ACCEL-KS Founder Video: Toadworx

The Kansas Department of Commerce and Groover Labs partnered to bring the Accelerating Concept to Commercialization in Kansas, or ACCEL-KS, to life, reaching out across the state to find and fund 25 projects, provide them with startup ecosystem support, and help bring their products to early-stage commercialization.

Near the end of the grant period, we surveyed the recipients. Based on their responses, we selected six projects that had made the most progress, and we worked with Malibu Creative to produce videos that highlight their work through ACCEL-KS.

Over the next six weeks, we’re going to share each video, along with some brief info about the project.

The first one is Toadworx.

Founded by Logan Schraeder, Toadworx develops night vision accessories and hardware for civilians and law enforcement. Their first product, the BATL (formerly the LAM Mk1A), began as a notebook page drawing during a team brainstorming session around a kitchen table. Now, they’re shipping to customers.

Why Toadworx over what’s available on the market? They have experience with the difference between professional night vision hardware and what’s currently available to the average civilian. The professional gear is egregiously expensive; the affordable gear is low-quality. Toadworx wanted to create something that bridges the gap.

ACCEL-KS at Groover Labs provided Toadworx with funding and a bench membership in the Maker Lab, along with access to a community of entrepreneurs and experts. They used the Maker Labs for CNC milling and 3D printing to turn parts around in hours instead of weeks. The Groover Labs community provided feedback and encouragement along the way.

Up next week: Tacit Technologies.

You can see all the ACCEL-KS videos here.