand that helped redefine accessible luxury in the Midwest, one Swiss chocolate-covered almond at a time. “What people get excited about André’s is the legacy, that we take a lot of pride in…

    Here’s how ULAH’s new boutique model aims to rack success for local brands, not inventory debt

    By Tommy Felts | October 23, 2025

    The new KC Collective consignment-based program for local brands at ULAH is a win for both the Westwood boutique and Kansas City creatives, said Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly, announcing a fresh model to help the struggling store stay open and financially stable. “We’ve always had local brands,” said Mendez, co-founder of ULAH, explaining the…

    Tiki Taco ticks up giving alongside expansion; CEO owns up to taco shop’s neighborhood impact model

    By Tommy Felts | October 23, 2025

    A month-long campaign in the popular Kansas City-based chain offers easy add-on: joining KC GIFT’s network of donors  Restaurant executive Eric Knott wants Tiki Taco’s operators to own the neighborhoods into which the popular taco shop expands, he said, but that doesn’t just mean dominating the fast-casual market in each pocket of Kansas City. “Our…

    Kauffman Foundation announces first-ever semifinalists for Uncommon Leader Impact Award

    By Tommy Felts | October 23, 2025

    A new leadership prize aimed at celebrating changemakers at organizations aligned with the priorities of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is closer to naming its first winner, the influential nonprofit announced Wednesday, revealing 12 semifinalists culled from more than 300 nominations. “The response from community members across the Kansas City metro area was tremendous,” said…