5 KC startups make national contest

Kansas City is well represented in a national competition in which startups have a shot at winning $10,000.

Five Kansas City companies were recently announced among 40 contestants in the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s “One in a Million” competition. The competition, which received 377 applicants, challenges startups that have presented at the foundation’s 1 Million Cups program. In total, the 40 contestants represent 25 cities from around the nation.

The Kansas City-area companies named as contestants were AEGLE Palette, Blooom, Idle Smart, Second Life Studios and Tin Man Prints. GoGo Rideshare and SeekEdgar/Seek iNF, based in Lawrence, Kan., also were named in the round of 40.

The finalists must send a video with specific criteria by noon on Sept. 14, and a panel of judges will select 15 semifinalists. The semifinalists will be announced on Oct. 1, and then will compete in a live competition in Kansas City on Nov. 17 during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

To see the full list of 40 contestants, click here. Here’s a little more on each of the Kansas City companies:

AEGLE Palette created a digital placemat that helps users monitor and control their dietary intake.

Blooom offers users an online 401k tool that automates management of funds to maximize growth.

Idle Smart created automated engine start-stop technology that reduces overnight idle time by 70 percent, reducing costs for fleets by keeping batteries charged and engines warm.

Second Life Studios uses repurposed materials to build uniquely designed spaces for commercial and residential units.

Tin Man Prints creates custom metal prints from customers’ photos.