NXTSTAGE Community Health Competition Kick-Starting Dozens of Innovation Projects around Kansas
Wichita, Kan. – Sept. 28, 2023 – NXTUS, Inc.’s NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), announced six pilot projects, as well as 22 additional potential future projects, all aimed at improving Kansas’ population health and economic vibrancy.
At an innovation showcase held at Botanica, leaders from Kansas communities committed to piloting technology solutions addressing issues such as using data to drive policy and community-assistance priorities, increasing access to mental health care, helping people make better food choices, modernizing Type 1 diabetes management, better equipping community health workers, and improving care for new moms and seniors.
Here are the winning startups chosen by the NXTSTAGE pilot partners:
· Scott County Development Committee: Announced pilot projects with Polco and Remble, as well as continued discussions toward projects with eddii Health, GoNo Food Finder, and Myri Health.
· Thrive Allen County: Announced pilot projects with Myri Health, Pear Suite, Polco and Remble. They are also pursuing funding for potential projects with Medic All, Serenity Health and Welfie.
· Hodgeman County Economic Development: Pursuing projects with eddii Health and Myri Health.
· LiveWell Northwest Kansas: Pursuing funding for pilots with Medic All, Myri Health, Pear Suite and Remble.
· Russell Regional Hospital: Exploring projects with GoNo Food Finder, Medic All, Remble and Serenity Health.
· The Wichita Medical Practice Association of the University of Kansas School of Medicine is working with eddii Health, Myri Health, Pear Suite and Welfie for future pilots.
“This partnership is making significant strides in improving health outcomes across our state”, said Virginia Barnes, Blue Health Initiatives director at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. “These projects address crucial issues in our state and will help create a healthier and more vibrant Kansas for everyone.”
“The success of this program and the diverse projects coming out of it are powerful evidence that Kansas is a place where innovators can thrive and new approaches are welcome,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, NXTUS President and CEO. “Connecting solution-minded entrepreneurs to future-focused organizations here is helping push our state forward into a future where Kansans are healthier and our communities are stronger.”
After the 2021 and 2022 competitions resulted in 27 local and state-wide community health and vibrancy projects, this year’s program attracted 128 competitors from 28 states and 11 countries. Of these diverse competitors, 83 percent had females or minorities on their founding teams, and 89 percent of the finalists have ethnic minorities or females as founders.
In addition to presenting sponsorship from the Blue Health Initiatives of BCBSKS, this competition also received a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, support from the Greater Wichita Partnership and the University of Kansas Medical School’s Wichita Medical Practice Association, as well as assistance from NetWork Kansas.
These 2023 NXSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Finalists pitched at the Innovation Showcase:
eddii Health (New York City) offers a platform for Type 1 diabetes patients that gamifies real-time glucose data using fun, supportive and educational features that engage the user in the long run. Are in contention for four pilot projects, including a collaboration with Newton Medical Center that began at the Innovation Showcase event.
The GONO Food Finder (Minneapolis) app defines whether foods are good/bad for your medical conditions and wellness goals, evidenced by unbiased, peer-reviewed medical studies. Are in contention for two pilot projects.
Medic All (Wichita, Kan.) is a telemedical nonprofit that offers free consultations, medical tests, and prescriptions to eliminate barriers to care. Are in contention for three pilot projects.
Myri Health (Norman, Okla.) is an evidence-based postpartum resource that provides personalized rehab based on delivery type, communities for parents to connect, and tracking resources in a low-cost, mobile app format. Won a pilot project and remain in discussions for four more.
Pear Suite (Tulsa, Okla) empowers community health workers to meet the social and health needs of older adults, Medicaid members, and other underserved groups through a social care navigation platform. Won a pilot project and remain in discussions for two more.
Polco (Madison, Wisc.) helps government officials understand constituent satisfaction with public services, gather quality public input, and make better data-informed decisions. Won two pilot projects.
Remble (Tulsa, Okla.) is a mental health app with courses, activities, and tools created by licensed therapists. Won two pilot projects and remain in discussions for three more.
Serenity (Denver) brings together everyone providing care for our older adults on a single platform, to communicate, collaborate, and educate. Are in contention for two pilot projects.
Welfie (San Diego) is a Health Equity platform delivering health and education equity to families on Medicaid via community health workers. Are in contention for two pilot projects.
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