This Month's Latest Tech News in Kansas City, MO - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

Kansas City, MO, is making headlines as a pivotal hub for AI and tech innovation this spring, with major developments spanning infrastructure, commerce, and healthcare.

Nebius is set to launch its first U.S. GPU cluster in Kansas City by Q1 2025, bringing thousands of Nvidia H200 GPUs with the goal of serving American AI developers and investing over $1 billion in AI infrastructure by mid-year - “Serving American customers from American facilities means lower latency and maximises the advantages of our AI-native cloud,” said Nebius CEO Arkady Volozh.

On the digital payments frontier, Visa announced plans to empower AI personal assistants to securely transact on behalf of consumers, partnering with tech leaders like OpenAI and Microsoft to tackle payment challenges and enable “transformational” agentic AI experiences for everyday purchases (Visa unveils AI payment partnerships with OpenAI and Microsoft).

Meanwhile, Missouri's Physical Infrastructure Grant Program is opening applications April 2, supporting tech-focused workspaces and facilities - such as co-working hubs, wet labs, and community centers - which are vital for startups and research excellence (Missouri Technology Corporation Physical Infrastructure Grant Program details).

In healthcare AI, Avant Technologies and Ainnova are showcasing AI-powered solutions for early disease detection and preventative healthcare globally (Avant Technologies launches AI health innovation solutions).

This wave of investment and technical capacity is cementing Kansas City's leadership on the national tech stage for 2025 and beyond.

H&R Block, headquartered in Kansas City, is poised to transform tax preparation through a strategic partnership with OpenAI, integrating generative AI to support over 60,000 tax professionals across its 9,000+ U.S. offices.

This collaboration merges OpenAI's advanced AI technologies with the seasoned expertise of The Tax Institute, empowering H&R Block agents to deliver faster, more personalized insights and real-time guidance to millions of clients.

The initial AI tool rollout is planned for late 2025, leading up to a full-scale deployment before the 2026 tax season, building on the proven success of H&R Block's AI Tax Assist program, which has already streamlined DIY tax filing for more than 20 million users.

H&R Block's official announcement underlines the “force multiplier” effect of this initiative, bolstering both professional efficiency and client outcomes.

As

Ronnie Chatterji, Chief Economist at OpenAI, noted, “Pairing OpenAI's advanced AI technology with The Tax Institute's knowledge will enhance personalized and nuanced guidance, streamline tax preparation, and improve the experience for Americans.”

Industry research shows growing interest in AI-powered tax solutions, with 17% of filers already using AI and 45% considering it for future tax prep, reflecting the sector's rapid digital transformation.

Forbes coverage of AI tax innovations and NBC Los Angeles report on H&R Block's AI tax partnership highlight that, with impending changes in federal tax policy and IRS staffing, H&R Block's AI-powered approach aims to ensure accuracy, keep pace with evolving regulations, and deliver value without raising service costs for consumers.

In a landmark move for Kansas City's tech landscape, the historic Kansas City Star building at 1601 McGee Street is set to become the region's newest artificial intelligence hub and “AI factory.” Local developer Patmos is investing $1 billion to convert the 400,000-square-foot facility - formerly home to four massive printing presses - into a state-of-the-art, 100+ megawatt AI data center paired with collaborative coworking spaces for tech startups and entrepreneurs.

As detailed in The Kansas City Star's business development coverage, the project capitalizes on Kansas City's central location, affordable green energy, robust fiber infrastructure, and reputation as a fast-growing AI hub.

Patmos CEO John Johnson describes the endeavor as powering the “future of AI while honoring the past,” with plans to preserve the building's legacy through exhibits and artistic installations.

Community feedback has been largely positive; business owners nearby welcome renewed activity after the structure sat idle post-newspaper exit in 2021. The table below summarizes key project features and milestones:

Feature	Details
Investment	$1 billion
Facility Size	400,000 sq ft, five-acre campus
AI Power Capacity	100+ megawatts
Timeline	First 5MW online next month; 40MW in 18 months

“By breathing new life into historic structures, we can create sustainable and innovative AI data centers. Repurposing these buildings not only preserves architectural heritage but also reduces the environmental impact of new construction.” - Joe Morgan, Patmos CIO

The adaptive reuse exemplifies how cities can transform iconic real estate into catalysts for economic growth, as explored in KMBC's in-depth report and highlighted in KCToday's development overview.

Kansas City is among the potential beneficiaries as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled an ambitious plan to develop 16 federally owned sites nationwide for new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and energy infrastructure.

These sites, including major national laboratories like Los Alamos and Sandia, were selected for their robust existing energy infrastructure and potential for fast-tracked permitting of new power generation - including nuclear and renewable sources.

The move is driven by surging AI demand, with federal research estimating data center electricity usage could reach up to 12% of America's grid by 2028, up from 4.4% in 2023.

According to DOE Secretary Chris Wright,

“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trump's leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win. With today's action, the Department of Energy is taking important steps to leverage our domestic resources to power the AI revolution, while continuing to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy to the American people.”

The DOE's Request for Information invites industry partnerships and seeks innovative solutions for sustainable operations, operational models, and financing, targeting partial center operations as soon as 2027.

The initiative's broader goals include fostering public-private collaboration and accelerating the deployment of next-generation computing technology. For more, explore the Department of Energy's invitation to AI data center developers, a detailed overview of selected federal sites for AI data centers, and project partnerships announced by Pipeline & Gas Journal's coverage of DOE site selections.

Year	U.S. Data Center Electricity Consumption (% of Total)
2023	4.4%
2028 (projected)	12%

Missouri is quickly cementing its reputation as a prime destination for major artificial intelligence investment and top tech talent, drawing billions from industry giants such as Meta and Google and rapidly expanding its data center infrastructure.

According to the Missouri Partnership, the state's advantages - low corporate tax rates, centralized logistics, a 3-million-strong workforce, and major infrastructure upgrades - are converting its innovation momentum into substantive economic growth, particularly in geospatial technology and advanced manufacturing.

Legislative and business leaders are working to ensure that Missouri's tech sector, now the 7th fastest growing in the nation, continues to nurture inclusivity and respond to surging energy needs as AI-fueled data centers nearly double regional power demands, with utility company Evergy forecasting over 11 GW of new demand for Kansas and Missouri alone. The Technology 2030 Report calls for enhanced workforce outreach and public-private partnerships for AI advancement, while concerns over energy and carbon emissions prompt calls for strategic planning.

As Senator Brian Williams noted,

“We're not just operating on a national stage, we're operating on a global stage.”

Missouri's bold approach is strengthening its position as a tech epicenter.

The following table highlights key indicators of Missouri's AI ascent:

Indicator	Figure / Status
Recent Tech Investment	Billions (Meta, Google, etc.)
Tech Sector Growth Rank	7th fastest in the U.S.
Projected Data Center Demand (Evergy - KS & MO)	Over 11 GW (nearly doubled in 2025)
Workforce Size	3 Million+
Corporate Tax Rate	4% (2nd lowest nationally)

For a closer look at how Big Tech is powering Missouri's AI future - and implications for electricity infrastructure - visit US News' latest coverage of utility impacts.

Kansas has taken a bold step in school security by approving $10 million to deploy AI-powered gun detection technology in K-12 schools, a move that puts the state at the center of a national debate over the role of tech in preventing mass shootings.

Centered on the ZeroEyes platform - currently the only vendor meeting strict state criteria such as patented AI, Department of Homeland Security anti-terrorism designation, and deployment in at least 30 states - this investment promises rapid firearm detection through existing security cameras and near-instant (3–5 second) alerts verified by human operators according to ZeroEyes' official technology metrics.

However, questions about efficacy and transparency persist, particularly given multiple high-profile false alarms in Texas and the lack of publicly available false-positive rates.

The focus on security tech has also drawn criticism for potentially siphoning resources from fundamental safety and mental health initiatives. As one observer noted,

“School leaders need to make sure that they're mastering the fundamentals and passing school safety kindergarten before they try to jump for Ph.D. solutions.”

A key controversy surrounds the legislative criteria - deemed by some as anti-competitive - which enabled ZeroEyes to effectively corner the Kansas market, leading even competitors to raise concerns that open bidding is being sidelined in favor of specific certifications as detailed in Kansas Reflector's report.

Comparisons between ZeroEyes and competitors such as Omnilert reveal disparities in cost and qualifications, with market access largely hinging on government-driven security standards.

As described by the Associated Press, these developments illustrate both the promise and pitfalls of AI in school safety, highlighting the urgent need for a balanced and evidence-based approach.

Vendor	Key Requirements Met	DHS Safety Act	Approx. Cost Example
ZeroEyes	Patent, deployed in 30+ states, U.S.-developed	Yes	$27,500/year (Iowa, 2 schools)–$109,200/year (Utah, 12 schools)
Omnilert	Deployed in <30 states, lacks patent	No	Not specified

This month, Kansas City and much of the Midwest are bracing for a turbulent storm season just as the National Weather Service (NWS) faces unprecedented staff cuts, with nearly 20% of NOAA's workforce eliminated and some local offices seeing vacancy rates approaching 35% as detailed by The New York Times.

These reductions have resulted not only in fewer meteorologists available to monitor and warn during severe weather, but also in the suspension of vital programs like weather balloon launches and the pausing of automatic translation for non-English forecasts, impacting millions of vulnerable residents.

As NWS explores artificial intelligence to help mitigate forecasting gaps, NOAA's Center for Artificial Intelligence is expanding efforts to deploy machine learning for more rapid data analysis and improved prediction accuracy, though experts caution that human expertise remains indispensable for life-saving alerts.

A study of forecasters found most are “cautiously optimistic” about AI, but stress its role should complement - not replace - seasoned meteorologists.

“The scientific backbone and workforce needed to keep weather forecasts, alerts, and warnings accurate and effective will be drastically undercut, with unknown - yet almost certainly disastrous - consequences for public safety and economic health,”

warned the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association in the Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, Kansas City's NWS office and others are consolidating coverage with overtime shifts and reduced services, putting additional strain on already overworked staff.

The NWS crisis raises urgent questions about the future resilience of the nation's weather warning system and whether technology can keep pace with both the climate and staffing challenges that lie ahead.

For an overview of emerging AI solutions and their limitations amidst these challenges, see Straight Arrow News coverage on AI solutions for National Weather Service staffing gaps.

Kansas City's medical education scene is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence, with Kansas City University (KCU) setting a national precedent by integrating Butterfly Network's AI-powered ScanLab™ platform into its point-of-care ultrasound curriculum.

This innovative approach provides KCU students hands-on learning with real-time diagnostic feedback, giving them a distinct advantage when applying for residencies and preparing them for modern clinical practice.

These efforts are part of a broader movement in medical training, with students and residents across Kansas City and the nation utilizing AI-backed tools - from intelligent tutors and language models to virtual reality simulations - to personalize their learning and enhance clinical reasoning.

For example, KCU's AI-guided training is complemented by a surge in digital resource adoption, as faculty and national leaders encourage the next generation of physicians to blend digital flexibility with human empathy and critical thinking.

The shift is evident in curricula like the free, CME-accredited AiM-PC modules, which equip learners to use AI ethically and effectively in primary care - highlighting the following features:

Program/Tool	Features
Butterfly ScanLab™ at KCU	AI-guided hands-on ultrasound training, real-time feedback
AiM-PC Curriculum (STFM)	Online ethics, technical modules, interviews with AI health innovators, free CME
Digital Platforms (nationwide)	AI tutors, VR labs, lecture playback, collaborative tools

As local deans note,

“AI is increasingly used in education, research, and clinical settings. Faculty development is needed to best guide technology use by students.”

For more on how Kansas City is equipping future healthcare leaders with AI, read the detailed program announcement and explore further curriculum innovations in the national AiM-PC resource.

Kansas City Public Schools are on the cusp of a “future-proofed classroom” movement as school board candidates across the district unite behind AI and digital literacy in education.

At a recent community forum, incumbents and challengers discussed placing technology and responsible AI use at the core of district priorities:

“AI is going to force us to incorporate it into how we teach, how we learn - whether we like it or not,”

emphasized board incumbent Rita Cortez, while others championed digital citizenship training and the creation of student AI clubs to prepare learners for an increasingly tech-driven world.

National trends reinforce KC's local resolve - by 2024, nearly all public schools in the region provide digital devices, and experts call for intentional integration of technology to spark deeper learning.

As Lee's Summit educator Vetta Manning notes,

“I want them to be thinkers. That's what I'm trying to teach them, that you have to be a problem solver.”

Still, candidates balance this push with safeguards for equity and mental well-being, advocating for strong teacher support, diverse student needs, and collaborative policymaking.

For a comprehensive overview of candidates' views and strategies, visit this in-depth guide to the April 2025 KCPS school board election.

Explore thoughtful reporting on how technology is reshaping local education - and why digital literacy matters more than ever - in this feature by Flatland KC, where professors and teachers stress that

“AI is not going to replace the human. It is going to supplement the human”

(read more about AI's classroom impact).

To get a sense of how these school board debates fit into broader digital opportunity efforts across the region, the SHLB's Anchors for Digital Opportunity group showcases strategies for broadband access and digital equity, supporting schools and students districtwide (see regional digital equity initiatives).

AI is increasingly part of daily life for Kansas City residents, delivering savings, convenience, and smarter decision-making for household budgets and beyond.

Chris Kovac, founder of the KC AI Club, explains that AI-driven tools can help shoppers “find sales on food, research a particular topic or find a local producer,” as well as track grocery budgets, suggest wallet-friendly substitutions, and even turn fridge leftovers into new recipes.

As Kovac puts it,

“It will start to become smarter about what we like, what we don't like, what our budget parameters are. It will start becoming more tailored to us as individuals.”

For those hesitant to embrace these technologies, Kovac encourages an open-minded attitude, calling AI “simply a tool that will help our lives.” Such advancements are not limited to kitchens - public services and law enforcement nationwide are adopting AI platforms to increase efficiency, deliver cost savings, and reduce burnout, with early adopters reporting easier data access, better collaboration, and stronger cybersecurity as shown at the recent ENGAGE 2025 event.

For those interested in grocery strategies, learn more about how AI can help Kansas Citians save at the checkout.

To see how public sector AI leads to smarter, safer communities, explore public safety technology adoption highlights from ENGAGE 2025.

For organizations concerned about responsible AI adoption and transparency, technologies like BigID's new AI Data Lineage offer insights into how models use sensitive information, aiding risk management and compliance.

The Kansas City Star's iconic former printing press building at 1601 McGee Street is being transformed into a cutting-edge AI data and innovation hub, marking a pivotal shift for local journalism and tech alike.

With Patmos - a software and data hosting company - spearheading a $1 billion project, this 400,000-square-foot facility is set to power artificial intelligence research and serve as a collaborative space for tech startups and entrepreneurs.

Unlike traditional data centers, Patmos prioritizes sustainability and community engagement, even preserving historical artifacts from the Star's past. As Chief Infrastructure Officer Joe Morgan notes,

“By breathing new life into historic structures, we can create sustainable and innovative AI data centers. Repurposing these buildings not only preserves architectural heritage but also reduces the environmental impact of new construction.”

Beyond job creation and infrastructure, the project positions Kansas City as an emerging national AI and tech hub while honoring its journalistic legacy - a vision highlighted in KMBC's coverage of the building's transformation into an “AI factory.” To learn more about the project, its unique approach, and broader implications for the region, see details on the repurposing of the KC Star building for AI innovation, gain insight into the tech hub's first tenants and strategy, and watch the transformation unfold in this video overview from KMBC 9 News.

Kansas City's evolution into an AI and tech powerhouse is no longer just a projection - it's happening now, fueled by nationwide attention and transformative local initiatives.

The city boasts one of the Midwest's densest, fastest-growing tech workforces, with tech now comprising over 9% of its economy and more than 77,000 skilled professionals - a rate that surpasses larger metropolitan areas, as highlighted in the KC Tech Specs 2024 report.

Landmark projects like Google's $1 billion data center, Nebius' first U.S. GPU cluster, and the proposed AI hub in the iconic Kansas City Star building, promise not only high-paying jobs but major leaps in sustainable infrastructure and AI innovation, powering sectors from cloud computing to advanced machine learning (Google data center announcement; AI hub redevelopment proposal).

Strategic public sector vision, including House Bill 3 and the Governor's Workforce of the Future Challenge, is channeling millions into workforce readiness - supporting K-12 pathways, technical upskilling, and flexible funding for higher education.

This momentum is matched by a philosophy of resilience and adaptability, as Kara Lowe, KC Tech Council President, asserts:

“Tech is a bigger deal economically and a bigger deal percentage-wise to our workforce than many larger cities. We need people to come here to Kansas City.”

With this unprecedented convergence of investment, talent, and leadership, Kansas City is not just catching up - the city is defining the future of AI and technology in America's heartland.