Government

FCC commissioner Ajit Pai’s six strategic steps to close the digital divide

In his second visit to Kansas City within the last six months, Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Ajit Pai stopped by Think Big Tuesday as part of his fight to close the digital divide. Growing up in a small Kansas town three hours south of the metro, Pai said he’s familiar with the energy and vitality…

mySidewalk partners with the White House on its open data initiative

Editor’s note: 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!   Kansas City tech firm mySidewalk is working with the White House. The firm on Friday announced its participation in The Opportunity Project, an initiative that…

Big Bang leverages smart city success, LaunchKC momentum

Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by LaunchKC but independently produced by Startland News. As Kansas City becomes a hotbed for smart city tech, one local startup is providing a spine for streamlined communication among the devices cities will leverage. Kansas City-based Big Bang’s Internet of Things software aims to work as the “central nervous…

Obama’s $80M reinvestment in smart city tech touches Kansas City

In a move that will provide the Kansas City area more resources to develop Internet of Things technology, President Obama’s administration announced Monday that it’s boosting support of U.S. smart city infrastructure. The White House issued a statement that it’s expanding its Smart Cities Initiative with more than $80 million in new investments. The move…

Tech leaders: KC is built to be a hub for driverless cars

The Obama administration on Tuesday revealed a set of guidelines for automakers to ensure a safe, efficient rollout of self-driving vehicles in the United States. The rapid development of autonomous vehicle tech, according to the administration, makes it clear that its emergence into American’s everyday life is no longer a question of if — but…