Bracket-style startup pitch competition courts innovators, angels for March gameplay
February 2, 2026
Andrew Márquez, VU Scholarships, left, stands with organizers, sponsors and other officials after winning the grand prize at the 2025 Gamechangers & Champions bracket bash pitch competition in Wichita; photo courtesy of NXTUS
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 University of Kansas Conference Center at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, rallying support from organizers at NXTUS, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and KU Innovation Park.
“We’re excited to host our second-ever Gamechangers & Champions event, celebrating and supporting the exciting range of startups growing across Kansas,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita-based NXTUS. “We’ll gather state-wide founders, investors, and supporters in Lawrence this time, hosted at KU’s brand-new stadium event space on the opening day of the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament.”