RRH Accepted Into Innovative Pilot Program

NXTUS, Inc. has launched the 2024 NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS).

This program matches leading innovators from around the globe with forward-looking organizations dedicated to advancing population health and fostering community growth in Kansas.

The competition connects startups offering technology tools that aim to enhance the well-being of Kansans and stimulate community progress with potential customers in Kansas. The 2024 program is poised to further catalyze innovation, on top of the 33 local and statewide pilot projects awarded in the past three years.

These innovation-seeking organizations from around the state are 2024 program partners Hodgeman County Economic Development, HopeNet, LiveWell Northwest Kansas, Jenrus Freelance Marketing (Representing Republic County), Russell Regional Hospital, Salina Chamber of Commerce and Thrive Allen County.

Since 2021, BCBSKS has been the presenting sponsor of the competition, enabling community health and economic development entities statewide to access promising technologies that can make a difference for Kansans.

"This competition has proven to be extremely beneficial in helping rural Kansas communities address equitable access to health and the drivers of health across our state," said Virginia Barnes, Blue Health Initiatives Director at BCBSKS. "By tapping into entrepreneurs and technology solutions at the local, national and worldwide levels, we can pair these communities with the solutions that make them stronger."

The impact of this transformative program continues to resonate in Kansas communities. Notably, a 2023 finalist, Myri Health, introduced a groundbreaking technology platform facilitating access to postpartum rehab care, daily schedules for baby and mom, and more. NXTSTAGE pilot partner, Thrive Allen County, secured a grant with REACH Healthcare Foundation to provide the Myri Health app to women across Allen County for no charge to the individuals, providing safe and easy access for all those in need. To date, they have deployed the program to more than 40 new moms in Allen County and hope to add 200 more users in the next 18 months.

"We want Kansas communities to be early adopters, not last in line, when it comes to implementing innovative solutions that can address community health and growth challenges," said Symbria Hansen, Program Manager for the Competition. "We are partnering with forward-thinking leaders around our state and helping them collide with great entrepreneurs whose tools can improve the health and lives of Kansans."

With support from BCBSKS and Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, NXTSTAGE is set to empower startups in Kansas, accelerating innovation across communities and driving tangible improvements in population health and inclusive prosperity for all Kansans.

NXTUS is currently accepting applications for the program. Competitors should be startups with technology tools related to wellness, mental health, substance abuse, civic engagement, health tech or any product that enhances the vitality of the community and the well-being of the people in it.

In 2023, the program attracted 131 competitors from 28 states and 11 countries. Over the coming months, community pilot partners will evaluate competitors and narrow the field to the most promising technology solutions they believe are poised to help Kansas communities thrive. This fall, a finalist cohort of 8 to 10 startups will visit Kansas to meet with the pilot partners and other customer prospects from around the state.

NXTUS, Inc. helps entrepreneurs grow companies of significance. The organization works to connect startup founders with community resources, capital and customers. NXTUS manages NXTSTAGE programs, which are aimed at connecting startups to mature businesses and regional partners looking to become customers for their innovations and to help accelerate the pace of innovation and startup growth in the region, as well as Accelerate Venture Partners, a fast-growing regional angel investor syndicate.

(Information courtesy NXTUS, Inc. and RRH.)