Skip To The Main Content

Latest Updates

Digital Sandbox KC Funded 100 Startups (When the Goal Was Just 10)

Apr 17, 2018
Digital Sandbox KC Launch

It’s been five years since we launched our “startup” —Digital Sandbox KC. We had the unique challenge of funding 10 early-stage companies that could use our project development funding to significantly move their idea forward. Instead of just 10, we found 100 . . . and we’re still growing.

Four New Startups Added to the Sandbox

Apr 10, 2018
Q4 Funding Announcement

Digital Sandbox KC added four new companies, two in partnership with the Ennovation Center in Independence, Missouri, and two out of the Innovation Stockyard in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Digital Sandbox Programs

Latest Sandbox Updates

Subscribe to the monthly newsletter for updates and events from Digital Sandbox KC.

Results so far:

(based on 96 proof-of-concept projects funded for area startups)

  • 46 new KC-based companies created
  • 69 companies have secured follow-on investment
  • $50M in follow-on funding
  • 585 new jobs created, more than $14M in total salaries

2017 Digital Sandbox KC Annual Report

How it works

Digital Sandbox KC broadly seeks new innovation in information technology.  The Sandbox provides innovators with proof-of-concept resources to support early-stage commercialization processes. The Sandbox may cover expenses for project consultants, market research, legal support, equipment and other market validation, prototyping and beta testing needs.

Learn More

Get Involved

Exceptional ideas. Extraordinary collaboration. We need your help in this community-wide effort.

Help our community build our next great companies. Be a mentor. Provide expertise. Try something new. Invest. Get in the Sandbox.

  • Become a Mentor

    Use your know-how to evaluate opportunities, grow ideas, and to find funding to help companies grow.

  • Search Resources

    There are business resources all across the region. Find the right match for you.

    More info »

  • Find Your Idea

    The region has plenty of innovations in need of someone. Can you take one of them into the Sandbox?

    More info »

Corporate Partners

Support from corporate development teams at Sprint, VML, UMB, Hallmark and Cerner offers Digital Sandbox KC participants connections to industry experts, mentors, potential customers and follow-on funding resources. Events and co-working space will be available at Union Station, Inc. with gigabit speed internet access.

Additional partners are welcome. Contact us to find out more.

  • VML, one of the world's leading digital marketing agencies, delivers creative solutions at the intersection of marketing and technology.

  • With headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., privately-held Hallmark Cards, Inc. creates products sold in 38,000 retail stores across the U.S. and in 100 countries worldwide.

More Partners »