Digital Sandbox KC News

Entrepreneur and veteran Aaron Brennan watched business after business incorporate technology into their processes. Still, there was one industry that he didn’t see making the move. Trash.

From helping students prepare for college to analyzing voting records to predict legislative outcomes, the startups in the Sandbox are a great example of the diversity and creativity of this region’s entrepreneurs. Meet the four new companies to join the Sandbox.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Missouri Technology Corporation renewed their support of Digital Sandbox KC, awarding the successful proof-of-concept program a combined $950,000 grant.

We get it—it’s hard to take time away from work. Your busy hustling, often running a side-hustle in addition to a full-time job. But sometimes you have to break away from work in order to get to work and sharpen your skills. Summer in the Sand offers four (free!) events tailored to the needs of early-stage companies in Kansas City.

As PerfectCube developed into more of a startup than just a side project, co-founders Mark Calhoun and Jim Starcev did what any good Kansas City tech startup should do—they brought their idea to Digital Sandbox KC.

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.

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.

The Innovation Stockyard announced two St. Joseph new companies to recieve funding through the recent partnership with Digital Sandbox KC. "In less, than a year, we've found three high-growth St. Joseph businesses to support and we know there are many more to come," said Ronan Molloy, president of the Innovation Stockyard.

Digital Sandbox KC has worked with more than 500 entrepreneurs and supported 96 proof-of-concept projects. If you’re thinking if bringing your innovative tech idea to the Sandbox (and you should!) here are the top five things Kansas City entrepreneurs ask when applying for a project support and that you should know about the Sandbox:

Digital Sandbox KC is where ideas take shape. For many startups, innovators and disruptors, it is the starting point in the Kansas City region, providing that critical step and just-in-time funding that turns viable ideas into scalable innovations.