2022 Regional Pilot Competition
In the past 2 years, more than 400 startups worldwide have competed in NXTSTAGE pilot competitions to get access to prospective customers and earn paid pilot contracts with Kansas businesses and community organizations.
Now, NXSTAGE is excited to offer a program not focused on one industry sector or another, but on promising early-stage ventures in the region looking to connect with a wide range of corporate or community customers.
Kansas Startups
Get in the door of prospective customers
Obtain market feedback
Earn pilot contracts
Welcome to NXTSTAGE’s inaugural regionally focused customer matchmaking program!
We are looking for high-potential startups based here, offering innovative solutions ready to add value for businesses or community organizations in the region.
Interested in Competing?
Kansas Organizations
Be Innovative. Entrepreneurial. Collaborative.
Strengthen your operations by implementing technology tools
Work with up-and-coming innovators to tackle modern challenges
Become an early adopter of next-generation technology solutions
NXTSTAGE enables you to access promising technology tools offered by early-stage technology companies. We match our innovation-conscious pilot partners with startups offering tools that are ready to be pilot tested, customized and deployed. NXTSTAGE pilot partners – which can be corporations or nonprofits – get the benefit of collaborating with a curated group of innovators to become an early adopter of next-generation solutions.
Interested in accelerating your innovation journey?
Program Key Dates
April 6, 2022 — Applications Open
May 26, 2022 — Applications Close
July 1, 2022 — Finalists Selected
October 12, 2022 - Innovation Pitch Showcase
Interested in Being a Competitor?
Interested in Being a Pilot Partner?
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Ideally, we are looking for pilot partners who are located in the Midwest, but exceptions may apply. If you’re interested in applying to be a pilot partner, please fill out the form here
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This program is hyper-focused on matchmaking pilot partners and young, innovative companies with products in the market that are from the Midwest region. Stipends may be made available to cover a founder’s cost to travel to Wichita during the culminating event in October.
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Yes, pilots are paid for by our generous sponsors and pilot partners. We have seen pilot partnerships that have cost as little as $2,000-$4,000 and others have been more expensive. These are designed to be innovation programs that can add value for the pilot partners.
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We anticipate running this program annually. Pilot partnerships may begin right after the Innovation Pitch Showcase in Q4. The idea is there is a result by the following year's competition.
If you have additional questions, please contact our Program Manager, Amber Dunn at amber@nxtus.io
