LaunchKC revealed the winners of its grants competition Tuesday evening at J. Rieger & Co. after a nationwide search for innovative early-stage tech startups.
The Economic Development Corp. of Kansas City and the Downtown Council co-founded the program, which previously funded 38 startups — 33 of which are still active. More than 60% of the startups maintain Kansas City-area operations.
“We cannot underestimate the power of entrepreneurs who are shaping and growing our great city,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a release. “LaunchKC is a groundbreaking program, providing resources and support for our hardworking entrepreneurs.”
LaunchKC received more than 150 applications and whittled the pack to 13 finalists, who pitched to judges who chose the six winners. In addition to a $50,000 non-dilutive grant, the winners will receive access to mentors, curated programming and free office space in downtown Kansas City.
“We were thrilled to see such a high number of diverse applicants this year,” Tommy Wilson, director of business development for the Downtown Council, said in the release. “It’s more than we’ve seen in year’s past, so we feel confident we’re doing things right to get the word out both locally and nationally about this great opportunity.”
The winners are:
- Bryght Labs: aims to make STEM-focused games more accessible, and its first product is ChessUp, a smart chessboard with a built-in chess instructor
- Data Appraisal: helps businesses get the most out of their data with an automated, proprietary approach
- EB Systems: specializes in mobile apps, Bluetooth technology and proprietary beacon reader technology to help drive the Internet of Things industry
- Invent XYZ: integrates hands-on, real-world STEM and CS into every core high school course to give students cutting-edge skills
- MatchRite Care: a software platform that allows patients and their dependents to access personal medical records and share them with doctors — all in one place
- SeeInMe: developed a near-field communication-enabled Instant Connector card that allows family members to share a personality profile of a vulnerable loved one with caregivers, teachers, health care workers and others with the goal of providing better person-centered care
