Digital Sandbox partners with trio of KC resource hubs to boost startups beyond funding

The next round of tech entrepreneurs to earn proof-of-concept support from Digital Sandbox KC also will receive access to startup resources at KC Digital Drive, Keystone CoLAB, and Enterprise Center in Johnson County, said Jeff Zhao.

Jeff Zhao, Digital Sandbox KC, Technology Venture Studio; photo courtesy of UMKC Innovation Center

“These additions give our awardees support that goes well beyond funding,” explained Zhao, associate director of Technology Venture Studio, which operates Digital Sandbox within the UMKC Innovation Center. “Startups often struggle to find the resources they need to execute on their goals, and this package helps close that gap for our founders.”

Each awardee already receives up to $20,000 in proof-of-concept funding through Digital Sandbox KC’s quarterly awards as well as project feedback and industry support.

Click here to read more about the most-recent cohort of Digital Sandbox KC-funded companies, announced in late June.

Newly added resources prioritize key programs, services, and community-focused connections, said Zhao, who also is program director for Digital Sandbox.

At KC Digital Drive, for example, entrepreneurs are expected to gain access to the organization’s offerings at Tech Central, a hub for anchor tenants at KC Digital Drive and KC Tech Council, where Midwest-made ideas find the resources, networks, and community to scale globally.

Those resource at Tech Central include:

• KC Digital Drive’s core networks of universities and researchers, local and regional government agencies, entrepreneurs and ESOs, civic leaders and innovators, and community-based organizations.
• Corporate, policy and workforce domain expertise and events.
• Curated introductions, connections and access to startup mentors, investors, consultants, and other experts.
• Connections to Resource Partners during office hour sessions from programs and organizations including Digital Health KC, Startland News, KC SourceLink, and Digital Sandbox KC.
• Engagement with the tech community and innovation ecosystem through Tech Central’s activities, including monthly socials and special events and meetups.

“KC Digital Drive is committed to building the necessary infrastructure for innovation-led economic growth by making it easier for entrepreneurs to access the people, programs, and resources they need to succeed,” said Aaron Deacon, managing director of KC Digital Drive. “For years, Digital Sandbox KC has played a vital role in helping early-stage technology companies take that first step. Bringing the program to Tech Central strengthens that work by placing founders within a connected, place-based innovation hub and a regional network designed to help them grow.”

Jeff Zhao, program director for Digital Sandbox KC, accepts the Access to Capital award June 4 from Kevin McGinnis, president and CEO of Keystone Community Corporation, which curated the 2026 Keystone Awards; courtesy photo

Digital Sandbox-funded companies also may take advantage of a free three-month coworking residency at Keystone CoLAB, 800 E. 18th St.; a free three-month membership to The CoFoundry, providing access to startup perks, mentorship, curriculum, and peer programming; and discounted access to Keystone Studios services, like MVP and rapid prototyping, launch and brand marketing, thought leadership and media platforms, content and audience growth, and funnel and conversion systems.

“This partnership with Digital Sandbox KC aligns perfectly with Keystone CoLAB’s mission to help founders move from idea to execution,” said Kevin McGinnis, president and CEO of Keystone Community Corporation, which operates Keystone CoLAB. “For Digital Sandbox awardees, Digital Health KC cohort members, and high-potential future reapplicants, this means access to dedicated workspace, experienced mentorship, and a vibrant community of peers, the exact ecosystem support early-stage founders need to accelerate their growth and increase their odds of success.”

Finally, Enterprise Center in Johnson County (ECJC) is offering access to its Growth Mentoring Service (GMS) program, which provides structured mentorship — based on the renowned MIT Venture Mentoring Service — designed for entrepreneurs ready to significantly grow their businesses.

RELATED: Cross-border collaboration expanding Growth Mentoring with Joel Barrett at the helm

GMS offers entrepreneurs:

• Team-based mentoring: Founders are matched with a lead mentor/facilitator and a group of 2 to 3 additional mentors.
• Monthly sessions: Mentor teams meet monthly to provide tailored advice and coaching.
• Real-world guidance: GMS mentors, who are seasoned business leaders, executives, and serial entrepreneur volunteers, help founders focus on actionable strategies to tackle business challenges head-on.

Through the partnership, Digital Sandbox KC awardees will be able to more seamlessly apply for GMS mentorship and connections to ECJC’s wider network, said Jeff Shackelford, president and CEO of the Overland Park-based support organization.

“By linking Digital Sandbox KC’s proof-of-concept funding and technology validation resources with ECJC’s Growth Mentoring Service, founders gain both the capital and the seasoned mentorship needed to navigate critical growth decisions,” he said. “This partnership helps entrepreneurs accelerate development, reduce risk, and build stronger, investment-ready companies that contribute to the continued growth of Kansas City’s innovation ecosystem.”

Applicants who wish to submit an idea and pitch to the Sandbox may apply for the next quarter. Click here to learn more and apply.

To date, Digital Sandbox KC has supported more than 250 startups with project funding and propelled them to receive more than $243 million in follow-on investment.