INNOVATE® Kansas City

Welcome to INNOVATE® Kansas City, a testament to the vibrant spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that defines our region.

Kansas City is known for its rich cultural traditions, from the iconic rhythms of Kansas City jazz, to the electric fervor surrounding the Chiefs and Royals sports franchises, and the mouthwatering allure of Kansas City–style barbecue.

These cherished facets have rightfully earned their place in our city’s identity, contributing to its widespread popularity.

However, our city’s essence runs deeper than these celebrated aspects. In this inaugural edition of INNOVATE® Kansas City, we venture beyond these well-known elements, diving into the beating heart of innovation that propels our region forward. Beyond the melodies of jazz, we uncover symphonies of forward-thinking ideas that shape progress. Amid the sports excitement, a parallel enthusiasm emerges for pioneering endeavors that defy conventions. Just as the aroma of barbecue beckons, a different kind of creativity fills the air – one that emanates from labs, startups, and offices, reshaping industries and charting the course for the future.

From the bustling heart of the city to the thriving communities that embrace innovation, thought leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers illuminate the path. They are the architects of a brighter future, the sculptors of progress, and the visionaries leaving an indelible mark on our region.

Journey with us through the intricate landscapes that define Kansas City’s innovation tapestry. Uncover the incredible stories of those who wield determination to drive progress, redefine industries, and catalyze change.

Each page is a testament to their dedication and resilience.

As the pages turn, the creative energy that pulses through every corner of our region comes alive, a testament to the boundless possibilities that await within this dynamic hub of innovation.

This publication serves as an invitation to partake in the symphony of ingenuity that echoes through our streets, offices, and laboratories.

Together, let’s honor the spirit of INNOVATE® Kansas City and celebrate the extraordinary individuals who embody the pioneering mindset that defines us. While we proudly recognize the facets that have garnered us fame, they are merely the foundation of our story. These stories, and the innovators behind them, propel us toward a future illuminated by innovation, collaboration, and limitless potential.

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Innovators

THE CO-OP AT SHOAL CREEK

FOSTERING INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY IN KANSAS CITY

The Co-Op at Shoal Creek was born from the pandemic’s unprecedented surge in home-based businesses, offering a sanctuary for growth, innovation, and community. It provides co-working offices, conference rooms, and event spaces thoughtfully designed to inspire and elevate work experiences to new heights. “We exist to help small businesses thrive...

PLAYHAUS

DATA MANAGEMENT BUILT FOR ALL

playhaus is an emerging technology company working at the intersection of web3 systems and artificial intelligence. It has always had a Midwest-based identity, with the company having started in Ann Arbor, MI, but relocated to Kansas City, MO, in June of 2022 to be immersed in KC’s vibrant creative and...

THE AI HUB

AN ART INCUBATOR - KANSAS CITY’S PREMIER ART INCUBATOR EMPOWERING CREATIVES TO TURN PASSIONS INTO CAREERS

The AI Hub is a cutting-edge art incubator dedicated to fostering professional growth and innovation through creative career development. Since its inception in July 2022, it has become a beacon for artists, entrepreneurs, and the broader creative community. The AI Hub offers a unique environment where creatives can explore the...

CARTER MEDIA

EST 1950

Our story begins with a dream and a vision of Andrew “Skip” Robinson Carter. Carter was born in 1919 and raised in Savannah, Georgia. In 1933, at the young age of 14, Carter’s aspirations of operating a Black radio station began, and he built his first radio. He studied physics...

KANSAS CITY WOMEN IN TECH

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN TECH: THE LEGACY OF KANSAS CITY WOMEN IN TECH

In 2013, against the backdrop of a male-dominated tech landscape, Jennifer Wadalla, a passionate advocate for gender equality, founded Kansas City Women in Tech (KCWiT). Her vision was to create a supportive ecosystem that would empower women to thrive in the technology industry. Under Jennifer’s visionary leadership, KCWiT quickly became...

THE CAPS NETWORK

EMPOWERING FUTURES

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, where the traditional model struggles to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce, there emerges a beacon of innovation – the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Network. Transforming Education for the Future CAPS embodies a revolutionary approach to education, recognizing the need for...

KU INNOVATION PARK

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATIVE BUSINESS GROWTH

Tucked into a hill on the west campus of the University of Kansas, a group of engineers is tackling global climate change with technology to recycle refrigerants. A team of industry professionals and academic researchers is staying ahead of cybersecurity threats using NSA-licensed technology. A married team of PhDs is...

STREAMLINE BOOKS

TURNKEY PUBLISHING TO WRITE, EDIT, AND BRING YOUR BOOK TO LIFE.

“Write a bestseller,” they say. “We’ll help you write a bestselling book.” In today’s publishing landscape, aspiring authors don’t just want to write a book—they dream of writing a bestseller. But why? Why is the standard of authorship left to an imaginary list that seems just within reach, yet in...

INVARY

PROTECTING OUR NATION’S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM THE HEARTLAND

PROTECTING OUR NATION’S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM THE HEARTLAND Invary is a cybersecurity company focused on ensuring the security and confidentiality of public and private critical infrastructure. Founded on a technology license from the NSA’s Laboratory for Advanced Cybersecurity Research, Invary validates that systems are functioning as intended, safeguarding them from...

AXIOFORCE

MAKING REVOLUTIONARY SMART MATERIALS TO BRING FORCE SENSING TO APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT IMPOSSIBLE.

MAKING REVOLUTIONARY SMART MATERIALS TO BRING FORCE SENSING TO APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT IMPOSSIBLE. Axioforce is a sensor company based on a smart materials breakthrough made by Drs. Cory Berkland and Jonathan Miller at the University of Kansas. The two were working on a DoE sponsored project developing cushions that leverage...

MADE IN KANSAS CITY

A BEACON OF CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY

When Made in KC launched in 2015, it redefined the local economy and fostered a community of creators ever since. It has emerged not just as a business but as a catalyst for creativity, turning a 300-square-foot pop-up shop into a sprawling network that champions local artists, designers, and makers....

PORTER HOUSE KC

GOING BEYOND SURFACE-LEVEL IMPACT

The Porter House KC is renowned in Kansas City for its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship among the underrepresented. Its story is not just about an entrepreneurship support organization; it’s about a catalyst for change in Kansas City’s urban core, pushing the envelope of what it means to ‘scale deep’ in...

GOOGLE FIBER

GFIBER HAS WORKED TO ENSURE IT IS DOING ITS PART TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE PARTICULARLY IN TRADITIONALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

“As a Google Fiber team member since 2011, it fills me with immense pride to reflect on our journey – from the selection of Kansas City as our inaugural home to our expansion from coast-to-coast in the last decade. We’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of ultra-high-speed internet in fueling...

UMKC Innovation Center

THE UMKC INNOVATION CENTER UNLOCKS THE POTENTIAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY HELPING PEOPLE TURN THEIR IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS INTO VENTURES THAT SHAPE AN ECONOMY OF HOPE.

Founded with the vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,the UMKC Innovation Center was established in 2003 to transform Kansas City into a thriving hub of entrepreneurial activity. The center’s purpose is to nurture and support entrepreneurs, from fledgling startups to established businesses, by providing vital resources, coaching, and connections. By...

ZIPPLICITY

FEARLESS FLIGHT

Zipplicity is a New Breed It’s a suitcase in disguise, “un-luggage” if you will. It’s an ingenious innovation for the world of travel. Beginning with Trial and Perseverance Three years of sickness and pain had diminished Amber Waldeier’s existence to very little. Eating and movement caused pain—but responsibilities continued—she struggled...

The Publisher

Daniel Esterhuyse

Daniel is the Head of International Publishing Partnerships at Innovations of the World. Born and raised in South Africa, he currently resides in Johannesburg with his wife of 19 years, their 12-year-old daughter, and three cats—FluffPuff, Roxy, and Gizmo, all girls. An entrepreneur since his school days, Daniel has co-founded various small and large businesses.... click to read more

Kevin McGinnis

Business Leader / Innovator / Ecosystem Builder / Community Champion Kevin McGinnis currently serves as the President & CEO of the Keystone Community Corporation https://www.keystonedistrict.org/ a non-profit organization tasked with the planning, development, and operations of a thriving and diverse innovation community in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to his role with Keystone, he was... click to read more

Chloie Benton

Growing up on a farm in Inman, Kansas, Chloie Benton developed a deep-rooted passion for amplifying the stories of ordinary people. Even in her youth, she found immense joy in immersing herself in the narratives of her family, neighbors, and rural communities. This early connection to the underrepresented experiences around her fueled Chloie’s unwavering commitment... click to read more

Raven Josiah

Born and raised in Union City, New Jersey, Raven Josiah has always been driven by his inquisitive nature. This was evident by his love for travel and capturing the stories of exceptional individuals around the world. Being well-traveled at a young age it was easy for him to choose Kansas City as the location to... click to read more