News Stories

2026 Startups to Watch: Authentiya puts ethical AI to the test as students embrace controversial classroom tech

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…

2026 Startups to Watch: Cyphra Autonomy pairs robotics with heavy labor (and a light lift for job site users)

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s…

Kansas City Startups to Watch 2026

10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2026

It’s that moment just before dawn, as Kansas City awakens to a new year — ripe with possibilities, potential and change. The light breaks and all eyes turn to the horizon; toward the looming FIFA World Cup, sports stadium shifts, and long-awaited developments and destinations coming on line. But tucked within the twinkling edges of…

Filling rural eco devo gap: $2.15M grant promotes new growth for small food and farm businesses after federal cuts

Fresh-cut funding from the rural-focused Patterson Family Foundation is expected to boost food work in Kansas and western Missouri — strengthening businesses rooted in small communities with innovative resources and programs. New Growth, a nonprofit rural community development corporation based in Appleton City, Missouri, announced a $2.15 million Patterson grant backing the organization’s mission to foster…

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…