Startups
‘Beacon of light’ — Meet four new Digital Sandbox startups that could reshape KC tech
Digital Sandbox KC’s latest quartet of funded companies will help Kansas City build a better, more inclusive startup ecosystem, said Jill Meyer. “We’ve always been keenly aware of the inequities in the tech ecosystem, especially for entrepreneurs of color,” said Meyer, who leads Digital Sandbox and is senior director of the Technology Ventures Studio at…
Healium adapts VR to needs of COVID ‘stress olympics’ — wins P&G Ventures innovation challenge
Stress levels rose with the number of Coronavirus cases over the past few months — and neither seem headed for decline any time soon, said Sarah Hill, the recently announced winner of the P&G Ventures Innovation Challenge. “This is the stress olympics. Not everyone has trained for it. Not only are we trapped in our homes,…
UV light really can kill Coronavirus, founder says — and his tech proves it from the inside
Outfitting existing HVAC systems with ultraviolet lighting in offices and public spaces could be the most sustainable, long-term solution to eliminating the Coronavirus — and fears over returning to work, said Dave Ogle. “I know there’s a lot of jokes. President Trump [talking about] sticking UV up people’s rear ends — which is total nonsense,” joked Ogle,…
KC coders developing government accountability tool for newsrooms, public
As an ongoing pandemic keeps COVID-19 in the headlines, it’s difficult for Kansas City journalists to cover all local government meetings — too often resulting in critical developments and decisions falling through the cracks, say newsroom leaders. Even in the best of times, activity is spread across 119 different municipalities in the region, proving a…
Art teacher-turned-maker: You don’t need to be in a museum to be a ‘real artist’ (or full-time to be an entrepreneur)
Amid the hustle and bustle of raising a young family and teaching elementary school art, Sara Kharatyan sneaks away to her kiln. It’s her quiet place; a spot just for her, tucked away in her Parkville home. And what started as a hobby is now padding her family’s bank account in unexpected ways. “The business…
