Gamechangers and Champions 2025: A Bracket Bash For Innovators and Angels

Join us for Gamechangers and Champions 2025, a high-energy, innovation-driven event that aligns with the excitement of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Wichita! This event is designed to unite startups, angel investors, and innovation stakeholders from across Kansas for a dynamic day of activation, networking, education, and competition. Presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce and NXTUS, this event will catalyze new angel investments, support early-stage startups, and strengthen Kansas’s innovation ecosystem.

Kicking off and concluding the day, all attendees will join together for combined workshop sessions, while the middle of the day features two breakout tracks—one for investors and one for startups. Throughout the event, the Commerce Club will serve as the Business & Basketball Lounge, providing a home base for entrepreneurs and ecosystem supporters not participating in breakout sessions. At this spot, enjoy live broadcasts of NCAA tournament games, interactive activities like pop-a-shot, and networking!

The day will wrap up with a bracket-style prize pitch competition and a keynote from Kevin Lockett, Partner at Fulcrum Global Capital and former Kansas City Chiefs and K-State football player. Watch as the Final Four startups pitch live to judges and investors for a chance to win real-time prize money.

Whether you’re an investor, startup, or innovator, don’t miss out on this game-changing event for our entrepreneurial ecosystem—grab your tickets now!

Info: Start your day with coffee and pastries while connecting with other entrepreneurs, investors, and community members.

Info: Kick off the day with Startup Grind's fireside chat featuring Graham Krizek, Voltage Cloud. Get an overview of Kansas's innovation priorities and meet the Elite Eight startup pitch competitors.

Info: Startup Track: Workshops and resources for high-growth entrepreneurs around Kansas, led by experienced entrepreneurs, entrepreneur support orginazations, and regional advisors.

Angel Track: Calling all Kansas angel investors! Explore topics regarding Kansas's Growth-Capital Network, Angel Investing Fundamentals, and The Art of Due Diligence, led by Accelerate Venture Partners and industry experts.

Info: The Commerce Club will be open all day as the Business & Basketball Lounge, a home base for entrepreneurs and ecosystem supporters who aren’t participating in breakout sessions. Enjoy live broadcasts of NCAA tournament games, interactive activities like pop-a-shot, and networking! Whether you're taking a break, tuning into March Madness, or looking for casual networking, this is your go-to spot!

Info: Watch as the Final Four startups pitch live to judges and investors for a chance to win prize money. The People’s Choice winner will also be announced.

Keynote Speaker: Kevin Lockett, Partner at Fulcrum Global Capital and former Kansas City Chiefs and K-State football player, will deliver inspirational remarks and help award prizes to the top startups.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Commerce Club, 150 North Main, Wichita, United States