KC startups graduate K-State accelerator, earning equity-free cash, greater conviction

A trio of Kansas City-built ventures — from sports apparel and mental health solutions for young athletes to tech that uses autonomous drones and 3D vision AI — were among the Kansas businesses earning funding through an eight-week accelerator at Kansas State University.

The Center for Entrepreneurship Accelerator program at K-State — which provides participants with faculty-led courses, hands-on student research teams and access to an extensive alumni mentor network — also offers entrepreneurs practical, actionable insights to strengthen their businesses.

“The Accelerator allows us to share our unique resources with the broader entrepreneurial community,” said Chad Jackson, director of the university’s entrepreneurship efforts. “Our faculty, alumni mentors and students are incredible resources, and we are excited to share their expertise to support startup ventures.”

Kansas City area companies participating in the recent “Summer Growth Track” cohort included:

• 4D Leaders (Jim Huber and Jason Holzer), Olathe — Transforming youth sports by equipping coaches, parents, and athletes to work together in developing leadership, resilience, and life skills.
• dScribe AI (Jordan Mryyan, Cole Robertson and Warren Wang), Overland Park — Uses autonomous drones and 3D vision to precisely track bulk and stockpile inventory, so clients can operate with clarity and confidence.
• Rebound Jerseys (Aidan Scurato), Mission Hills — The only marketplace dedicated to authenticated sports jerseys.

Amie Norton pitches her Manhattan, Kansas-based startup, CustomNano, during the BioKansas Startup Pitch Competition, ultimately earning second place; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Another cohort member — CustomNano, a venture led by K-State assistant research professor Amie Norton — recently finished second in the BioKansas Startup Pitch Competition at Innovation Festival in Overland Park. The Manhattan-based startup builds smart sensors and nanotechnology to assist in delivering herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides utilizing recycled agriculture and food waste.

Click here to explore the full seven-company cohort, which each received $5,000 in non-dilutive funding.

 The accelerator — using a curriculum developed by K-State faculty — explores key topics, including strategy and competitive positioning. Participants work with student consulting teams to address challenges unique to each venture. These teams contribute expertise in targeted areas, helping entrepreneurs refine operations and pursue growth opportunities. 

Entrepreneurs also are paired with alumni and local business leaders who offer personalized advice and mentorship, providing support tailored to each participant’s experiences and business goals.

“The K-State Accelerator provided the structure, mentorship and accountability we needed to validate our solution in real-world settings and build a scalable, impact-driven business model,” said Jim Huber and Jason Holzer, co-founders of 4D Leaders, in a press release.

“Thanks to the faculty-led workshops, personalized mentor feedback and insights from the student consulting team, we sharpened every aspect of our venture,” they continued. “Most importantly, we leave the program with greater clarity, confidence and conviction in our mission. We’re incredibly grateful to the K-State Accelerator for empowering founders like us to bring meaningful ideas to life.”

Applications for an expanded fall K-State Accelerator program are now open. It now will feature two tracks:

• Idea Track — For entrepreneurs with a promising idea but no sales yet. Held in-person on the K-State campus.
• Growth Track — For early-stage startups with some traction or a proven business model. Offered virtually.

This fall, $60,000 in equity-free funding will be awarded across participating ventures this fall.

Click here to apply for the K-State Accelerator program.