Dennis Ridenour

BioNexus KC

Recent Articles by Dennis Ridenour

LISTEN: How the Midwest opened this German agtech company’s eyes to opportunity in the US

October 27, 2025

On this episode of our 12-part Plug and Play Topeka podcast series, we connect with Débora Moretti, co-CEO of NutriSen — a Berlin-based agtech startup building real-time molecular sensors to measure nutrient concentrations in plants directly on the field. Moretti shares how her team, alongside co-founder Tobias Vöpel, is merging biosensor technology, data-driven insights and…

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Crossing lanes: KC Streetcar collaborators back aboard for expansion, dropping new merch, anthem

October 24, 2025

Opening the extended KC Streetcar line Friday completes a loop for creatives whose collaborations with the popular public transit system first emerged nearly a decade ago along Main Street — a time when Kansas City’s surging vibrancy helped curb streetcar doubters. “For us, it’s always been about representing Kansas City — the people, the culture,…

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

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Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say

October 22, 2025

WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement.  “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that…

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AlphaGraphics expansion boasts $1.4M investment, plans to create 16 new KC jobs

October 21, 2025

A production crew known for eye-catching, colorful designs splashed across Kansas City — including its own East Crossroads headquarters — is expanding its physical and human footprint, marking a key investment in the metro’s growing creative and professional services sector, local leaders said.  AlphaGraphics on Tuesday announced an investment of more than $1.4 million and…

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Goodwill’s adult high school launches first day; work continues toward long-term campus

October 21, 2025

The region’s first-of-its-kind adult high school opened classes Monday, offering a glimpse into programming and projected outcomes for the Goodwill-run Excel Center now operating out of space at Metropolitan Community College’s Penn Valley campus. “The opening of the Excel Center is a major step, not just for our organization, but for the entire region,” said…

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Arch Grants taps homegrown founders, Missouri startup recruits for $1.6M in awards

October 20, 2025

ST. LOUIS — The Missouri maker behind a keychain designed to save lives from opioid overdoses is among nearly two dozen companies — together awarded $1.6 million — selected for the latest Arch Grants program. The innovation economy nonprofit on Thursday honored 19 startups, alongside three new members of its expanded Arch Grants Fellows Program.…

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