Digital Sandbox KC, a program designed to move early-stage entrepreneurs from concept to commercialization, has selected six more companies for its current program cycle. One of the companies chosen is the first to receive funding through the new Energy Sandbox.
Led by Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox KC is a partnership among private companies, universities, entrepreneurial support organizations and government agencies throughout Kansas City. Among the resources provided are up to $25,000 for market validation, prototyping and beta testing support for development of digital technologies within new and existing businesses. The Energy Sandbox is a partnership launched in 2016 between Digital Sandbox KC and Great Plains Energy’s GXP Investment. It supports companies located within or near the Great Plains Energy service area that are focused on innovation within the energy sector.
“The continued support through partnerships, like Independence, Olathe and Great Plains Energy for the Energy Sandbox, give us the opportunity to increase the quantity and quality of early-stage entrepreneurs across the entire metro area,” Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox KC, said in a release. “It’s vital that we continue to drive a high-volume of early-stage companies who have rapid growth potential.”
The six companies selected are 17° 73° Innovation Co., Anticipate Ventures, FEWDM, Homegrown & Happy, Live-K and TicketRX.
17º 73º Innovation Co. is developing solar solutions that will increase the use of electronic devices to support economic development and communication. The company’s portable solar-powered charging system, called The Sunshine Box, is designed for communities, especially in developing nations, where mobile phones are accessible but a reliable power source and connectivity are lacking. 17° 73° Innovation Co. is the first company to receive funding from the Energy Sandbox.
Anticipate Ventures is transforming innovative technologies into businesses in the areas of health and hygiene, artificial intelligence, agtech, augmented reality, advanced manufacturing and cleantech technologies. The company is currently creating products that use an ultra violet disinfection light spectrum to reduce bacteria and viruses in medical, food, hygiene, HVAC/air and water applications.
FEWDM designs and develops fitness products with use technology such as motion recognition to improve users’ workout experience.
Homegrown & Happy is an online marketplace for sharing recipes, swapping food and custom food product offerings. It is the first company to receive funding through the Sandbox’s partnership with the City of Independence and the Independence Economic Development Council.
Live-K’s mobile application uses GPS technology to remotely administer road races for recreational runners and financial rewards for participation.
TicketRx is a digital platform using smartphones that connects attorneys and drivers. It matches drivers to a licensed attorney in the area where the violation occurred.
Since its launch in February 2013, Digital Sandbox KC has supported more than 350 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across the metro area. The program has been able to point to 85 proof-of-concept projects funded for area startups as a result of its work, as well as the creation of 34 new businesses and 371 jobs. It has also been able to track $28.3 million in follow-on funding.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; evaluation and selections occur every eight weeks. More information is available at www.digitalsandboxkc.com.
