Leading Startups Selected to Address Health Challenges Facing Kansas Communities
Wichita, Kan. – July 7, 2026 – NXTUS, Inc. announced the nine finalists selected for the 2026 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS). The startups were chosen for their innovative solutions addressing challenges related to Mental Health & Recovery, Preventive & Early Intervention Care, Access to Community Services, Generational Connections and more.
Selected from a competitive pool of 183 applicants representing 32 states and 21 countries, the finalists will travel to Kansas this September to present their solutions to 15 community partners and other organizations committed to improving the health and vibrancy of communities across the state.
The program connects high-growth startups with Kansas organizations seeking innovative approaches to local challenges. Through the program, community partners have the opportunity to explore and launch pilot projects that address priority needs while giving startups a real-world environment to test and refine their solutions.
“Improving health outcomes requires us to think differently about the challenges facing communities today. Through NXTSTAGE, we are helping Kansas organizations explore innovative solutions to issues ranging from maternal and behavioral health to social connection and access to care,” said Virginia Barnes, BCBSKS Director of Blue Health Initiatives. “By bringing together local leaders and entrepreneurs, we can support community-driven ideas that address local needs and help create healthier, more equitable communities across Kansas.”
Since launching in 2021, the NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition has helped position Kansas as a proving ground for unique solutions that strengthen communities. Over the past six years, the program has engaged 53 finalist companies and sparked 77 pilot projects across the state, creating new opportunities to improve health outcomes, increase access to care, support workforce needs, and enhance quality of life for Kansans.
“This program continues to show that when Kansas communities and innovators come together, transformation follows. Our 2026 finalists are bringing fresh ideas, big energy, and real solutions to the challenges Kansas communities care about most,” said Collette Atkinson, NXTUS Program Manager.
Pilot projects selected through the program will be announced during the Innovation Showcase, set for Sept. 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Ninth Floor Club in Wichita. The event will bring together innovators, healthcare leaders, economic development professionals, and community stakeholders from across Kansas to celebrate the next wave of community-driven innovation. Registration for both in-person and virtual attendance is available here.
A record 15 pilot partners – hospitals, economic development organizations, schools, and community health leaders from communities across Kansas – will evaluate finalist solutions and identify pilot opportunities with the greatest potential for local impact. Returning pilot partners include Thrive Allen County, Hodgeman County Economic Development, LiveWell Northwest Kansas, Russell Regional Hospital, NMC Health, the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity, and Coffey County Economic Development. New this year are theCoffey Health System, Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita, Phillips County Economic Development, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, Norton Economic Development, Rooks County Health Center, Wichita Public Schools, and Hutton.
Here are the 2026 finalists, which hail from six U.S. states and Canada:
Cabana Health (New Orleans) - Cabana combines virtual group support with clinical care to improve behavioral health access in rural communities.
Embrace Prevention Care (Andover, Mass.) - Embrace’s local nurse practitioners provide monthly telehealth dementia care at no cost to patients/caregivers through Medicare’s GUIDE program.
Generation Connect (Los Angeles, Calif.) - Generation Connect strengthens communities by bringing together teens and seasoned adults through technology, workforce development, and meaningful intergenerational connection.
Mirza (Los Angeles, Calif.) – Mirza is an access, activation, and verification layer that helps people successfully navigate and enroll in essential benefits like Medicaid, childcare assistance, SNAP, and other social programs.
Laptis (Boston) - Laptis is an AI-enabled platform designed to streamline SUD referrals, improve engagement, and deepen visibility.
Sonar Mental Health (San Francisco, Calif.) - Sonar helps schools and healthcare providers expand youth mental health access through 24/7 chat-based coaching, triage, and navigation. Human-led, not a chatbot.
Sweetling Health (New York City) - An SMS-based monitoring and navigation platform for postpartum care.
WEConnect Health (Seattle) - WEconnect delivers proven behavioral health outcomes through certified peer support and evidence-based incentive programs across diverse payer memberships.
Wellnify.ai (Halifax, Canada) - Wellnify.ai is a community wellness engagement platform focused on improving population health by making healthy behaviors more accessible, engaging, and sustainable at scale.
In addition to presenting sponsorship from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the 2026 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition is supported by Kansas Health Foundation, Kansas Health Science University – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hinkle Law Firm, and the Greater Wichita Partnership's Opportunity Wichita initiative.