Meet LaunchKC’s winners: $60K prize today; world headquarters in KC tomorrow

Every iconic company headquartered in Kansas City — from Helzberg Diamonds to Hallmark — started with an entrepreneur hoping to scale a small idea into big impact, said Jim Erickson, teasing a next wave of emerging startups and the latest winners of the LaunchKC grants competition.

Jim Erickson, EDCKC, introduces the 2026 LaunchKC cohort at J. Rieger & Co.; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Eight early-stage companies were announced Monday as recipients of LaunchKC’s $60,000 non-dilutive grants, downtown office space, and access to expert programming and mentorship through the Downtown Council and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC).

The region expects a return on the investment, said Erickson, director of strategic initiatives at EDCKC and a core organizer of the program, pointing to the success of previous cohorts.

“LaunchKC companies have already done amazing things in this city, growing 1,640 new jobs to Kansas City, Missouri, and attracting around $650 million of investment so far,” he said, adding that the latest winners could become major job creators and supply future headquarters for the region.

Sarah Hermes gives the pitch for her company, Valor, during the LaunchKC Liftoff event at J. Rieger & Co.; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

The program’s powerful mix of support, resources, and community have already impressed Sarah Hermes, founder of Valor, one the new cohort members.

“It is an incredible opportunity to tap into the resources of Kansas City and the digital health ecosystem here,” she said, “and I have been really blown away and honored by the support and financial resources that are available.”

Monday’s announcement came on the first night of Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City during a LaunchKC Liftoff event at J. Rieger & Co. distillery.

Among those taking the stage to introduce their startup to Kansas City: Cole Robertson and Warren Wang, co-founders of dScribe AI, which uses computer vision to monitor bulk materials.

The duo said the experience already feels like a turning point for their company. 

“It’s been incredible. I’ve loved being able to have entrepreneurs in Kansas City come together, and having the grant and office space has just been fantastic,” said Robertson.

The team is preparing a pilot with the food corporation Cargill. 

“We are hoping to give them as much value as possible and really help their operations,” said Wang. “Right now that is the focus, along with continuing to talk to customers and build products.”

[divide]

LaunchKC 2026 winners — culled from more than 100 applicants from across the country — include:

Warren Wang and Cole Robertson, dScribe AI; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

dScribe AI, (Warren Wang and Cole Robertson), Kansas City, Missouri

Uses AI-powered computer vision to track bulk materials in real time, giving industrial teams better visibility and control over logistics and operations.

Sarah Hermes, Valor; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Valor, (Sarah Hermes), Kansas City, Missouri

The digital health startup blends AI-guided cancer care navigation with support from human specialists, helping families manage the overwhelming tasks that take place outside of the hospital. 

Sarah Hermes’ personal experience as a caregiver drives the work she does today.

“For every hour that I spent sorting through papers and Googling to find resources, was one less hour that I got to spend with my mom. Our mission at Valor is to change this,” she said.

Usman Wajid, Block and Mortar; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Block and Mortar (Usman Wajid), Kansas City, Missouri

Streamlining real estate development with AI, real-time data, and connected teams Block and Mortar is an intelligent operating system helping developers, contractors, insurers, and financial partners connect on major real estate projects. 

The platform reduces delays, unlocks faster decision-making, and gives teams visibility across every phase of construction.

“​​Block and Mortar is an AI driven real estate development platform with the simple goal of automating some of those tasks, helping you get better insight on your data and getting you better collaboration,” said Usman Wajid.

Sean Ward, Cyphra Autonomy; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Cyphra Autonomy (Sean Ward), Kansas City, Missouri

Cyphra Autonomy is building the future of outdoor material handling with robotic hauling systems that are field-ready in minutes. Its flagship robot, PAL, moves materials on construction sites automatically,  reducing physical strain and letting skilled labor stay focused on high-value tasks.

“PAL is a robotic construction hauler that’s easy to operate and deployable within minutes, labor can stay put and material comes to them automatically,” said Ward.

Jonathan Gregory, EZBizPortal; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

EZBizPortal (Jonathan Gregory), Kansas City, Missouri

EZBizPortal unifies hospitals, vendors, and manufacturers on a single platform that modernizes medical device management, an industry still dominated by outdated, fragmented systems. 

Their AI-driven solution brings accuracy, traceability, and real-time analytics to equipment that keeps patients alive. 

Its founder underscored the urgency for the platform.

“Just a couple of weeks ago, I was lying in a hospital bed fighting for my very life, and realized again just how critical this invisible yet essential work really is,” Jonathan Gregory said.

Bing Low and Zik Nwanganga, ULOM; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

ULOM, (Zik Nwanganga and Bing Low), Kansas City, Missouri

ULOM strengthens the trades workforce by connecting employers with motivated and capable workers, including refugees, immigrants, and young people who often lack access to traditional hiring pathways. The platform trains, certifies, and matches candidates through an AI-driven system.

Co-founder Zik Nwanganga explained the gap that he sees in the workforce.

“Young people who are interested in trades, have no access to the networks, language access, and let’s be honest, no one likes job fairs. Our system uses AI to match skilled workers with employers willing to hire them today.”

Dr. Brandy Archie, Ask Samie; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Ask Samie (Dr. Brandy Archie), Kansas City, Missouri

Ask Samie helps older adults and people with disabilities live independently by connecting them with occupational-therapy-approved home modifications and adaptive equipment, all paired with expert guidance.

Dr. Archie captured the universal need.

“Every single one of you in this room is either going to be a caregiver or need one,” the founder said. “So why not plug into an ecosystem that gives you access to a nationwide network of occupational therapists?”

Meg Dieter, Whimsi Beans; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Whimsi Beans, (Meg Dieter), Overland Park, Kansas

Whimsi Beans is reinventing children’s nutrition for families managing sensory challenges, autism, or picky eating. Its first product is a nutrient-packed, sensory-friendly vitamin that blends seamlessly into everyday foods, turning daily routines into positive moments for kids and caregivers.

“My story starts with our oldest daughter, Chloe, who was diagnosed with autism and we know firsthand how frustrating it can be when parents know their kids aren’t getting the nutrition they need to thrive,” said Meg Dieter.