Gamechangers and Champions 2026 brought together more than 280 startups, angel investors, corporate innovation leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders from across Kansas for a full day of activation, education, networking, and competition. Presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, NXTUS, and KU Innovation Park, the event was designed to catalyze new angel investments, support early-stage companies, and accelerate Kansas’s innovation momentum.

Congratulations to Tommy McAndrew of SippTech, winner of the $50,000 pitch competition, and congratulations to Frankie Elder-Reedy with Wrax for winning the $5,000 Fan’s Choice Award!

Additional winners included Ashley McClellan with MedCurate, who received the $10,000 runner-up prize, while Kalin Baca with Icorium Engineering Company and Barry Nelson with VisiPay, LLC each earned $3,500 as Final Four participants. The remaining Innovative Eight startups — Romy Carlson with Enrichly Fun, Inc., Craig Mason with Myndset, Chris Callen with PLOT Jobsite Command, and Frankie Elder-Reedy with Wrax — each received $1,500.

Way to go to the Innovative Eight for wowing the room as they competed and showcased their ventures! Check them out below!

• Enrichly Fun, Inc., Romy Carlson

• Icorium, Kalin Baca

• MedCurate, Ashley McClellan

• Myndset, Craig Mason

• PLOT, Chris Callen

• SippTech, Tommy McAndrew

• VisiPay LLC, Barry Nelson

• WRAX, Frankie Elder-Reedy

Thank you to our sponsors and partners who made this event possible!