Gamechangers & Champions 2026: A Bracket Bash For Innovators and Angels
Gamechangers and Champions 2026 brings together startups, angel investors, corporate innovation leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders from across Kansas for a full day of activation, education, networking, and competition. Presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, NXTUS, and KU Innovation Park, the event is designed to catalyze new angel investments, support early-stage companies, and accelerate Kansas’s innovation momentum.
Taking place at KU's new football stadium, the day begins with breakfast and networking, recognizing the business community and startup ecosystem driving innovation across the state. The Innovative Eight finalists will pitch before the event transitions into two parallel breakout tracks, one for startups and one for angel investors and corporate leaders, featuring targeted panels and workshops. Throughout the day, attendees can gather in the Business & Basketball Lounge to network and enjoy interactive activities like pop-a-shot.
The event concludes with a keynote speaker presentation and the Top Four pitch competition, where startups will present live. Winning startups will be selected in real time and awarded $25,000 in prize funding sponsored by KU’s Business School. Following the event, NXTUS, Accelerate Venture Partners, and the OREAD Angel Group will coordinate follow-on investment opportunities. A closing networking happy hour will wrap up the day.
Whether you’re an investor, startup, or innovator, don’t miss out on this game-changing event for our entrepreneurial ecosystem—grab your tickets now!
Startup founders: Compete for $25,000 in prize money and gain exposure to investors and ecosystem leaders during the Pitch Competition at Gamechangers and Champions 2026. Applications are open until Friday, February 13th, at midnight. Apply and learn more here: https://goventuredash.com/competitions/863