Gamechangers & Champions is a $25,000 statewide pitch competition, presented in partnership with KU Innovation Park and the Kansas Department of Commerce, designed to identify and elevate high-growth startups from across Kansas.
The competition combines structured virtual evaluation with a live, in-person championship event on March 10 at David Booth Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, bringing together founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders.
1. How the Competition Works
Startups advance through multiple rounds of review, beginning with a large virtual screening and progressing through increasingly competitive stages.
Each round is evaluated by experienced judges using a standardized rubric focused on:
Problem clarity
Solution differentiation
Traction and market validation
Team strength and execution
Market size and scalability
The process is fair, signal-driven, emphasizing readiness and execution, not fundraising.
2. Competition Structure & Rounds
Based on feedback from founders and judges in last year’s competition, each round of Gamechangers & Champions is run as a separate competition in VentureDash.
This structure allows startups to:
Update and improve materials between rounds
Be evaluated based on their most current progress
Experience & focused judging aligned to each stage
Avoid being locked into early submissions as the competition advances
3. Qualifying Round Details
All qualified startups begin in the Qualifying Round
Founders submit:
A Pitch Deck
A 60-second Elevator Pitch video
Founder Headshot & Logo
Submissions are reviewed by experienced judges using a standardized rubric
The goal of this round is to identify startups ready to advance to the Round of 32
*Advancing teams are required to submit updated materials for the next round*
Pitch decks and elevator pitches do not automatically carry forward
Updates may reflect new traction, learnings, partnerships, or clarity
4. Live Championship Event – March 10
The competition culminates at the all-day live March 10 event in Lawrence, KS.
The Innovative 8 are announced publicly and deliver one-minute pitches to all attendees
Each Innovative 8 startup then participates in a structured pitch and live Q&A with a room of regional investors
The Final 4 are selected and pitch live in front of the full audience
Judges select and announce the Gamechangers & Champions Winner
5. Important Disclaimers
Participation does not constitute fundraising or solicitation of investment.
The goal is to provide founders with high-quality exposure and rigorous evaluation, while giving investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners visibility into the region’s strongest emerging companies.
Who Should Participate
Venture-backable or growth-oriented startups seeking to build scalable businesses
Companies with a clear customer, differentiated solution, and credible growth path
Founders open to evaluation and public presentation
Who Cannot Participate
Lifestyle businesses primarily designed to generate steady owner income rather than scale (e.g., consulting practices, agencies, single-location retail or service businesses)
Real estate investment vehicles, funds, or syndications
Non-operating holding companies or SPVs
Companies seeking the competition primarily as a fundraising or solicitation opportunities
Businesses that do not meet basic eligibility or readiness requirements
Founder Expectations
Written feedback is not guaranteed in early rounds due to volume
Later-stage teams may receive summary feedback when feasible
Founders must meet all deadlines and submission requirements
Professional conduct and accurate representation are required
Confidentiality & Publicity
Some rounds are confidential until officially announced
Advancing teams agree to participate in media and promotional activity
Founders are responsible for protecting proprietary information
Scheduling & Availability
Advancing teams must be available for required preparation and onsite participation on March 10
Inability to attend required sessions may result in forfeiture
Questions related to the above please reach out to avpadmin@nxtus.io G&C Sponsors 26-3.png874.25 KB
Calendario y fechas clave
*Important Dates – Gamechangers & Champions 2026
Applications Open: Friday, January 23
Applications Close: Friday, February 13
Public Release – Round of 32: Wednesday, February 25
Public Release – Breakout 16: Wednesday, March 4
Private Release–Innovative 8: Week of March 2
Live Event – Gamechangers & Champions Finals: Tuesday, March 10 @ David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium - Lawrence, Kansas
Innovative 8 announced publicly
Live investor pitch sessions
Final 4 selected
Gamechangers & Champions winner announced
Good luck!
Organizado por
Presented by NXTUS, KU Innovation Park, Kansas Department of Commerce
Fecha y hora
Dirección y ubicación
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Componentes
Elevator Pitch
The Elevator Pitch is a short, recorded video pitch delivered by the founder tha...
