Revitalizing Kansas Communities: NXTSTAGE Competition Elevates Health Innovation
Wichita, Kansas, has recently served as the backdrop for a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the health and vibrancy of communities across the state. The NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition, spearheaded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and hosted by the Wichita-based nonprofit NXTUS, has wrapped up its eight-week program. This innovative competition brought together a cohort of startups and regional partners, all working collaboratively to tackle pressing health challenges while fostering community growth throughout Kansas.
A Platform for Health Innovation
The NXTSTAGE competition attracted ten finalists through a highly competitive selection process that included entrants from global innovation hubs. These finalists were selected for their potential to make a significant impact in addressing health disparities and promoting wellness among Kansans. Virginia Barnes, the Director of Blue Health Initiatives at BCBSKS, remarked on the competition’s transformative effects, saying, “The competition has been a game-changer for bringing solutions to rural health challenges across our state.”
The collaborative atmosphere encouraged participants to form meaningful partnerships that can extend their reach and effectiveness in regional health initiatives. The competition’s focus not only sought innovative solutions but also aimed to create networks among startups, healthcare providers, and local economic development organizations.
Highlighting Kansas City Innovators
Among the ten finalists, three startups hailing from Kansas City stood out for their innovative approaches to health and wellness. Notably, Marma, an OB-GYN-approved platform, focuses on providing personalized nutritional guidance for women from fertility through postpartum. Founders Meredith McAllister spoke about the pilot project in collaboration with Hodgeman County Economic Development, stating, "We’ll offer personalized coaching and nutrition resources for hormone support, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care.” This partnership signifies a proactive effort to integrate women’s health into broader community development strategies.
The significance of such initiatives cannot be understated, as they not only aim to enhance individual health outcomes but also seek to foster community resilience and vitality. The inclusion of measurable data on health improvements will serve to demonstrate the effectiveness of these partnerships.
A Showcase of Innovations
The culmination of the competition featured a pitch showcase where the ten finalist teams presented their solutions to a panel of judges and regional stakeholders. This event was a highlight in a series of program events leading up to Wichita Startup Week, making it a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
The NXTSTAGE competition showcased a variety of innovative approaches addressing diverse health challenges, including holistic individual care, skin cancer detection, and gamified addiction recovery. Other successful Kansas City innovators included Leva, which aims to support new moms and families holistically, and SeeInMe, dedicated to collaborative care fueled by data-driven insights.
Expanding Opportunities for Collaboration
Following the competition, finalists not only gained recognition but also opened doors for future partnerships with health organizations. Marma is set to move forward with their Hodgeman County project, while Leva and SeeInMe are exploring opportunities with Russell Regional Hospital. The tremendous potential for collaboration was underlined by the support from various community-focused entities, such as LiveWell NWK and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, which are actively exploring funding opportunities to support ongoing projects.
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Encouragingly, the NXTSTAGE competition reflected a commitment to diversity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Of the competitors this year, 72 percent had female or minority representation on their founding teams, demonstrating a concerted effort to include diverse voices in the health innovation space. Furthermore, all finalists had either ethnic minorities or women founders, highlighting a shift towards more inclusive practices within the industry.
Looking Ahead
Since its inception in 2021, the NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition has invigorated 55 local and statewide initiatives. This year alone attracted an impressive 136 competitors from 31 states and 11 countries, illustrating the growing interest in health innovation.
As KS approaches a future marked by collaborative health efforts, initiatives like NXTSTAGE pave the way for more sustainable and impactful solutions. The support from BCBSKS, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and other organizations exemplifies a community committed to transforming health landscapes in Kansas.
In summary, the recent NXTSTAGE competition not only spotlighted innovative startups but also spurred a movement towards healthier communities, harnessing the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change for Kansans across the state. The commitment to improving health outcomes, particularly for women, and the emphasis on community connectedness, heralds a promising future for health innovation in Kansas.
