This Week's Latest Tech News in Topeka, KS - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Topeka's tech sector is making waves in 2025, now representing 9% of Kansas's workforce and contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy.

The spotlight this week is on Washburn Tech's expansion with their new 90,000-square-foot manufacturing campus in North Topeka, designed to address the growing demand for tech education.

Adding to the momentum, Link Innovation Labs is launching a 17,000-square-foot incubator downtown, featuring dedicated lab space and a networking area focused on ag-tech and animal health innovation.

The tech ecosystem is further strengthened by TopekaNet's $451 million broadband initiative, which will provide gigabit internet speeds to over 75,000 residents.

• Washburn Tech's programs are seeing unprecedented demand, with waiting lists across multiple disciplines and a new applied science degree in nursing launching this fall.
• The implementation of AI technologies at Stormont Vail Health has resulted in a 30% reduction in hospital readmissions, showcasing practical applications of tech innovation.

These developments, coupled with the establishment of over 150 startups, are transforming Topeka into a prominent Midwest tech hub, attracting both talent and investment to the region.

Washburn University's new Topeka Tech Hub officially opened this April, bringing 17,000 square feet of innovation space to the heart of Kansas's emerging tech scene.

The hub features a 7,500-square-foot lab and 2,500-square-foot networking area, focusing on ag-tech and animal health innovation. Local tech employment now represents 9% of Kansas's workforce, with the hub contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy.

The facility hosts National Technical Letter of Intent Signing Day on April 17, drawing hundreds of incoming students.

Working alongside the hub, Washburn University launched new spring 2025 programs in C# programming and medical coding, priced at $175 for 24-hour modules. The Community Innovation Challenge, scheduled for April 17, connects students with industry leaders and provides opportunities for hands-on experience.

The hub's impact extends beyond education, partnering with Stormont Vail Health to integrate AI technologies, resulting in a 30% reduction in hospital readmissions and 40% improvement in patient satisfaction scores.

With TopekaNet's gigabit internet rollout supporting over 75,000 Topekans, the hub is positioned to drive innovation across healthcare, education, and technology sectors.

The initiative has already attracted over 150 startups, establishing Topeka as a midwest tech hub and creating a robust ecosystem for future technological advancement.

EcoGen Solutions, established in 2011 as Solar Roofing Specialists, has secured a significant $2 million funding round, marking a pivotal moment in the renewable energy sector.

The company, which has evolved into a comprehensive energy solutions provider, stands out among 626 active competitors in the market.

Their innovative approach focuses on minimizing energy costs through advanced solar technology and smart control systems. The company's latest initiative, revealed through their impact metrics, has already helped reduce diesel consumption by 315 million liters and generated 945 million KWH of clean energy.

EcoGen's flagship products include the EcoWave solar panel system, which delivers 40% higher efficiency than traditional models, and their innovative solar AC technology that provides uninterrupted cooling even during power outages.

The funding will accelerate their expansion plans, including hiring 50 new positions in R&D and engineering, establishing university partnerships, and scaling up manufacturing capabilities.

CEO William Rodriguez emphasizes that this investment represents more than capital - it's validation of their mission to revolutionize sustainable energy solutions.

The company's growth aligns with broader industry trends, showing a 15% year-over-year increase in sustainable tech adoption. With over 82,000 customers directly impacted and a significant reduction in perishable waste, EcoGen Solutions is demonstrating that profitable business can go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship.

The Kansas Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit in April 2025 was a game-changer for local businesses seeking to level up their digital defense game.

Held at the Hyatt Regency in nearby Wichita, the event attracted over 150 tech pros and business leaders from across the state. The summit packed a punch with practical sessions on everything from building strong IT governance to maximizing cybersecurity resources.

The FBI and KU Cybersecurity Conference followed up with deep dives into current threat landscapes and innovative defense strategies.

Dr. Samantha Leong from KSU and Christopher Moore of SecureNet dropped knowledge on next-gen security tactics, while breakout sessions got real about incident response and recovery.

The highlight? A hands-on cyber resilience exercise that had participants working through actual breach scenarios.

The KISO Cybersecurity Collaboration Program stepped up to provide post-event support, helping businesses implement what they learned through one-on-one consulting and resources.

The results were solid - 95% of attendees said the content was exactly what they needed, and 88% left feeling more confident about handling cyber threats. "This wasn't just another tech talk," shared Thomas Williams, a local business owner, "we got actual tools and strategies we could use right away." The workshop series marked a serious upgrade in Topeka's cybersecurity game, proving that our business community isn't just talking about digital security - we're making it happen.

The Spring 2025 career fairs in Topeka are reshaping the region's employment landscape, with Washburn Tech's two-day Career Fair leading the charge.

The event, scheduled for March 3-4, connects students with nearly 70 area employers across diverse sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

According to recent reports, over 750 students attended the first day, engaging with 55 employers actively seeking talent.

The demand for skilled workers is particularly intense, with companies like HME, Inc. looking to fill 150 new positions. The fair's expansion into healthcare occupations on the second day demonstrates the growing opportunities in medical technology and patient care.

Topeka's emerging status as a midwest tech hub, supported by a new 17,000 square foot Tech Hub and $451 million broadband initiative, has attracted major employers to the region.

The integration of AI technologies, particularly in healthcare, has created new job categories and increased demand for technically skilled workers. This growth is reflected in the tech sector now comprising 9% of Kansas's workforce, contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy.

The success of these career fairs, coupled with Topeka's expanding tech infrastructure and training programs, positions the city as a prime destination for both entry-level and experienced professionals in technology and trades.

The tech scene in Kansas is about to get seriously lit with multiple innovation conferences hitting the state in 2025. The Innovation Festival kicks off in August at the Overland Park Convention Center, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Ed Liu, a total boss in bioscience who's authored over 350 scientific papers.

For the fintech crowd, BBOK's Innovate 2025 is bringing fresh perspectives on faster payments and banking tech.

The real game-changer is Encountering Innovation, happening virtually in March, where tech scouts from the Department of Defense and other government agencies will be checking out cutting-edge innovations.

The conferences are creating major networking opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and professionals across fields like AI, biotech, and sustainable tech.

Tech enthusiasts can catch expert panels, pitch competitions, and hands-on demos throughout these events. Whether you're into bioscience, banking innovation, or defense tech, Kansas is proving it's not just flyover country - it's becoming a legit innovation hub where groundbreaking ideas meet real-world applications.

Topeka Public Schools has integrated a comprehensive coding and robotics curriculum across all grade levels (PK-12), marking a significant shift in STEM education.

The initiative, which emphasizes programming concepts and logical thinking for younger students before introducing complex syntax in 8th grade, is being implemented district-wide.

With an estimated 1.4 million computer science jobs projected by recent statistics, Topeka Public Schools is responding to the fact that 90% of parents want their children to study computer science.

The program integrates coding into science and mathematics content, focusing on essential skills like sequencing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Summer enrichment programs at locations including Whitson Elementary, Jardine Middle School, and TCALC offer additional coding and robotics opportunities, making tech education accessible year-round.

The curriculum's practical approach includes hands-on projects and real-world applications, preparing students for future careers in technology while maintaining engagement through age-appropriate challenges.

As Steve Jobs once noted,

"Everyone should learn a computer language because it teaches you how to think,"

and Topeka's schools are bringing this vision to life through their innovative approach to computer science education.

The Renewable Energy Symposium landscape in Kansas is heating up this spring, with multiple conferences across the USA focusing on sustainable energy solutions.

The highlight is the upcoming 2025 IEEE Kansas Power & Energy Conference, scheduled for April 24-25 in a hybrid format, bringing together industry leaders and innovators.

Adding to the momentum, TCU's Global Energy Symposium on April 3 will kick off the month's discussions with registration options ranging from free to $100.

Local initiatives continue to drive innovation, with Solar Solutions Inc.'s residential solar programs and the Kansas Wind Farmers Co-op's community grid integration showing measurable success.

EcoCity Technologies' smart grid developments are gaining traction, particularly as they align with the growing focus on academic-industry collaboration. The symposiums will serve as platforms for PhD students, researchers, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and showcase technological advancements.

These events reflect Topeka's commitment to renewable energy, building on last year's 15% increase in green jobs.

• 15% increase in green jobs reflects a growing commitment to renewable energy in Topeka.
• Dr. Patricia Rodriguez's emphasis on the social aspects of energy transition remains relevant.
• Conferences aim to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation.

The combination of local expertise and international perspectives positions Kansas as a key player in the renewable energy sector, making these spring conferences crucial for anyone interested in sustainable technology development.

Topeka's agricultural landscape is being transformed by groundbreaking autonomous agriculture technology, with the recent launch of the Plug and Play Topeka accelerator program selecting 25 innovative startups from nine countries.

The initiative, housed in the new 17,000-square-foot Topeka Tech Hub, focuses on integrating AI and robotics into farming operations. Local farms implementing these technologies have reported a 30% reduction in resource usage and a 40% improvement in operational efficiency.

The autonomous machinery revolution includes self-driving tractors equipped with advanced sensors and GPS, AI-powered drones for crop monitoring, and sophisticated robotic systems for planting and harvesting.

Kubota's KATR robot, unveiled at CES 2025, exemplifies this progress with its 530-pound cargo capacity and versatile applications in agricultural operations. The Topeka AgTech platform has become a crucial hub for these innovations, connecting startups with established agricultural firms and fostering collaboration.

This technological transformation is particularly significant as the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates 2.4 million farm jobs need to be filled annually.

The integration of these autonomous solutions not only addresses labor shortages but also positions Topeka as a leader in agricultural innovation, contributing significantly to the region's economic growth and sustainability efforts.

Topeka's transformation through its Smart City initiative demonstrates remarkable progress in 2025, backed by a $587 million Capital Improvement Plan.

The city's infrastructure upgrades include an advanced traffic management system that has cut commute times by 18% through real-time analytics. The TopekaNet broadband project, a $451 million initiative, now delivers gigabit speeds to over 75,000 residents, revolutionizing digital accessibility and remote work capabilities.

A key component of this evolution is the 682-mile open-access network, enhancing connectivity across the metropolitan area.

• IoT sensors and smart lighting have reduced energy consumption by 30%.
• Solar-powered waste management systems have decreased landfill waste by 40%.

Recent data shows that 70% of residents report improved satisfaction with city services, particularly noting the benefits of high-speed public WiFi in urban centers.

Smart water management systems have achieved a 20% reduction in water wastage, addressing critical resource management needs. These technological advancements position Topeka as an emerging midwest tech hub, showcasing how strategic infrastructure investments can create a more efficient, sustainable urban environment.

Kansas State University's groundbreaking partnership with NASA is revolutionizing space research in the Midwest. Two NASA-sponsored studies utilizing the Million Person Study are investigating radiation effects on astronauts, focusing on neurodegenerative impacts and other space-related health challenges.

The research team, led by Associate Professor Amir Bahadori, is leveraging big data analysis to enhance radiation protection models for future space missions.

This cutting-edge work isn't just about space - recent findings from the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed fascinating patterns in galaxy rotation, adding another layer to KSU's space research portfolio.

The university's commitment to innovation extends beyond traditional research, with specialized programs developing hybrid technologies that combine robotics and artificial intelligence for space exploration.

These advancements are attracting attention from major aerospace companies and positioning Kansas as a emerging leader in space technology. The practical applications of this research are already showing promise for improving radiation safety protocols on Earth, particularly in medical settings.

This partnership is creating real opportunities for students to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge space tech, while simultaneously addressing some of humanity's biggest challenges in space exploration.

With projects ranging from radiation protection to advanced robotics, KSU is proving that you don't need to be on the coast to be at the forefront of space innovation.

Topeka's transformation into a Midwest tech powerhouse continues with the new Topeka Tech Hub's contribution of $1.2 billion to the local economy, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.

The tech sector now represents 9% of Kansas's workforce, driven by significant developments in ag-tech and animal health innovation. A key player in this growth is Washburn Institute of Technology's expansion into North Topeka, featuring a 90,000-square-foot manufacturing campus that promises to address the growing demand for skilled tech workers.

The institution's programs are already seeing waitlists, indicating strong market demand. The city's commitment to digital infrastructure is evident through TopekaNet's $451 million broadband initiative, which aims to provide gigabit internet speeds to over 75,000 residents.

Healthcare technology has made remarkable strides, with Stormont Vail Health achieving a 30% reduction in hospital readmissions through AI integration. The combination of educational expansion, infrastructure development, and healthcare innovation positions Topeka as an emerging tech hub, attracting both established companies and startups to the region.

With over 150 startups now calling Topeka home and substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies, the city is rapidly becoming a model for mid-sized tech ecosystems in the American heartland.