Innovation program challenges civically-minded Kansas Citians
July 13, 2016 | Bobby Burch
The City of Kansas City, Mo. is again asking for entrepreneurs’ help.
Kansas City is now accepting applications for the 2016 Innovation Partnership Program, which provides an avenue for entrepreneurs to develop, test and demonstrate solutions to improve city operations.
The city will accept program applications for only 30 days — from July 13 to August 15.
Kansas City Mayor Sly James said that the mission of the program is to encourage efficiency within city operations.
“The Innovation Partnership Program is a unique way to explore technology that makes our processes and services better and more efficient,” Kansas City Mayor Sly James said in a release. “Our reputation as an innovative city is growing, and this partnership between entrepreneurs and City Hall is another way to encourage that innovation.”
In its announcement, the city said that it’s looking for startups and other business partners to enhance its operations, spur job creation, attract and retain talent and improve social equity and environmental quality. Entrepreneurs are expected to provide their solution as part of a 12-week test period at no cost to the city. After testing is complete, the city may decide to purchase a company’s products or services if it is a good fit and achieves their efficiency goals.
Kansas City officials say the program helps lend credibility to entrepreneurs’ solutions and potentially attract new business.
The City of Fountains already has seen success with the program. In 2015, tech firm RFP365 landed the City of Kansas City as a client for its software that eases the request for proposal process. RFP365 was the first company to sign a contract with the city through the program.
RFP365 co-founder David Hulsen previously said the program offered the startup and city a beneficial opportunity.
“This is a city that was willing to take a chance on a homegrown solution,” Hulsen said. “The program helped us bypass the bureaucratic hoops, and get in front of the right people at the first meeting. They deserve a lot of credit.”
To apply for the program, companies must complete an online application form, from which point judges will select applicants for a 12-week test. For more information about the program, visit: www.ippkc.org.
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Lean Lab announces new, mature fellowship class
The Lean Lab, an education innovation incubator, announced its second cohort of fellows who hope to bring meaningful change to Kansas City education. In the 2015 class, 10 fellows with seven solutions for Kansas City’s urban education will be participating in the Lean Lab’s summer program. Fellows arrive at the program with ideas in various…
KC newbie Rex tops $1M in revenue, kicks off hiring
Surging growth at one of Kansas City’s newest startups is leading it to hire a staff six times its current size. Rex, an animal health tech company that recently graduated from the Techstars-led Sprint Accelerator, is hoping to quickly boost its headcount from two to 12. In the days following a pitch at the accelerator’s…
ShotTracker, NBA champ Klay Thompson set for virtual camp
The Golden State Warriors weren’t the only team elated from its Tuesday night NBA Championship win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Overland Park-based ShotTracker also snagged a win alongside the Warriors’ first championship since 1975, as the wearable tech firm’s recent endorsement deal with Golden State guard Klay Thompson received another coat of varnish. Golden State’s…
Digital Sandbox helps entrepreneurs fight summer slump
With summer knocking at the door, Digital Sandbox KC is taking initiative to provide resources and instruction to keep entrepreneurs engaged and on-point. Digital Sandbox, a proof-of-concept program that expedites area businesses’ projects, will host the third-annual “Summer in the Sand Series” as a way of prompting discussion around relevant topics for entrepreneurs. “The Summer…