Digital Sandbox KC, a proof-of-concept program designed to rapidly move early-stage businesses from the concept stage to commercialization, has selected five new companies for the program.

Noting the diversity of companies selected, Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox KC director, said: “We continue to be amazed by the quality and creativity of Kansas City companies. Now, through our partnerships with Olathe, Independence, St. Joseph and Great Plains Energy, we have the opportunity to help even more early-stage entrepreneurs.”

The companies selected are:

• 2020 Adventures // A company that makes planning small group trips easier. Customers submit criteria for the trip online and receive a suggested itinerary that can be shared with friends.
• AgVision // The firm uses artificial intelligence technologies to automate the monitoring of cattle food intake in feedlots, allowing a cheaper and more accurate way of monitoring weight gain and reducing the number of animals that get sick.
• Billdrill // This website allows customers to submit how much they pay for TV, internet, cell phone and home security services and compares their rates against the rates of other area providers.
• Idle Smart // Idle Smart offers a an automated engine start/stop solution that maintains trucking fleet uptime by keeping batteries charged and engines warm. It also helps to reduce overnight idle time and fuel emissions. The company received funding from the Energy Sandbox, a partnership between Digital Sandbox KC and GXP Investments (part of Great Plains Energy, the parent company of KCP&L).
• Luxe // The startup is a provider of amenity services for multi-family housing communities. The Luxe mobile app offers apartment communities a concierge platform for residents to book and manage apartment tailored services.

Digital Sandbox KC launched in February 2013. It has worked with more than 400 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across the metro area. To date, the program has resulted in 90 proof-of-concept projects funded for area startups, more than $1.7 million in project funding grants, more than 480 new jobs created with more than $12 million in payroll and $38,265,600 in follow-on funding.

Currently, funding is available for Kansas City area companies in Missouri and Olathe, Kansas. The City of St. Joseph also recently launched a special project with Digital Sandbox KC.