Kansas City is no longer solely defined by its Midwestern traditions and agricultural economy. Over the past several years, the city has become one of the nation’s newest — and, perhaps, most unlikely — tech hubs. Kansas City rests at the center of what is known as “Silicon Prairie,” a stretch of tech-centric cities spanning America’s heartland. Alongside other Midwestern capitals like Des Moines and Omaha, the city is investing more heavily in tech opportunities. According to a report from the Kansas City Tech Council, the tech industry makes up a 9.9 percent impact on the city’s economy, while one in 10 local workers are employed by tech companies or in technical roles.
Given Kansas City’s growth in tech ventures, it’s no surprise the city boasts a wealth of both new and more established tech companies. These companies stem from a diverse range of sectors, driven by the aim to spur growth in areas like logistics, healthtech and fintech. While some local companies are discovering new ways to further the agtech sector, others are supporting the nation’s greentech initiatives. In truth, it seems that all of Kansas City’s tech frontrunners have their sights set on transforming the city into a fierce tech contender.
Here’s a look at 15 Kansas City tech companies helping turn America’s heartland into an epicenter of tech innovation.
Kansas City Tech Companies You Should Know
- Main Street Data
- PayIt
- Sickweather
- NEER
- Far UV Technologies
- Simplifyy
- Savion
- Brightergy
Founded: 2013
Focus: Government Services
What they do: PayIt’s platform enables residents to easily access essential government services. The company enables residents to get help with a variety of tasks, from paying property taxes to renewing a driver’s license. PayIt’s platform is free for governments to use and is compatible with any existing back-office system.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Logistics
What they do: Bungii’s platform makes it easier for businesses to offer same-day delivery on large, bulky items. Through their app, both residential and commercial users can upload a photo of the item they would like to move in order to be connected with a local driver. Bungii currently delivers from a wide range of retailers such as Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and West Elm.
Founded: 2017
Focus: Agtech
What they do: Main Street Data aims to reinvent the agricultural industry by applying analytical instruments to massive amounts of field data. The company offers data science support for growers, producers, and marketers, providing views of yield, break-even points, and management zone-level results. Main Street Data currently offers its services across 24 states, supporting grain and cotton farmer marketplaces, the specialty crop segment, and the agriculture-based B2B food supply chain.
Founded: 2018
Focus: Fintech
What they do: Griffin Technologies is dedicated to helping community banks and credit unions improve client relationships, increase sales and compete with large financial institutions. Their marketing and analytics platform helps financial businesses receive scalable insights, send automated notifications, access granular reporting, unlock insights on competitors and more. The company’s technology can be embedded into businesses’ mobile apps, enabling them to set up geofences around target locations and keep track of customer visits.
Founded: 1999
Focus: IT Solutions
What they do: Trabon Solutions is a technology solution and software development company that offers a broad range of services. Their specialties include Xamarin cross-platform mobile app development, fractional CIO, Microsoft SharePoint, business intelligence and customer portals. Trabon Solutions works with a variety of clients including AMC Theaters, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Freightquote.
Founded: 2011
Focus: Healthtech
What they do: Sickweather offers a real-time map that highlights local illness outbreaks. The company’s algorithms scan social networks and third party data sources for indicators of illness so that people can easily check for the chance of sickness in their area. Sickweather’s API and SaaS dashboard is used by developers, data scientists and epidemiologists across various industries.
Founded: 2020
Focus: Water Management
What they do: NEER offers a real-time water management platform designed to effectively plan and manage different water systems. Powered by machine learning, the company’s platform can be used to model and assess the condition of drinking water distribution mains, sewer, and stormwater collection systems.
Founded: 2016
Focus: Disinfection Devices
What they do: Far UV Technologies develops autonomous air and surface disinfection devices. The company’s Krypton UV light is capable of disinfecting viruses, bacteria and fungi in occupied spaces. Far UV Technologies’ partners include Boeing, NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Founded: 2019
Focus: Cleantech
What they do: Savion is a renewable energy company that specializes in utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage projects. The company’s projects are intended to help decarbonize the nation’s electricity grid and deploy modern power to diverse markets at a reduced cost to customers. Savion currently oversees 130 projects across 26 U.S. states.
Founded: 2021
Focus: Healthtech
What they do: MoodSpark aims to help aging adults stay connected with their loved ones. The company’s technology allows families to share and collaborate on photos, videos and music. MoodSpark’s technology also boasts integrated social media feeds and is delivered through a secure, compliant private network.
Founded: 2019
Focus: Real Estate Tech
What they do: Simplifyy helps apartment investors boost resident satisfaction and make more money. The company enables investors to reach potential renters, protect their revenue, get paid faster, monitor their property and predict profitability. Simplifyy also offers 24/7 maintenance and resident concierge services as well as resident rewards programs.
Founded: 2016
Focus: Smart Devices
What they do: FireBoard has created a cloud-connected, smart thermometer specifically designed for cooking. The company’s thermometer allows users to monitor temperatures remotely through their smartphone or on a desktop. FireBoard can also be connected with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Founded: 2017
Focus: Cybersecurity
What they do: Erkios Systems technology is designed to protect people’s sensitive data. The company’s patented lock-in device FortiFi protects ports physically while offering auditing capabilities through logging, monitoring and alerting. Erkios Systems’ technology is capable of notifying security personnel when a breach is happening so they can quickly stop it.
Founded: 2010
Focus: Cleantech
What they do: Brightergy operates commercial-scale solar generation projects across the country. Their energy intelligence platform is designed to help users uncover insights that lead to energy strategies built on data while empowering them to save money and emissions. Brightergy works with a variety of clients including Washington University in St. Louis, Cerner and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Founded: 2013
Focus: Fitness
What they do: Located in nearby Leawood, Kansas, RackCoach gives athletic trainers greater control over their weight rooms. The company’s audio visual timing system tracks reps, controls workout tempo and displays individual athlete data all in one place. RackCoach aims to help trainers make more informed programming decisions and increase athlete ownership.
