Leading Startups Named Finalists in Kansas Community Health Innovation Program
Photo from the 2023 Community Health and Vibrancy Innovation Showcase. Photo courtesy of Darrin Hackney.
Wichita, Kan. – Aug. 12, 2024 – NXTUS, Inc. announced 10 finalists, including three from the Kansas City area, for the 2024 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS).
The program attracted 136 competitors from 19 states and 15 countries. Chosen by NXTUS staff and statewide pilot partners, this year’s selected finalist group provides innovative solutions to enhance healthcare delivery and access, support families and caregivers, address behavioral health needs, provide maternal care from pre-birth to postpartum, and improve community well-being.
The finalists, hailing from Kansas, five other states and France, will come to Wichita to present their technology solutions to the program’s seven pilot partners and other Kansas organizations dedicated to improving the health of Kansans and removing barriers to community growth.
“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we are committed to pursuing a more accessible, inclusive and equitable system that helps everyone reach their full health potential,” said Virginia Barnes, BCBSKS Director of Blue Health Initiatives. “We have been thrilled to see the many ways that local organizations have implemented the technologies of past finalists to move the needle on health in their communities and are excited to see the difference this next round of finalists will make.”
Returning pilot partners include Hodgeman County Economic Development, LiveWell Northwest Kansas, Russel Regional Hospital, and Thrive Allen County. New to this year’s program are HopeNet, Salina Chamber of Commerce, and JenRus Freelance Marketing, representing Republic County.
Since 2021, the competition has kick-started 55 local and statewide projects focusing on expanding access to health care and mental health treatment, enhancing the quality of life for seniors, and improving the management of diabetes and other chronic conditions, as well as initiatives that promoted small and micro-businesses in rural communities.
“This program accelerates community health innovation and focuses on our rural and urban areas alike so that they can thrive and benefit from cutting-edge solutions,” said NXTUS Program Manager, Symbria Hansen. “These communities are continually finding ways to work smarter, and we are thrilled to be a part of that process.”
These partners will announce pilot projects at an Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Henry’s Place at NICHE, which is open to community health and growth advocates from around the state. To attend the event in person or sign up for the simulcast, register via Eventbrite.
In addition to the presenting sponsorship from BCBSKS, this unique program is made possible by support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Kansas Health Foundation, NetWorked Partnership for Community Investment, OneRise Health Campus (Lange Companies), Kansas Health Science University-Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Greater Wichita Partnership’s Opportunity Wichita affiliate.
The 2024 NXSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Finalists:
Kwit (Strasbourg, France): Using cognitive and behavioral sciences and gamification, Kwit reinvents how addictive disorders are treated.
Ladder Health (Washington DC): Ladder Health is an innovative primary care service partnering with local firehouses to deliver trusted, in-community care.
Leva (Kansas City, KS): Leva holistically supports new moms and families, reducing turnover and boosting productivity and morale.
Major Talent (Omaha, NE): Creating a better experience for our Veterans by translating their careers into industry terminology and helping companies intentionally hire Veterans.
Marma (Kansas City, KS): Marma is an OB-GYN-approved platform that offers personalized nutrition during the birthing years from fertility through postpartum.
Motivity Care (New York City, NY): Motivity Care simplifies caregiving management, offering an innovative solution for working caregivers, employers, and community partners.
Myri (Tulsa, OK): Myri Health is an AI-powered app and SaaS platform providing personalized, data-driven care and comprehensive care coordination, improving birthing outcomes and reducing preterm labor.
Polco (Middleton, WI): Polco's software and AI saves public servants critical time and resources by simplifying everything from grant writing to strategic planning.
SeeInMe (Lee’s Summit, MO): SeeInMe promotes collaborative, coordinated care, fueled by data-driven insights and a relentless focus on the uniqueness of every individual.
SkinCheck (Tulsa, OK): SkinCheck is an AI-powered mobile tool for enhancing dermatological care access and early skin cancer detection for all people.
For more information about this program, visit https://www.nxtus.io/nxtstage-community-health-and-vibrancy