Government Stories

KC-built Raven Space Systems awarded $1.8M contract via Air Force’s innovation arm

A LaunchKC alum’s latest stratospheric news: a hefty U.S. defense contract to produce 3D-printed reentry aeroshells for hypersonic flight testing — a breakthrough technology that’s expected to address some of the of most pressing challenges faced by today’s Air Force. Raven Space Systems on Monday announced the $1,800,000 STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) Phase II contract….

Power & Light: $10M in Live! Block upgrades planned before downtown’s Big 12 ‘opening day’

The Kansas City Live! Block in the Power & Light District — a place KCMO Councilman Crispen Rea calls the living room of Kansas City — is set for a $10 million upgrade, local business and civic leaders announced Thursday. Key updates also target the popular District nightclub Mosaic. “It’s become an engine that generates…

Google makes new $120K pledge to KC schools; region embraces a future built on flexibility 

In an era of artificial intelligence and high-tech solutions, the children of Kansas City remain a vital piece of the region’s future economic sustainability, said Utaukwa Allen, announcing a new financial pledge from Google that targets local students. Kansas City Public Schools have been selected for a $120,000 partnership with Google to strengthen KCPS’ STEM…

K-State awarded $500K state grant to boost border-to-border innovation, entrepreneurship

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.  MANHATTAN, Kansas — A newly launched grant program is expected to help Kansas’ six state universities accelerate innovation activities within the world of higher education. At Kansas State University, a…

Stripping Missouri’s supplier diversity goals stifles state’s prosperity potential, says women’s business advocate

Ending nearly a decade of benchmarks that helped ensure greater equity in state contracts for businesses owned by minorities and women is a move in the wrong direction for Missouri, said Jennifer Brungardt, emphasizing the coming impact of lost opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. “Diversity and economic growth will be stifled without proper support from our…