McPherson Journalism Startup Earns State Innovation Grant

A McPherson-based startup using artificial intelligence to deliver affordable hyperlocal journalism to rural communities has earned $25,000 in proof-of-concept funding from the state's ACCEL-KS program. Citizen Journal, which provides digital news coverage for small towns and local businesses, was selected as part of a cohort of 16 Kansas companies chosen by KU Innovation Park to receive grants, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial support designed to help promising ideas reach the marketplace.

The ACCEL-KS initiative, launched by the Kansas Department of Commerce in July 2025, aims to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization across the state. The latest cohort represents diverse sectors including artificial intelligence and software, health and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, education, and community infrastructure. KU Innovation Park received more than 65 applications from entrepreneurs throughout Kansas and was selected as one of two organizations statewide to implement the program.

The funded companies span both urban centers and rural communities across Kansas, with 30 percent of selected projects located in counties with populations of 40,000 or less. Funding for companies in rural counties is supported in part by The Patterson Family Foundation. All recipients will participate in an educational cohort facilitated by Continuum Educational Technologies and gain access to subject-matter experts, office hours, and ongoing professional guidance as they work to advance their innovations toward market viability.

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