NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition
Matching Future-Minded Kansas Organizations with Growth Focused Startups
This innovative program allows startups from around the world to present their technology solutions to Kansas organizations focused on improving the health of Kansans and removing barriers to community growth.
Presented By:
2025 Recap
The NXTUS Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, concluded with an innovation showcase featuring 10 finalists from around the globe. This year's program brought together nine community partners to explore technology solutions aimed at enhancing health outcomes in Kansas. The partners committed to piloting initiatives addressing support for community health workers, preventative diabetes care, family addiction recovery, social media literacy, civic engagement, online pharmacy access, and more.
The showcase included these 22 announcements of upcoming community projects:
Coffey County Economic Development: Cairn Health, GrownBy and Polco
Hodgeman County Economic Development: Cairn Health, Greens Health, Kind-Ed, Healium and We the Village
LiveWell Northwest Kansas: Cairn Health, Pear Suite and We the Village
NMC Health: Cairn Health and We the Village
Russell Regional Hospital: Healium, Kwema and Polco
Thrive Allen County/Thrive Kansas: Cairn Health, GrownBy, Kind-Ed, Pear Suite, Polco and We the Village
In addition, Greens Health remains in discussion with four pilot partners; GrownBy, two; Healium, two; Kind-Ed, three; Kwema, three; Pear Suite, one; Polco, one; We the Village, two; and Welfie has six potential partnerships still in the works.
Check Out These Wins!
2025 Pilot Partners
650
competitors
applied for the program.
Impact To Date
40
U.S. states
represented.
37
countries
represented.
53
finalists
showcased their solutions in Kansas.
77
projects
prompted by the program.
Since 2021, startups from across the globe have looked to Kansas as a place to bring their innovative community tools and recognized it as proving grounds for tomorrow’s community health and growth solutions.
Additional Program Value
No equity in your business is taken. This program is made possible by local sponsorship and national grant funding
Direct matchmaking with decision-makers, stakeholders, and community leaders
One-on-one market feedback from Pilot Partners
Finalists receive an opportunity to pitch live to hundreds of industry connectors at the annual Innovation Showcase
Thank You to Our Generous 2025 Sponsors!
Opportunity Wichita
Want to Learn More?
Fill out the below information to learn more or express your interest in applying to the next cohort!
*Space is limited. Applying does not guarantee your selection in the program.
NXTSTAGE is produced by NXTUS, a catalyst for the region’s startup ecosystem, generating and collaborating on efforts to help startup founders launch and grow highly scalable businesses by connecting them to capital, customers, and a supportive community.