Kansas Department of Commerce
Bracket-style startup pitch competition courts innovators, angels for March gameplay
WICHITA, Kan. — Applications are open for a statewide startup pitch competition set to return in March alongside the Big 12 men’s basketball tourney. The high-profile event connects emerging founders with angel investors and corporate innovators — and a $25,000 top prize. The Gamechangers & Champions 2026 “Bracket Bash” is planned for March 10 at the…
Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say
WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement. “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that…
KC-area startup nets $20K Kansas pitch tournament win with game-changing edtech
WICHITA — The team at VU Scholarships left it all on the stage Friday, walking away as champions in the Gamechangers & Champions bracket bash — a high-intensity pitch competition running parallel to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Wichita. By outlasting 31 other Sunflower State companies, the Roeland Park-based edtech startup earned $20,000 in…
Kansas program aims to create startups with public-private partnerships
A new Kansas program is tapping universities to incentivize residents to launch more startups through public-private partnerships. The Kansas Department of Commerce recently kicked off “JumpStart Kansas Entrepreneurs” in the hopes that it will spur economic growth in the Sunflower State via early-stage firms. “The program is designed to stimulate and grow the economy from…
ECJC president to become Kansas commerce secretary
George Hansen, president and CEO of the Enterprise Center of Johnson County (ECJC), is moving on to serve the Sunflower State in a broader capacity. Hansen, who was appointed to lead the ECJC in June of 2013, will serve as Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s Secretary of Commerce. The ECJC is a non-profit venture development organization…
