Nine health startups head to Wichita to pitch pilot programs across Kansas
NXTUS CEO Mary Beth Jarvis speaks during last year's Innovation Showcase for the NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition.
Nine startups from across the U.S. will travel to Wichita later this year for an opportunity to turn their health solutions into pilot programs to be implemented across Kansas.
Entrepreneurial development organization NXTUS Inc. has announced the finalists for its 2026 NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition. On Sept. 3, it will host the Innovation Showcase, when 15 community partners select their pilot programs.
The nine finalists were selected from a pool of 183 applications ranging 32 states and 21 countries, up from 143 applicants in 2025. This year's startup cohort focuses on innovative solutions to problems in mental health, early intervention and community and social services.