NXTUS

09/04/2026

The NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Innovation Showcase, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, wrapped up with incredible energy and impact as 16 pilot projects were awarded, with even more collaborations on the horizon for our talented group of finalists and community partners!

These pilot programs represent bold steps toward building a healthier, more vibrant Kansas, with a focus on strengthening rural communities across the state.

A HUGE thank you to our partners for being committed to building a better, healthier Kansas!

Learn more about the program and the awarded projects here: https://www.nxtus.io/news/kansas-communities-partner-with-global-startups-to-tackle-local-health-challenges

09/02/2026

Join us for the Launch Week Alumni Collective!

Taking place as part of Wichita Startup Week on September 16 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at Groover Labs, this by alumni, for alumni event will feature entrepreneur alumni sharing their stories of building businesses, navigating challenges, and celebrating the wins along the way in a panel discussion format.

Hear from Joanne Velez with Maid Strong Cleaning Service, Miguel Johns with Milton AI, Chandali Gullick with Skin Is In Studios, Roy Moye III with STEMusic, Ashley Humlicek with Humlicek Family Dental, Cliff Respress with Southwind Rinds Snacks and Concessions, and moderated by Ricki Ellison with Greater Wichita Partnership.

Following the panel, stick around for intentional networking, new connections, and drinks during happy hour!

Space is limited. Register for FREE today! https://luma.com/wt47u0u8?mc_cid=c989f96a70&mc_eid=c9e1237da4

The event is hosted by NXTUS in partnership with Empower, Create Campaign, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater Wichita Partnership, and Wichita Independent Business Association.

08/27/2026

❗Only 1 week until the NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Innovation Showcase❗

Join us next Thursday, September 3rd, at the Ninth Floor Club in Wichita, for the 2026 Innovation Showcase, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and discover 9 startup solutions selected from 183 applicants across 32 states and 21 countries.

Hear from the founders, see how their solutions are being put to work in Kansas, and connect with the community partners bringing these pilots to life.

Whether you work in healthcare, economic development, local government, philanthropy, or community organizations, you’ll get a firsthand look at emerging technologies and opportunities to collaborate.

Space is limited. Get your tickets now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-nxtstage-community-health-vibrancy-innovation-showcase-tickets-1990439256397

Join us September 3 for the 2026 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Innovation Showcase, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas to see the innovations shaping healthier, stronger Kansas communities.

Get a first look at 9 startup finalists selected from 183 applicants across 32 states and 21 countries. These founders are partnering with Kansas communities to tackle real health challenges, remove barriers to growth, and create lasting impact.

Here’s what you’ll experience:
11:30 a.m. | Networking & Lunch
12:00 p.m. | Live Startup Pitches and Pilot Projects Announced By The Partners
1:00 p.m. | Meet the Startups

Hear directly from the entrepreneurs behind these emerging technologies, discover solutions with the potential to transform Kansas communities, and connect with the founders and community partners putting innovation into action.

Whether you work in healthcare, economic development, local government, philanthropy, or community organizations, you’ll leave with new ideas, new connections, and a closer look at what’s next for community health and vibrancy in Kansas.

Get your tickets today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-nxtstage-community-health-vibrancy-innovation-showcase-tickets-1990439256397

Learn more: https://www.nxtus.io/nxtstage-community-health-and-vibrancy

08/26/2026

Yesterday at a Wichita Business Journal luncheon, our own Elleigh Peters was honored as an Unsung Hero, for her work — usually out of the spotlight — connecting stakeholders to our mission through marketing and communication and building community around and among the entrepreneurs we serve.

We are excited to celebrate her on this achievement!

Learn more about Elleigh’s work and the 2026 Unsung Hero Award Honorees here! https://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/c/read-about-the-2026-unsung-heroes-honorees.html

08/20/2026

Only 2 weeks until the 2026 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Innovation Showcase!

Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, join us September 3 to meet 9 startup finalists selected from 183 applicants across 32 states and 21 countries.

Hear live pitches, explore innovative technologies, meet the startup finalists, and learn how these startups are partnering with Kansas communities to create lasting impact across our state.

September 3 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ninth Floor Club | Wichita, KS

Join us and see what’s next for community health innovation in Kansas. Space is limited. Get your tickets today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-nxtstage-community-health-vibrancy-innovation-showcase-tickets-1990439256397

Check out some photos from last year’s Innovation Showcase for a sneak peek at what you’ll experience!

08/17/2026

It was great to be part of KEYS 2026 alongside entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners and leaders from across Kansas. We were honored to sit on two panels and share insights, connect with fellow innovators and learn from the incredible work happening across our state.

Thanks to Network Kansas for bringing everyone together!

08/17/2026

Four weeks in and we’re in rhythm with our Enterprise Engagement Series workshops!

Thank you to Koch for leading an incredibly insightful and interactive workshop focused on negotiation.

One takeaway that stood out: discovery never ends in negotiation. The best way to understand what your client really needs is to keep asking open ended questions and give them space to explain. Try leaving seven seconds of silence after a question. You may be surprised by what they share when you give them the room to keep talking.

08/14/2026

Happy Founder Friday! This week, we’re shining a light on NXTUS program alum Zaydan Ahmed, founder of AcuSera!

After a seizure-related car accident changed the course of his life, Zaydan taught himself to code and build electronics from scratch. That work led to AcuSera, a wearable designed to detect stress in real time and respond with vibration therapy.

Since then, Zaydan has advanced AcuSera’s patent work, secured letters of intent from local medical practices and is preparing for a pilot study with The University of Kansas.

“If I’m going to go through something that traumatic, something good should come out of it.”

We’re so proud to support founders like Zaydan! Learn more in Startland News' article!

“If I’m going to go through something that traumatic, something good should come out of it,” said Zaydan Ahmed, a Pembroke Hill graduate who built a wearable stress management device after an epileptic seizure caused his car crash.

08/13/2026

These are some big shoes to fill! Create Campaign has done such incredible work for Wichita’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we’re grateful for the impact Christina Long has made through her leadership. Thank you, Christina, for all you’ve done to build, connect and strengthen this community.

Good Works Talent, led by NXTUS program alum, Rachel Biggs, is leading the search for Create Campaign's next leader. If you’re interested in carrying this work forward, check out the opportunity below.

Create Campaigners, leadership is about building something that lasts beyond ourselves. For 11 years, you've trusted our organization to provide game-changing support as you launch and grow businesses. We've made good on our service commitment to so many who have sought our assistance. Because of you, and our incredible staff and leadership, we're strong.
Our strength -- and our ability to look ahead -- allows us to celebrate a major milestone, together, with you.
Today, we announce our organization is entering into a new phase. Our Founding President/CEO, Christina Long, is passing the leadership baton. Learn more about this moment and what's ahead as we build upon our mission of activating urban entrepreneurs in the Midwest to launch, innovate and grow: https://www.createcampaignks.com/news

08/13/2026

Help us wish the happiest of birthdays to our very own, Elleigh Peters! She's the heartbeat of our team with quite possibly the most contagious laugh in all of Kansas! Whether she's dreaming up creative ways to tell founders' stories, cheering on her dance students in the community, or simply walking into a room and instantly making it better, Elleigh brings a joy and energy to everything she touches that you just can't manufacture. Here's to a birthday as bright and fun as she is!