Corporate Stories
Caffeinated by design: Why coffee is critical infrastructure at Topeka’s new innovation hub
Sparrow Coffee Co. roasts second home inside Link Innovation Labs as space prioritizes local small businesses alongside startups TOPEKA — When a hotly-anticipated innovation hub opens its doors Feb. 9 in downtown Topeka, visitors might notice the scent of freshly brewed coffee before they even catch sight of the startup space’s state-of-the art high-tech labs….
Innovation hub sets opening for critical wet labs, space for startups, small biz entrepreneurs
TOKEKA — Furniture deliveries are rolling in, the bright, bold green exterior sign is up, and Topeka’s new hub for science, startups, and collaboration is nearly ready to open its doors. After years of planning and prep, the hotly-anticipated Link Innovation Labs project is entering the final stretch of construction, setting the stage for a…
NXTUS is helping five emerging KC innovators gain customer traction; ‘Timing is right,’ startup founders say
A handful of Kansas City startups were among 22 early stage companies gathered in Wichita this week for the opening session of a program aimed at growing strong, sustainable businesses that uplift innovation and opportunity throughout the Heartland. The 2026 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort program on Wednesday welcomed founders from buildNest and Pitchster, Olathe, Kansas;…
MTC advances deputy into interim exec role ahead of critical funding push for Missouri entrepreneurs
A leading advocate for Missouri entrepreneurs plans to approach the next legislative cycle — championing renewed funding for Show-Me State innovation — with a freshly-promoted leader, the group announced Friday. Julia Campbell has been elevated to interim executive director at the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), as the public-private partnership continues a leadership transition prompted by…
BioNexus KC catalyzes 25 years of work at the crossroads of collaboration, health innovation
A quarter-century commitment to regional investment and collaboration is paying off, said Dennis Ridenour, reflecting on a timeline of impact for BioNexus KC — accelerating innovation and strengthening health outcomes in Kansas City and beyond. “This milestone is not about a single achievement; it’s about decades of collective, focused effort that have allowed our ecosystem…