September 12, 2012
by
Kate Pope Hodel, KCSourceLink
Launch KC Identifies Support for Startup IT
Monday afternoon on a sunny rooftop overlooking the creative Crossroads District, KC Mayor Sly James announced the results of the Launch KC task force. The task force, headed by Mike Burke, created initiatives to help develop the growing technology and creative industries in Kansas City.
Mayor James noted that with everything going on in the area, there was no reason Kansas City can't be "THE place for startups to call home."
Pete Fullerton, head of economic development for the city, outlined five key initiatives:
- Collaboration: Launch Pad KC helps match developing tech firms with large companies who have promised space, mentoring and contacts.
- Capacity: A KC data center will provide more computing power, hosting and data storage at affordable prices for startup companies.
- Mobility: This initiative will create a wireless district in downtown, which will improve the city's competitive position.
- Opportunity: The city is looking at adaptable, create incentives to help small tech firms get the equipment they need.
- Innovation: Several organizations and companies, led by the UMKC Innovation Center, have been working on a proof-of-concept lab to allow entrepreneurs an opportunity to market test their ideas.
Mike Burke, head of the Launch KC task force, noted that from the rooftop of Barkley, those in attendance were "in the center of one of the most exciting tech and arts districts in the country." He noted that the Launch KC initiatives are about making it easy for startups. "Let's find space for them and mentors and ways to lease equipment. And then let's do a proof of concept center where they can test their concept in the market."