PLUG AND PLAY EXPO TAKES DOWNTOWN TOPEKA BY STORM

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Topeka and Plug and Play joined forces in June to host the inaugural Plug and Play Animal Health and Ag Tech Summit. This event brought more than 200 people together in mid-June for two days of innovation-themed networking and learning. Participants included startup companies, world-class keynote speakers, and investors, who together discussed issues and trends across the AgTech and Animal Health industries, and the need for continued innovation in these critical sectors. The expo event kicked off with an engaging panel discussion on day one, allowing startups to connect with local resource providers and discover the unique advantages our region offers. On day two, the spotlight shone on 15 innovative startups as they presented their products and pitches to attendees. The pitches were accompanied by inspiring partner success stories and captivating conversations on corporate innovation. In the evening on day two, everyone gathered at the Topeka Zoo for a one-of-a-kind reception experience where attendees were able to feed the giraffes and meet lions up close. Alongside the expo programming, startups and investors were able to engage in casual conversations that have already led to new connections and opportunities.

Plug and Play Topeka and GO Topeka are pleased to announce Topekabased Bimini Pet Health is partnering with the capital city’s Plug and Play Animal Health accelerator to find and develop new technologies that may expand the company’s product offerings and deliver highly differentiated options to support Bimini clients and the Bimini Pet brand. They join Plug and Play Topeka as the program’s fourth corporate partner, alongside existing founding partners Cargill, Evergy and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Tasc Development Projects

Since January, the Topeka Area Sports Commission, Visit Topeka, The Greater Topeka Partnership, and a development committee have met with the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to explore possible development opportunities in Topeka. All members present at the meeting expressed a favorable outlook toward the proposal and agreed to maintain open communication about the initiative’s progress.

Topeka Area Sports Commission Update

On Jan. 10, the Topeka Area Sports Commission (TASC) held its first-quarter meeting. During the meeting, an update was given on possible development projects on which TASC has been provided information, as a few developers are looking to enhance Topeka’s sports venues. After discussions regarding venues, the meeting moved toward working groups of the organization. For 2023, three working groups were identified: advocacy, communications, and nominating. These committees will begin important work identifying new members for the organization, communicating both within the organization and with the external community, and telling the story of sports in the Topeka area.