Startups Stories
Techstars Spotlight: GRIT Virtual builds 3-D tech into 2-D construction mindset
3-D should stay 3-D, said Chris Callen, CEO of GRIT Virtual. And with the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality technology, that philosophy can be applied to the construction of 3-D buildings, Callen said. Wichita-based GRIT Virtual is a software-as-a-service platform for large contractors. It uses VR software to streamline the workflow for construction…
Under-the-radar innovators exchange challenges, answer ‘Why KC?’ (photo gallery)
It all comes back to time and money, Jennifer Rosenblatt said. “With a startup, things always take longer, and they always cost a lot more,” said Rosenblatt, co-founder of MusicSpoke. “Where we are now is not where I wanted to be.” Though selected as one of Startland News’ 2017 under-the-radar Kansas City startups, as well…
Mycroft reveals newest open source AI product
Kansas City-based artificial intelligence startup Mycroft AI revealed Wednesday its newest product during Techcrunch Disrupt’s Product Showcase in San Francisco. The firm opened a Silicon Valley office in 2016, yet its headquarters remains in Kansas City. Mycroft is an open-source device, similar to Amazon Echo, using natural language processing technology to enable its everyday use in…
Pipeline alum set to ‘save the world’ through $1M US Army biotech contract
The U.S. Army recently awarded a Missouri biotech startup a $1 million contract for 24 months. Based in Drexel, Missouri, about an hour south of Kansas City, InnovaPrep was selected out of hundreds of proposals for the Department of Defense’s 2016 Rapid Innovation Fund. The contract is expected to advance development of the U.S. Army…
Tech startup wants to bring Sunshine, electricity to hurricane victims
17° 73° Innovation Co. founder Conner Hazelrigg launched a crowdfunding campaign Wednesday to provide disaster relief to Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricane Maria. In response to the island’s electricity shortage, the tech startup wants to deploy its Sunshine Box, a portable solar-charging station that can charge 10 devices at a time. The technology is designed…
