News Stories
Peek in Tap Ins: This mini golf concept replaces windmills and trick shots with 100 TVs and Joshua trees
Ryan Patton’s drive to find the perfect hometown spot to entertain his four children — teens and a tween — left the Leawood dad in a sand trap. Finding less than ideal options, Patton pulled out the biggest wedge he could carry — taking a swing with a massive $15 million golf entertainment complex in…
Icorium earns $1.2M SBIR grant; CEO Kalin Baca honored as 2025 Enterprising Innovator
A just-announced infusion of federal grant dollars is expected to help a Lawrence startup scale its breakthrough technology from pilot validation to a full commercial process — boosting efforts to dramatically reduce the climate impact of refrigerants used in air conditioners, heat pumps and refrigeration systems. Icorium Engineering Company on Wednesday released details of a…
Off to a goo start: Step into the primetime slime experience now oozing into Union Station
Taking the idea of handmade slime from the home kitchen to Union Station required more than a simple recipe, the women behind the new all-ages experiential venture said. Their biggest challenge in taking the popular kids activity to the masses: the complex planning and design needed within the iconic Kansas City venue. Rainbow Slime Co….
Ready to bet big? Kansas wants to help entrepreneurs win more federal innovation grants
Kansas innovators now have access to a new tool designed to help them compete for major federal funding. The Kansas Department of Commerce has opened applications for the state’s SBIR and STTR Matching Program, which provides financial support and hands-on guidance for entrepreneurs pursuing federal innovation grants. The matching initiative is part of ACCEL-KS, a…
New Maker of the Year: Why this mom’s side hustle for the girly girls couldn’t stay at home
A hobbyist venture that began with making shirts for her kids has earned Julie Swopes a spot on Made in KC’s shelves for her Chiefs- and Royals-inspired tees — along with one of the local-first retailer’s top honors: KC New Maker of the Year for 2025. “I’m just a stay-at-home mom that has turned her…
