NXTUS’ 2024 Financial Technology Competition Underway
By: NXTUS Inc.
April 2, 2024
2023 NXTSTAGE Financial Technology Pilot Competition Finalists; photo courtesy of Darrin Hackney.
Wichita, Kan. – April 2, 2024 – NXTUS Inc. has launched the fifth-annual NXTSTAGE Financial Technology Pilot Competition, designed for startups with innovative financial technology products, with applications closing Monday, April 15th.
This program gives FinTech startups from around the region and the world unique opportunities to present their technology solutions to prospective customers in Kansas, who partner with NXTUS to access breakthrough tools that can improve their operations and enhance the services they can offer to consumer and business clients.
The program’s 2024 pilot partners include founding partners Emprise Bank and INTRUST Bank, as well as the Kansas Bankers Association. These innovation-minded organizations will be engaging with the startup participants, providing one-on-one market feedback, and evaluating competition applicants.
Applications for the program are due Monday, April 15th at https://www.f6s.com/nxtstage-fintech-2024/apply. Competitors should be financial technology startups offering technologies designed to help banks, credit unions, and financial services businesses enhance their digital banking offerings, data analytics, digital marketing, and other capabilities.
“Witnessing the surge of innovation spearheaded by NXTSTAGE in Wichita continues to inspire me,” said Matt Michaelis, Chairman, President and CEO of Emprise Bank. “We are eager to see what this year’s startup finalists bring to the competition. Partnering with startups that align with our company’s mission and values is paramount as we invest in the future of how we provide financial solutions that empower our customers to thrive.”
“In the dynamic landscape of FinTech, it's imperative we offer not just funding, but expertise and guidance on how entrepreneurs can tailor their ventures to address the distinct needs of their customers,” said Sam Chandler, President of INTRUST Bank. “Innovation remains at the core of our community, and we are proud to support that tradition as our region builds upon its reputation as a place where entrepreneurs can succeed in today's ever-changing world.”
In 2023, the program brought in 111 competitors from 22 states and 12 countries. Seven finalists were invited to come to Kansas and pitch live at the Innovation Showcase in October, resulting in three successful projects with Kansas banks.
Doug Wareham, President & CEO of the Kansas Bankers Association, a 2023 and 2024 pilot partner, shared his excitement about the potential for the program to bring cutting-edge financial technology solutions to community banks across Kansas:
“KBA’s partnership with NXTUS reinforces the desire of Kansas banks to provide their customers with the safest, most efficient, and user-friendly technology tools available to meet the needs of Kansas consumers. We are proud to partner with them again in 2024 and look forward to hearing from the innovative companies that will be competing.”
Fidelity Bank, a founding partner of the program, remains a major supporter of NXTUS’s programs to promote innovation and support the growth of startups in the region.