For Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Unlock Resources, Connections & Funding to Scale Your Impact.
Whether you're launching a startup, searching for funding, or looking for networking opportunities, Keystone provides access to mentorship, industry events, and collaborative spaces and resources designed to help you grow.
Key Things You'll Find:
For Organizations and Partners
Engage in Kansas City's Innovation Ecosystem & Drive Impact.
Keystone offers organizations a powerful platform to engage with startups, develop strategic partnerships, and collaborate within the innovation ecosystem, positioning them as leaders in both innovation and community impact.
Ways to Get Involved:
Keystone Sessions
Representing
22+
Industries, &
Impact Initiatives
Featured over
300+
Speakers &
Industry Leaders
Keystone Sessions is Keystones weekly gathering for entrepreneurs, professionals, and industry leaders, held every Wednesday from 5:00-8:00 PM. Designed to foster meaningful connections across industries, each session features an interview, panel, or workshop, with a period for networking. No matter who you are, you’re invited to attend, connect, and grow.
Organizations and industry experts can apply to speak, host a discussion, or sponsor a session to share insights and support Kansas City’s innovation ecosystem. By bringing together diverse perspectives, Keystone Sessions fuels collaboration, new partnerships, and transformative ideas that drive growth and impact.
Social Venture Studio
Scaling
21
Ventures that
drive social change
3
Cohorts
Completed
Social Venture Studio is an accelerator program designed to support entrepreneurs building businesses that create meaningful social impact. Through strategic guidance, and access to resources, we help founders refine their business models, connect with investors, and scale their impact-driven ventures.
Startups in the Social Venture Studio receive hands-on support, expert mentorship, a grant ranging from 15k to 25k and additional funding connections to grow their businesses. Organizations and industry leaders can get involved by mentoring founders, providing resources, or sponsoring a cohort.
Mentorship & Office Hours
26
Startups Mentored
Through KCC &
Advisors
Over
278
Open office
hours held
Keystone’s Mentorship & Office Hours program connects startups with industry leaders, corporate professionals, and service providers who offer expert guidance and business support. Through structured mentorship and open office hours, founders can get real-time advice on legal, financial, marketing, and operational challenges—all at no cost.
Organizations and professionals can host office hours or mentor entrepreneurs, gaining valuable engagement in the innovation ecosystem while fostering employee satisfaction. This program also creates opportunities for lasting client relationships and meaningful collaborations.
Keynect: Smarter Partnerships
6
Organizations
Onboarded
Over
4,789
Platform Members
Keynect is Keystone’s AI-powered digital placemaking platform that helps organizations build partnerships, connect with clients, and collaborate with innovative startups. Companies, universities, and event organizers can use Keynect to host smarter networking events, integrate their ecosystem, and create lasting collaborations beyond a single gathering.
By leveraging AI-driven recommendations of high-value connections and tracking of networking effectiveness, organizations can foster strategic collaborations, drive engagement, and unlock new growth opportunities. This is just one of the ways in which we like to partner with organizations!
CoLAB Space
450+
Events,
Workshops &
Programs Hosted
Over
12,800+
Visitors Last
Year Alone
Keystone CoLAB is a dynamic space where startups, entrepreneurs, and organizations come together to work, connect, and create. Our CoResidency program offers startups dedicated office space within a thriving innovation ecosystem, while our main space is open for free coworking with high-speed WiFi and complimentary coffee. Making it a powerful place to build connections, engage with visitors, and spark new opportunities.
Organizations can host mission-aligned events, workshops, and company gatherings for just a small cleaning fee, with co-promotion support from Keystone. From corporate programming and happy hours to industry workshops, CoLAB is designed to foster collaboration. This is another amazing way we love to collaborate with our partners.
TO SUMMERIZE
Impact in Numbers
4789+
Entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders engaged in Keystone's ecosystem.
26
Startups mentored through Keystone & it's associates.
450+
Events, workshops, and programs hosted through non-profit and corporate partnerships.
12
Organizations supported through our Co-Residency program, including 8 non-profits and 5 startups.
ABOUT
Mission-Driven & Place-Based
Keystone Innovation District is Kansas City’s front door to innovation, creating a physical space where entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and organizations connect, collaborate, and grow. Through strategic partnerships, programs, and a thriving community, Keystone fosters economic development, supports startups, and drives impact beyond traditional innovation hubs.
PARTNERS
Powering Progress, Together
Tri-Nex
Drivery
IDL Software
Rei
Autopile
Detox.Ai