Government Stories
LaunchKC opens grants competition with nationwide search; eying companies to call KC home
A popular grants competition that offers early stage tech companies the opportunity to win $60,000 in non-dilutive grants, downtown Kansas City office space, and access to scaling resources is back for 2025 — emphasizing startups with high-growth potential and equitable business practices. LaunchKC’s signature Liftoff grants competition opened applications Thursday, kicking off a nationwide search…
MTC leader resigning, calls for a new voice to lead fight for Missouri entrepreneurship funding
A leadership change at the Missouri Technology Corporation comes as the state faces a crossroads with its approach to entrepreneurship support, officials said Tuesday, reacting to news of a high-profile resignation just three months after the public-private partnership lost key financial support from lawmakers and a new governor. “It’s time for MTC to be led…
Amazon’s drones won’t be alone over KC: Federal rule change opens skies to greater tech buzz
As the nation prepares for large-scale commercial drone deployments — thanks in part to newly rolled-back federal regulations — pilots, businesses, and agencies using the tech must skillfully balance opportunity with public trust and privacy concerns, industry experts said. “I’ve had people say to me, it kind of creeps me out … but in 30…
Meta’s billion-dollar KC data center just came online; here’s what the region expects it to generate
As Meta officially flipped the switch this week on its Kansas City Data Center — making the $1 billion project part of the company’s global infrastructure — the move positions the metro as a hub for cutting-edge tech, said Quinton Lucas. “Meta’s investment in Kansas City is a clear signal that our city is a…
How reactivating history can drive economic growth more sustainably than a new build
Editor’s note: The following is part of an ongoing feature series exploring impacts of initiatives within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City through a paid partnership with EDCKC. Hotel owners wanted charm that can’t be built in today’s economy; Kansas City history booked them the bones to do it A one-of-a-kind, limestone-clad building at 906…
