LaunchKC Reveals Eight Companies to Receive $60,000 Grant

Posted November 18, 2025

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City has announced the eight startup companies selected as recipients of the 2026 LaunchKC grants competition.

LaunchKC revealed the winners at the 4th annual LaunchKC Liftoff hosted at J. Rieger & Co. Distillery. In August, LaunchKC conducted a nationwide search for innovative early-stage tech companies ready to scale in Kansas City. Over 150 startups applied and were evaluated through a multi-round process.

The eight companies selected each received a $60,000 grant along with business mentorship and technical assistance, access to a strong network of investors, partners, and peers, workspace in downtown Kansas City, and exclusive programming and support from the LaunchKC team, according to a release shared with Ingram’s.

The 2026 LaunchKC grant recipients include:

Ask Samie: Empowers older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to live independently through an AI-driven platform that provides occupational-therapy-approved products, resources, and recommendations to support aging in place.

Block and Mortar: Transforms real estate development with an intelligent operating system that leverages AI, real-time data, and project connectivity to streamline decisions from concept to construction across all asset types.

Cyphra: Advances outdoor material handling with autonomous wheelbarrow systems that improve efficiency and safety in construction, landscaping, and excavation — offering turnkey, field-ready solutions requiring no complex setup or training.

dScribe AI: Optimizes industrial supply chains using AI-powered computer vision that monitors bulk materials in real time, helping companies gain full visibility across sites to enhance logistics, efficiency, and operational control.

EZBizPortal: Modernizes healthcare supply chains through an AI-driven platform that unites hospitals, manufacturers, and vendors for end-to-end medical device management — ensuring compliance, transparency, and operational excellence.

ULOM: Empowers immigrants, refugees, and international students to thrive by connecting newcomers with resources, community, and opportunities that foster belonging, stability, and long-term success in their new home.

Valor: Transforms the cancer journey through a digital platform that combines AI-driven navigation with human support, connecting patients, survivors, and caregivers to personalized tools and programs that promote healing and resilience.

Whimsi Beans: Reimagines children’s nutrition with sensory-friendly, nutrient-packed sprinkles that make vitamins fun and inclusive — turning daily routines into joyful rituals that nurture family wellness.

“We understand the power of local companies and believe these start-ups have the potential to become major job creators, economic drivers, and the next big KC headquarters,” EDCKC Director of Strategic Initiatives Jim Erickson said in the release. “Entrepreneurship is a winning economic development strategy.”

The winners were chosen based on the companies’ high-growth potential in Kansas City, as well as whether the KC area was an ideal home for their business. Applicants were required to be headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, or be willing to relocate.

LaunchKC’s first competition was held in 2015. Since then, the program has supported 137 companies, helping attract more than $650 million in follow-on capital and creating 1,640 jobs. More than two-thirds are led by women and minority founders.