Startups Stories
From finding SARS in sewers to brewing better beer, InnovaPrep scales tech from KC cleanroom
As COVID-19 began to spread, InnovaPrep could almost immediately see the reason why — and it’s a realization that has gained the startup some serious traction, explained David Alburty. “All the puzzle pieces fit neatly in place for us. The high transmission rate without definitive contact was one of the biggest tells,” added Alburty, the Drexel,…
Rightfully Sewn acquisition stitches new path toward re-establishing KC as garment capital, Lapka says
Rightfully Sewn’s acquisition by a 109-year-old nonprofit with national reach means more contracts, more employees and more impact for the mission-focused fashion company, said Jennifer Lapka. “No shakeups, no drama. The brand, programs, and team will stay intact,” said Lapka, founder of Rightfully Sewn, which this week announced a merger with Kansas City-based Alphapointe. “We…
Liquid barrier (plus fresh breath): Lenexa startup tests all-natural mouth rinse as COVID-killing solution
A couple’s curiosity in nutrition and health inspired TRI-OLOGY — a versatile liquid solution intended to combat oral diseases. Lab tests now are showing that same liquid solution to be capable of eradicating SAR-CoV-2, known as COVID-19, Janice King and Dale Winetroub said. “We’re not doing rocket science; we’re taking whole plants and when they…
Sky’s the limit — and answer — for Genesis Systems’ atmospheric water generators
Pulling water out of thin air — a concept too good to be true or too obvious to ignore? “The No. 1 problem we are going to face as a planet will be water,” said Erick Went, who serves as chief technology officer for Kansas City-based Genesis Systems. “I think we take that for granted…
Dead Beet Eats: Life is hard enough — feed your soul with a big, beautiful chili dog
COVID hasn’t handed Katherine Willis many lemons, she said, but the vegan chef behind Dead Beet Eats has been given plenty of tomatoes in 2020 — and an opportunity to turn salsa into ketchup. “It’s been a really hard year and I like to think that what we’re doing is really lighthearted and it’s really…
