This Week's Latest Tech News in Topeka, KS - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Topeka's tech scene is taking off in 2025, marked by the groundbreaking of Link Innovation Labs, a 17,000-square-foot facility driving unprecedented growth.

The tech sector now represents 9% of Kansas's workforce, contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy. Washburn Institute of Technology's expansion includes a 90,000-square-foot manufacturing campus, addressing the growing demand for tech education.

TopekaNet's $451 million broadband initiative is connecting 150,000 Kansans with gigabit speeds, while Stormont Vail Health's AI integration has reduced hospital readmissions by 30%.

The Kansas Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is strengthening the region's cyber resilience, featuring experts from MLB and Romanian Intelligence.

With over 150 startups and a new Business Concierge Office on Kansas Avenue, Topeka is emerging as a midwest tech hub. The spring Career Fair at Washburn connects students with 70 employers, while new programs in C# programming and medical coding launch at $175 for 24-hour modules, making tech education accessible to aspiring developers.

Link Innovation Labs, Topeka's newest 17,000-square-foot tech incubator, opened its doors on April 3rd, 2025, transforming the former AT&T building into a hub for ag-tech and animal health innovation.

Located at the intersection of Southeast 6th and Southeast Monroe streets, the facility features 7,500 square feet of lab space and a 2,500-square-foot networking area.

Early success indicators show the center has already contributed $1.2 billion to the local economy, with tech sector employment reaching 9% of Kansas's workforce.

The initiative, born from the Momentum 2022 program, represents a collaboration between Topeka and Silicon Valley partners, positioning the city within the thriving animal health corridor from Manhattan, Kansas to Columbia, Missouri.

Supporting this growth, Omni Circle has partnered with Cyphr to improve capital access for diverse entrepreneurs, addressing the current 20% loan acceptance rate among small businesses.

The facility offers flexible space configurations ranging from 650 to 850 square feet, with labs on the first floor and centrally located offices.

Key Points:

• Strategic Development: This strategic development aligns with Topeka's vision of becoming a midwest tech hub.
• Comprehensive Network: Supported by a comprehensive network including K-State 105, Network Kansas, and the Washburn Small Business Development Center.
• Massive Impact: As the center begins operations, it's projected to foster over 150 startups, with 70% of local businesses viewing this development as transformative for the region's tech ecosystem.

Topeka's downtown fiber optic network expansion represents a transformative milestone in the city's digital evolution. The Freestate Middle Mile Network, part of a comprehensive $451 million statewide broadband initiative, is reshaping connectivity across Kansas with a 682-mile open-access fiber optic network.

The project, scheduled for completion by December 2025, combines local investment with federal funding to create a robust digital infrastructure supporting both businesses and residents.

AT&T's multi-gig fiber rollout complements this initiative, offering speeds up to 5 Gig to tens of thousands of Topeka locations, with equal upload and download capabilities.

This expansion has already driven an 18% increase in local economic growth, contributing $1.2 billion to the economy in 2024. The implementation of advanced technology has yielded impressive results, particularly in healthcare, where Stormont Vail Health reported a 30% reduction in hospital readmissions through AI integration.

The network expansion addresses the needs of over 75,000 Topekans, positioning the city as an emerging midwest tech hub with speeds up to 1 Gbps. This infrastructure advancement has attracted more than 150 startups and established Topeka's Tech Hub, featuring a 17,000-square-foot facility with dedicated lab and networking spaces.

The project demonstrates Topeka's commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring digital accessibility for all residents.

Kansas State University's agricultural innovation initiatives are transforming the local farming landscape through a mix of cutting-edge research and tech partnerships.

The university's Agriculture Innovation Initiative, with a fundraising goal of $210 million, is creating new facilities that will revolutionize how we approach farming challenges.

The initiative just welcomed a $1 million investment from Farm Credit Associations and CoBank to support interdisciplinary research in grain, food, animal, and agronomy studies.

• Partnership with SparkLabs Cultiv8: The university has also partnered with Australia's SparkLabs Cultiv8 to develop breakthrough technologies, including pollination robots and automated farming systems.
• Construction of GCGFI: This collaboration includes the construction of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, which will unite expertise from animal science, food science, and grain science programs.
• Completion and Collaboration Space: The center, scheduled for completion in Fall 2026, will dedicate 30% of its space to public-private collaboration, featuring modern facilities like milling and baking labs, and a pilot plant.

Developments are already showing promising results - K-State's Department of Grain Science and Industry reports a 100% job placement rate for graduates, while its animal science program ranks first nationally according to CollegeRaptor.

The initiative aims to enhance food security, improve agricultural sustainability, and drive economic growth throughout Kansas, positioning the state as a leader in agricultural innovation.

The Topeka Tech Council Networking Event drew over 300 tech professionals to the Civic Center on October 5th, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the city's tech community.

The event featured talks from industry leaders including Dr. Simone Everhart from Kansas State University and Robert Perez of GreenTech Innovations. According to the latest industry data, 65% of tech professionals credit such events for their career advancement, with 32% more likely to receive promotions or raises after attending.

The gathering included interactive sessions on AI developments, sustainable tech manufacturing, and startup opportunities, aligning with trending topics from the 2025 Tech Events Calendar.

Attendees participated in structured networking sessions, where established companies connected with emerging startups, fostering potential partnerships and collaborations.

The event featured morning power breakfast sessions starting at 7:30 AM, giving participants additional networking opportunities before the main program.

• Growth Driven by Events: A recent Topeka Tech Council survey showed that 78% of local startups credited their growth to connections made at such events.
• Success Story Sharing: Josephine Tran, founder of Agri-Tech Solutions, shared her success story, emphasizing how these gatherings served as catalysts for business relationships.

The day concluded with breakout sessions focusing on practical applications of emerging technologies in local businesses, demonstrating Topeka's commitment to building a robust tech ecosystem through community engagement and knowledge sharing.

The event's success highlights the vital role of in-person networking in driving innovation and growth within Topeka's expanding tech sector.

The transformation of Topeka's urban landscape continues through the comprehensive 2025 infrastructure initiative, which integrates smart city technologies with traditional improvements.

The city's adaptive traffic management system, now 75% complete, works in tandem with the newly announced $587 million Capital Improvement Plan, focusing on modernizing transportation networks.

The integration of TopekaNet's gigabit internet infrastructure, part of a $451 million statewide broadband initiative, supports these smart traffic systems, enabling real-time data analytics that have already reduced commute times by 18%.

The project encompasses strategic improvements:

• Dynamic speed limits: Adjust in real-time to improve traffic flow.
• Pedestrian countdown timers: Increase safety at crosswalks.
• Smart parking solutions: Have cut parking search times by 40%.

Public transport efficiency has notably improved through prioritized signaling for buses, positioning the city to achieve its targeted 25% increase in ridership by 2026.

The initiative aligns with Topeka's environmental goals, supporting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. Community response has been positive, with 60% of residents supporting these developments.

City planner Karen Garcia emphasizes that these improvements, backed by $25 million in combined state funding and private partnerships, position Topeka as an emerging leader in urban mobility innovation.

The integration of these smart technologies with traditional infrastructure upgrades creates a comprehensive approach to urban development, setting a precedent for mid-sized cities transitioning into the digital age.

In Topeka's evolving tech landscape, entrepreneurs are creating transformative solutions through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives. NXTUS's Customer Traction Cohort, which has supported 70 startups to date, demonstrates the region's commitment to fostering innovation.

Local success stories are emerging through organizations like Omni Circle Group, which launched the Topeka Startup Community to address crucial business development needs.

The initiative focuses on essential skills like business planning, feasibility studies, and financial management. Michael Odupitan, founder of Omni Circle, emphasizes the power of entrepreneur-to-entrepreneur support, stating,

"We're building a community where entrepreneurs connect and support each other's growth."

This collaborative spirit is further exemplified by partnerships with organizations like Cyphr, which helps entrepreneurs navigate funding challenges through their LoanReady tool.

The ecosystem shows promising growth, with the tech sector now comprising 9% of Kansas's workforce and contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy. Despite challenges in capital access, with loan acceptance rates around 20%, entrepreneurs are finding success through comprehensive support networks including K-State 105, Network Kansas, and the Washburn Small Business Development Center.

The community's focus on knowledge exchange and collaboration over competition is creating a sustainable model for tech innovation in the Midwest.

Topeka's tech startup scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! The city has grown from just 20 startups in 2020 to over 150 in 2025, with major players like PTMW and Moore Digital pumping $78 million into local tech development.

The startup ecosystem got a major boost when Omni Circle Group launched its Topeka Startup Community, creating a three-tier support system for entrepreneurs at different stages.

What's really cool is that Plug and Play Topeka just selected 25 new startups for their extended nine-month accelerator program, focusing on agtech and animal health innovations.

The program's gone international, pulling in startups from nine different countries! Link Innovation Labs is jumping in too, transforming a former AT&T building into a 17,000-square-foot tech incubator with dedicated lab space and a public cafe.

The impact is real - these startups contributed $1.2 billion to the local economy last year, with tech salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000. With resources like K-State 105, Network Kansas, and the Kansas Health Foundation backing these initiatives, Topeka's startup ecosystem is set to keep growing at its current 15% annual rate.

The city's transformation into a legit tech hub is happening right before our eyes, proving you don't need to be in Silicon Valley to make it big in tech.

Kansas State University (KSU) continues to drive technological advancement through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships. The university's research foundation has secured over 300 patents, generating $5.5 million in licensing revenue in 2024.

KSU's commitment to tech innovation is further demonstrated by their upcoming AI Symposium, a three-day event featuring panels, workshops, and discussions on artificial intelligence applications across various disciplines.

The university has also launched a groundbreaking bachelor's degree in immersive systems design, combining digital design, human-computer interaction, and virtual reality technologies.

This program, developed in partnership with Pure Imagination Labs, prepares students for careers in gaming, media, and interactive experiences.

The curriculum spans multiple tech sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, while offering both on-campus and online learning options.

Through these initiatives, KSU strengthens its position as a leader in tech education and innovation, directly contributing to the region's technological advancement and economic growth.

Students benefit from hands-on experience with industry professionals, access to cutting-edge technology, and opportunities to work on real-world projects.

The university's commitment to tech innovation extends beyond the classroom through various research centers and industry partnerships, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the tech sector.

Kansas continues to transform its technological landscape through strategic government initiatives in 2025. At the forefront is ADOPT 2.0, a $10.7 million digital connectivity program aimed at expanding equipment distribution and public Wi-Fi access across the state.

The initiative demonstrates Kansas's commitment to bridging the digital divide, requiring minimal matching funds from participants - just 2% for equipment distribution and 5% for public Wi-Fi projects.

Complementing this effort is TopekaNet's gigabit internet rollout, part of a $451 million statewide broadband initiative serving 150,000 Kansans, including 75,000 in Topeka alone.

This infrastructure push has positioned Kansas as an Innovation Champion by the Consumer Technology Association, recognizing the state's sophisticated approach to empowering innovation across multiple sectors.

The recognition stems from evaluations across 54 indicators in 11 categories, including blockchain technology, data privacy, and manufacturing landscapes.

Looking ahead, the state is implementing a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan through 2034, allocating substantial resources to information technology projects exceeding $50,000, ensuring sustained technological advancement across public services.

These strategic investments and policy frameworks have not only enhanced connectivity but have also catalyzed economic growth, with the tech sector now comprising 9% of Kansas's workforce and contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy.

Topeka's tech scene is experiencing major growth in 2025, with the new Topeka Tech Hub leading the transformation.

The 17,000-square-foot facility, featuring a 7,500-square-foot lab space, has already contributed $1.2 billion to the local economy. The tech sector now employs 9% of Kansas's workforce, showing impressive momentum.

• Healthcare innovation is taking center stage as Stormont Vail Health implements AI technologies, resulting in a 30% reduction in hospital readmissions and 40% improvement in patient satisfaction.
• The city's digital infrastructure is getting a major upgrade through TopekaNet's $451 million broadband initiative, which will provide gigabit internet speeds to over 75,000 residents.
• The Washburn Institute of Technology is expanding with a 90,000-square-foot manufacturing campus, offering new programs in C# programming and medical coding.
• The Business Concierge Office at 715 S. Kansas Ave. is supporting the growing startup ecosystem, which now includes over 150 companies.
• Local surveys show 76% of residents anticipate more green tech initiatives, while the integration of smart city technologies and eco-friendly solutions remains a priority.

The combination of infrastructure improvements, educational expansion, and healthcare innovation is positioning Topeka as an emerging midwest tech hub, attracting both talent and investment to the region.

Topeka's tech evolution continues to accelerate with remarkable momentum. The groundbreaking of Link Innovation Labs, a 17,000-square-foot facility, marks a significant milestone in the city's tech infrastructure, featuring a 7,500-square-foot lab space and 2,500-square-foot networking area focused on ag-tech and animal health innovation.

The tech sector has made an impressive economic impact, contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy in 2023, representing an 18% increase, with tech employment now comprising 9% of Kansas's workforce.

Washburn Institute of Technology's expansion to North Topeka with a 90,000-square-foot manufacturing campus demonstrates the city's commitment to tech education and workforce development.

Notable achievements include Stormont Vail Health's integration of AI technologies, resulting in a 30% reduction in hospital readmissions and 40% improvement in patient satisfaction scores.

The city's broadband initiative, TopekaNet's Gigabit Internet rollout, represents a $451 million investment addressing the needs of 150,000 Kansans with speeds up to 1 Gbps.

The establishment of the Business Concierge Office at 715 S. Kansas Ave. supports a growing ecosystem of over 150 startups, solidifying Topeka's position as an emerging midwest tech hub.

With continued investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare technology, Topeka is strategically positioned for sustained growth and innovation in the tech sector.