LaunchKC Grants Competition

LaunchKC Grants Competition is a startup-focused grant initiative designed to boost Kansas City's position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. It is led by LaunchKC, a local organization committed to supporting early-stage businesses with scalable, technology-enabled solutions. The competition targets startups from across the United States and internationally that are in the pre-seed to seed stage and are open to relocating to Kansas City, Missouri. Each year, more than $500,000 in funding is awarded, and selected founders are integrated into a robust network of mentorship and resources. The primary objective of the LaunchKC Grants Competition is to empower innovative startups to scale while simultaneously enriching Kansas City's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Winners receive up to $60,000 in non-dilutive funding, office space in Downtown Kansas City, and access to curated programming and expert mentorship. In return, participating companies must commit to operating out of Kansas City for a minimum of one year, either by relocating the entire business or at least 50% of their full-time staff or one founder and 50% of their team. Eligible applicants must be early-stage, for-profit companies that offer technology-based products, services, or platforms. LaunchKC is industry agnostic but favors businesses with scalable models and strong growth potential. Sectors of past recipients include clean energy, health care, ed-tech, ag-tech, civic technology, and logistics. Ineligible businesses include retail storefronts, real estate ventures, gambling and gaming operations, entertainment venues, and companies that have previously received LaunchKC funding. The application process involves a multi-phase review starting with an online application window that opens on August 28, 2025, and closes on September 24, 2025. Selected applicants will go through two rounds of judging conducted by LaunchKC’s evaluation team. Finalists will then participate in an in-person pitch event known as the LaunchKC Finals in October. The selected cohort will be announced on November 17, 2025, during a kick-off event. The year-long residency and program will officially begin in January 2026 in Downtown Kansas City. The evaluation process is designed to identify companies with a high potential for impact and growth. Judges consider the innovativeness of the product or service, the strength of the team, scalability, and alignment with LaunchKC's vision for contributing to the city's development. Companies are not required to be based in Kansas City at the time of application, but must clearly articulate how relocating would benefit their operations and growth. No individual contact name, email, or phone number was provided in the source material for further inquiries. Applicants are encouraged to stay connected through the LaunchKC website and attend the kickoff events for more information. The grant is expected to recur annually, with the next cycle likely opening in August 2026.