Education Stories

KU Innovation Park launches Oread Angel Investors network to boost Jayhawk startups

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  LAWRENCE — A newly announced angel investor network is expected to support high-growth tech and bioscience startups linked to the University of Kansas, said Adam Courtney, opening greater access to…

KC founder’s hip hop edtech app for children, families earns earns $50K in 5G innovation competition

A grants program focused on boosting social entrepreneurs — traditionally underfunded women and persons of color — who are using 5G wireless innovation to address pressing community challenges this week awarded a $50,000 prize to Kansas City startup Healthy Hip Hop for its work on child literacy. Catalyst — a competitive grants initiative by the Washington,…

Modern world requires entrepreneurs to think like creatives, says KU’s Innovator in Residence

Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. LAWRENCE, Kansas — Building a skill set around creativity is critical to entrepreneurship — especially at a time when careers can be short-lived, said Josh Wexler. “Jobs are no longer for life,” explained the Innovator in Residence at the University…

KC Current’s goalkeeper AD Franch lauded for teaming with WeCodeKC to empower urban youth 

AD Franch is more than just a world-class athlete; she’s a true community servant, said Tammy Buckner, founder of WeCodeKC, heaping praise on the KC Current goalkeeper-turned-advocate for technology education in Kansas City. “Her passion and dedication to our students are unmatched,” said Buckner. “Through her partnership, we’ve been able to bring sports and technology…

Cybersecurity startup extends intelligence, from small biz to college (and wartime Ukraine)

A cyber attack at a Kansas City area college pushed serial entrepreneur Conner Hazelrigg and her on-campus colleague — a decorated CIA intelligence officer-turned-cybersecurity professional — into action, the founders of Hilltop Technologies said. “When we started really looking into it, we realized how vulnerable higher education is and how soft of targets they are,” said…