Some of Kansas City’s most innovative companies have won a new award from Kansas State University Olathe.

The Ingenuity Award is being presented to 22 local businesses that have developed inventive technology, products or processes. K-State Olathe will salute the winners during a new event, Ingenuity Central, on April 9 at its Innovation Campus.

Selected from a group of 200 companies, the inaugural Ingenuity Award recipients include:

• Aerotek
• Aratana Therapeutics
• Bio-Microbics
• Black & Veatch
• blooom
• Castle Creations
• Dimensional Innovations
• DuPont
• EyeVerify
• FitBark
• FocalHealth
• Garmin
• Google Fiber
• John Deere
• MRIGlobal
• Netsmart
• PepGel
• Red Dirt Shop
• SCD Probiotics
• Shatto Milk Company
• SmartVet
• Smart Warehousing

While honoring the companies is a big part of the event, K-State Olathe organizers also want to get those entrepreneurs talking with each other and with investors, government leaders and other community leaders.

The afternoon program will include small workshops on cybersecurity, ideation, urban prosperity and the continued development of Kansas City’s community of entrepreneurs.

“Stronger connections between business, education, entrepreneurs, government and community are key ingredients for an innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Prema Arasu, CEO of K-State Olathe Innovation Campus.

“Ingenuity Central creates a unique environment for representatives of these groups to leverage cross-industry concepts, to stimulate relationships and promote further innovation and business growth. As a campus committed to regional needs, we want to facilitate collaborations on new business ideas and new product concepts as a result of this event.”