It’s that moment just before dawn, as Kansas City awakens to a new year — ripe with possibilities, potential and change. The light breaks and all eyes turn to the horizon; toward the looming FIFA World Cup, sports stadium shifts, and long-awaited developments and destinations coming on line.
But tucked within the twinkling edges of the horizon — just out of sight behind those marquee opportunities for the region: a wave of innovation lighting the way to a new era of startups in Kansas City.
Today Startland News is showcasing 10 emerging companies that editors believe will be among the most newsworthy in the coming months. Their big ideas range from robotics and neuroscience-infused dating apps to civic engagement with local governments and a tool that helps make AI in the classroom a teacher’s pet — not the enemy.
You can meet the 10 companies below (just click on the image of each startup’s founder or founders in the photo carousel to read a full profile and a teaser for 2026), but first …
How’d we get here: With a lot of help from trusted advisors and our own researchers throughout the year. The Startland News editorial team explored about 70 nominations from venture capital leaders, startup community champions, entrepreneur support organizations, serial entrepreneurs, top-level startup executives, and exited founders — then got to work narrowing more than 40 semi-finalists to 15 finalists, then 12, and eventually the 10 companies you see highlighted today.
Now in its 11th iteration, this is a nearly three-month process built upon relationships with sources, newsroom-generated leads, and closely watching trendsetters emerge from initiatives like LaunchKC, Pure Pitch Rally, Digital Sandbox KC, Pipeline, NXTUS and other accelerators, incubators and programs.
What we consider: Likelihood of making news and a proven track record of open, honest communication from founders forms the foundation of a solid Startups to Watch entry. Specifically, editors look at startups’ runways for funding rounds, key hires, product launches, market expansions, scaling efforts and other novel activity coming in the next 12 months.
Some of the selected startups are helmed by relative newcomers to the scene — validated by hefty investments, behind-the-scenes backers, and compelling solutions — while others enjoy the advantage of an already-exited founder. (Noteworthy: Four companies tapped for this 2026 feature — and several top-tier finalists — are led by entrepreneurs who previously navigated headline-grabbing, multimillion-dollar outcomes for other ventures.)
Looking for fast-growing, innovative small businesses? Check out Startland News’ inaugural Small Business to Watch lineup, which returns this summer for 2026.
What it isn’t: As always, this isn’t a match to be won; it’s not a playoff-style bracket; and we intentionally aren’t presenting the entrepreneurs in a ranked order. There’s no “top startup” to declare better than the rest.
To be honest, many of those shining spots on the horizon that missed being selected this go-round could even make bigger, bolder headlines in 2026 — but that’s not the point.
So what is the point: This is just a teaser. The 2026 Startups to Watch project exists to elevate remarkable entrepreneurs, unlock new opportunities for some of the city’s fastest growing startups, and give a glimpse of what could be just ahead. Our editorial team sees high potential breaking through like light cascading across Kansas City’s skyline; founders on the ground will show us the way from here.
Navigate through the photo carousel below to meet the 10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2026. Click on each photo to read more.
What’s next? A one-night-only awards reception: Startland News’ showcase of the 10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2026 continues Tuesday, Jan. 27 with a premiere event at Husch Blackwell’s headquarters overlooking the Country Club Plaza. Join the editors, founders and startup community for a celebration of innovation.
Click here to register for the Jan. 27 Startups to Watch event.
This event is made possible by presenting sponsor Husch Blackwell with additional funding from the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, and support from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Hallmark, Made in KC, and Social Balances.
Click here to check out Startland News’ 2025 feature, or look back at our previous forecasts for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2026
Authentiya puts ethical AI to the test as students embrace controversial classroom tech
CarePilot prescribes more patient time, fewer clicks for doctors as product line grows
Cyphra Autonomy pairs robotics with heavy labor (and a light lift for job site users)
dScribe tracks early momentum with West Coast-Midwest funding combinator
The Good Game connects young athletes with on-demand sports experts
LAN Party gains steam with nostalgia as a hook, gaming enterprise potential as the real play
LODAS Markets unlocks liquidity as timing pays off for founder’s investment
Resonus wants local government to hear you — not just the loudest voices
Roz uncovers dynamic momentum amid audit of its own shifting opportunities
Sova Dating builds emotional matches with vibes, logistics and an unexpected viral moment