Gamechangers and Champions 2026: A Bracket Bash For Innovators and Angels
Thu, Feb 19
|David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
Gamechangers and Champions 2026 brings together startups, angel investors, corporate innovation leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders from across Kansas for a full day of activation, education, networking, and competition. Presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, NXTUS, and KU Innovation Park.
Time & Location
Feb 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM CST
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, 1101 Mississippi St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
About the event
Gamechangers and Champions 2026 brings together startups, angel investors, corporate innovation leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders from across Kansas for a full day of activation, education, networking, and competition. Presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, NXTUS, and KU Innovation Park, the event is designed to catalyze new angel investments, support early-stage companies, and accelerate Kansas’s innovation momentum.
Taking place at KU's new football stadium, the day begins with breakfast and networking, recognizing the business community and startup ecosystem driving innovation across the state. The Innovative Eight finalists will pitch before the event transitions into two parallel breakout tracks, one for startups and one for angel investors and corporate leaders, featuring targeted panels and workshops. Throughout the day, attendees can gather in the Business & Basketball Lounge to network and enjoy interactive activities like pop-a-shot.
The event concludes with a keynote speaker presentation and the Top Four pitch competition, where startups will present live.…