News Stories

How two, decades-apart military pairings landed a 130-year-old Greek liqueur brand in KC stores

Just one sip of this cinnamon clove-infused Greek liqueur and Glen Shilland was won over. But he wasn’t just enjoying Zamoura; he was immediately envisioning an import business so others in the U.S. could enjoy it too.  Produced in Patras, Greece, since 1895, Zamoura is made with a secret family recipe and all-natural ingredients. “It…

Caffeinated by design: Why coffee is critical infrastructure at Topeka’s new innovation hub

Sparrow Coffee Co. roasts second home inside Link Innovation Labs as space prioritizes local small businesses alongside startups TOPEKA — When a hotly-anticipated innovation hub opens its doors Feb. 9 in downtown Topeka, visitors might notice the scent of freshly brewed coffee before they even catch sight of the startup space’s state-of-the art high-tech labs….

Innovation hub sets opening for critical wet labs, space for startups, small biz entrepreneurs

TOKEKA — Furniture deliveries are rolling in, the bright, bold green exterior sign is up, and Topeka’s new hub for science, startups, and collaboration is nearly ready to open its doors. After years of planning and prep, the hotly-anticipated Link Innovation Labs project is entering the final stretch of construction, setting the stage for a…

811 Retail’s impact sells itself, incubator leader says; counter space opens for 5 entrepreneurs

The 811 Retail Incubator’s first 18 months met every expectation, Dan Smith shared, including proving The Porter House KC’s core theory: combining below-market retail space with real-world education creates a “learn while you earn” environment. A handful of spots within Kansas City’s first retail incubator have now reopened at 811 E. 31st St. after it…

Here’s how three UMKC student teams are prepping for the RooLink Digital Healthcare Sprint

Editor’s note: This story was first published by Tech Venture Studio at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Click here to read the original story. Through the RooLink Digital Healthcare Sprint, three University of Missouri-Kansas City graduate student-led teams are developing digital healthcare-related innovations as a major step on the path toward commercialization. Teams may apply for up…