About this programme
Digital Sandbox KC gives early-stage, proof-of-concept funding to help founders validate the technical feasibility of a scalable technology idea before they go after larger sources of capital. It is operated by Tech Venture Studio, a UMKC-affiliated initiative, with partners including UMKC, Mid-America Commercialization Corporation, the Kauffman Foundation and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Since it launched in 2013, the program has funded 255 projects. 84% of those went on to raise follow-on funding, together raising more than $243 million, and 16 have had successful exits.
The program does not take equity. Companies keep all ownership and intellectual property.
How it works
Awards go up to $20,000 per project, structured as milestone-based payments tied to clearly defined technical objectives.
The money is not paid to the company as general operating capital. It is paid directly to a qualified vendor through a contract tied to the project, with one primary vendor per project.
Eligible uses include software, databases, platforms and UI/UX design, prototyping and beta testing, market research, and equipment and market validation. Marketing, sales, founder salaries, general operating expenses and legal fees are not eligible.
Winners also get mentorship and introductions to investors and customers after the award.
Who can apply
The company must be located in the Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): the Missouri counties of Bates, Caldwell, Cass, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Platte, Ray and Clinton, plus the Kansas counties of Linn, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte.
The company should be early-stage, pre-revenue or with very early revenue, building a technology solution with a significant IT or digital component.
Strong candidates are building disruptive or platform technologies with a competitive advantage, have a capable management team, are not yet in the marketplace or seeing early traction, and have a specific project standing between them and their next investors or customers.
How to apply
- Submit the online application with a full overview of your business concept, key features, market potential and unique value proposition. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- If selected, deliver a pitch presentation at the UMKC Innovation Center (4747 Troost Avenue): 10 minutes of uninterrupted presentation time, followed by up to 20 minutes of Q&A.
- The board evaluates and votes on projects after all of that quarter's presentations are complete.
Frequently asked
Do I get the $20,000 as cash in my company account?
No. Awards are milestone-based and paid directly to a qualified vendor under a contract for the project, not to the company as operating capital.
Does Digital Sandbox KC take equity?
No. Companies retain all ownership and intellectual property.
How often does the program make selections?
Four times a year. Presentations are held on Wednesday mornings during the first two months of each quarter, with decisions announced after all that quarter's presentations are complete.
Can I use the money for marketing or my own salary?
No. Marketing, sales, founder salaries, general operating expenses and legal fees are not eligible uses.
Do I need to already be based in Kansas City to apply?
Yes. The company must be located in the Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area, covering nine Missouri counties (Bates, Caldwell, Cass, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Platte, Ray, Clinton) and five Kansas counties (Linn, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, Wyandotte).
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.