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Startland News Staff

Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.

Recent Articles by Startland News Staff

Kansas City entrepreneurs chosen for startup competition focused on health tech

WICHITA — Health innovation is a global priority, said organizers of the latest NXTSTAGE cohort, announcing nearly a dozen finalists and solutions hailing from Kansas City to France. Ten companies were selected for the 2024 NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS). Finalists include startups working to…

Becca Castro redesigned, rebooted LaunchKC; now she’ll lead KCSourceLink, one of KC’s premier startup champions

KCSourceLink’s new director and network builder brings more than two decades of experience and a shared passion for helping aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs grow their businesses, leaders of the organization said Tuesday. Becca Castro, who most recently led LaunchKC from within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC), begins the role Aug. 19. “I’m…

Union Station tapped for GEWKC base camp; training for treps arrives Nov. 19-21 in KC

When GEWKC pulls into Kansas City this fall, the metro’s largest educational entrepreneurship event will be stationed within one of the community’s crown jewels — a link to the past that points to a brighter future for the regions’ innovators, said Chante Keller. KCSourceLink on Thursday formally announced Union Station as the 2024 base camp…

NXTSTAGE announces trio of KC ventures tapped for latest Enterprise Engagement cohort

A record number of Kansas entrepreneurs joining the NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series means the program’s latest cohort will scale up its impact, said Amber Dunn. “It’s exciting to witness the relationships formed and the knowledge gained among cohort members and our enterprise partners, both new and returning,” said Dunn, program manager at Wichita-based NXTUS, which…

Lawmakers announce $500K federal grant for KC BioHub, tout region’s job creation, innovation

Kansas City’s “top-notch” research capabilities and talented workforce prove the region is ready to lead the country in innovation, said Sharice Davids, revealing news that the local Tech Hubs initiative would receive another $500,000 in federal funding. The award for the Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub) comes less than a…

I’m with Hank: Meet the tribute-turned-brew child of these beer-drinking serial entrepreneurs

A limited-release craft lager at Jim’s Alley Bar and Alma Mader Brewing pays homage to classic American brewing traditions and a shared family name, said Nick Mader and Eric Flanagan. The duo joined forces this summer to release “Hank” — in honor of several family relatives with the middle name “Henry,” as well as Flanagan’s…

CPKC Stadium, Rabbit hOle named to TIME magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’

Two recently opened Kansas City attractions were announced today among 100 extraordinary destinations to visit; named to TIME’s list of the World’s Greatest Places. TIME’s annual feature includes CPKC Stadium, home to the KC Current and the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women’s professional team, and The Rabbit hOle, a North Kansas…

Tesseract cultivates military drone tech for ag use; targeting American farmer impact

A new vertical for Overland Park-based Tesseract Ventures opens a new crop of opportunity as the cutting-edge company retools its military tech and specialized robotics platform for additional use in the precision agricultural sector. “This technology is a game-changer for U.S. farmers, providing technological advantages previously unavailable on a single platform,” said John Boucard, CEO…

Rock Island Bridge delays opening; over-the-river entertainment hub set to debut spring 2025

The opening of a “destination landmark bridge” — set to reshape Kansas City’s West Bottoms amid an aggressive district-wide redevelopment boom — is now expected to be pushed back to spring 2025 as leaders of the Rock Island Bridge project refine plans for its public debut. “To ensure everything is in place and working at…

Prospect KC brews coffee bar collab with Messenger inside iconic downtown KC library

A reimagined coffee shop — closed during the pandemic — returns to full strength Aug. 7 thanks to a menu of pastries, sandwiches, and salads prepared by The Prospect KC culinary students in a live-training environment, as well as drinks and coolers crafted with Messenger Coffee Co. The 1,350-square-foot coffee bar and café — dubbed…