TOPEKA (KSNT) – A hub for innovation and tech is now officially under construction in Topeka.
Link Innovation Labs will be opening in the old AT&T building in downtown Topeka. With a total of eight lab spaces, ranging anywhere from 650 to 850 square feet, Link Innovation Labs will allow startups to develop their product, collaborate and move their technology along.
“This is really kind of that home or that place for startups in our region but also attracting startups from outside of the region to come here, develop their technologies and build their companies,” Innovation of Go Topeka SVP Stephanie Moran said. “So, it’s that incubator space, that place for them to come and grow, and see those technologies come to life.”
Bringing that space to the capital city, Mayor Michael Padilla says it’s not just a great step forward for Topeka, but for the region.
“Topeka really has taken on the idea that we need to be a regional source and an influencer on a lot of things that happen in the area, and we want to collaborate with as many people as possible and this innovation center really brings that to a physical presence,” Padilla said.
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The first floor of the building is around 17,000 square feet. With excitement to grow in Topeka, there’s additional space if needed.
“We also have space in this building where they can continue to grow, so if they need a larger space down the road, we have the additional floors above us that we can build into to be able to build out those custom spaces as their companies grow and evolve,” Moran said.
With the official opening slated for January, Padilla says it’s a great feeling to see companies grow right here in the capital city, and that he’s confident that it will continue to grow in the future.
“Being part of the governing body to help encourage small businesses and growth, I feel really good about it you know,” Padilla said. “It makes me feel that Topeka will be moving forward regardless of who sits in that chair in the mayor’s office.”
If you would like to learn more about Link Innovation Labs click here.
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