Kansas City's Most Innovative Companies Of 2025

Editor's note: Are you a software engineer that loves building things? Would hearing from a NASA astronaut inspire you? Join us Oct 11-12 at Hack Midwest! It's KC's largest app building challenge w/ 350+ engineers, $10000 in cash and a keynote from a NASA Astronaut!

Who's helping to add to KC's momentum as a leading tech hub?

In the lead up to Hack Midwest (KC's largest app building challenge on Oct 11-12 with 350+ software engineers, $10000 up for grabs, and a special guest Astronaut from NASA)....

...we're giving well deserved recognition to the KC companies who are participating in this important competition.

By doing so, they are helping to cultivate a culture of innovation in this city...as well as the region.

That's why we're extremely excited to announce our list of Kansas City's Most Innovative Companies for 2025.

SAIC is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

Ascend Learning products - from testing to certification, are used by frontline healthcare workers, physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, certified personal trainers, group fitness instructors, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.

Spring Venture Group is a leading digital direct-to-consumer sales and marketing company with product offerings focused on the senior market. They specialize in distributing Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and related products via their family of brands and dedicated team of licensed insurance agents. Powered by their unique technologies that combine sophisticated marketing, comparison shopping, sales execution, and customer engagement – they help thousands of seniors across the country navigate the complex world of Medicare every day.

SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, we have offices around the world. Some 18,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world's largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology. If you have a desire to work for one of the fastest growing global companies where you are encouraged to innovate and make a difference, we have amazing career opportunities for you!

Jack Henry (NASDAQ: JKHY) is a well-rounded financial technology company that strengthens connections between financial institutions and the people and businesses they serve. An S&P 500 company, Jack Henry prioritizes openness, collaboration, and user centricity – offering banks and credit unions a vibrant ecosystem of internally developed modern capabilities as well as the ability to integrate with leading fintechs. For more than 45 years, Jack Henry has provided technology solutions to enable clients to innovate faster, strategically differentiate, and successfully compete while serving the evolving needs of their accountholders.

The USDA is the United States federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food. It aims to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers, promote agricultural trade and production, work to assure food safety, protect natural resources, foster rural communities and end hunger in the United States and abroad.

Founded by a pharmacist, Rx Savings Solutions helps people and payers reduce prescription drug costs through a combination of clinical technology, transparency, member engagement and concierge support. Currently 17 million members have access to personalized recommendations for lowering prescription costs and dedicated pharmacy experts to help navigate benefits, providers and pharmacies.

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros.

Founded in 1985, SelectQuote (NYSE: SLQT) provides solutions that help consumers protect their most valuable assets: their families, health and property. SelectQuote pioneered the model of providing unbiased comparisons from multiple, highly-rated insurance companies allowing consumers to choose the policy and terms that best meet their unique needs. Two foundational pillars underpin the company’s success: a strong force of highly-trained and skilled agents who provide a consultative needs analysis for every consumer, and proprietary technology that sources and routes high-quality leads. SelectQuote has three core business lines: SelectQuote Senior, SelectQuote Life and SelectQuote Auto and Home. SelectQuote Senior, the largest and fastest-growing business, serves the needs of a demographic that sees 10,000 people turn 65 each day with a range of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. In 2021, SelectQuote expanded its business with the addition of Population Health, a healthcare services company, and SelectRx, a closed-door, long-term care pharmacy.

CivicPlus® delivers technology solutions that enable local governments to optimize the experience they deliver when interacting with residents. Over 7,500 local governments use our solutions when serving their 340 million residents. We deliver the industry’s first and only Civic Experience Platform. It enables local governments to drive more revenue, operate more efficiently, and generate positive recognition for the many services they provide every day.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

Sunlife is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.12 trillion.

BlueScope is a global leader in metal coating and painting products for building and construction industries, providing vital components for houses, buildings, structures, vehicles and more.

We have built a solid foundation for growth with a diverse portfolio of businesses in some of the largest and fastest growing economies of the world. We are headquartered in Australia, with our people and operations spread across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and throughout Asia.

Kiewit is one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering organizations. With its roots dating back to 1884, the employee-owned company operates through a network of offices and projects in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Kiewit offers construction and engineering services in a variety of markets including transportation, water/wastewater, power, oil, gas and chemical, building and mining. Kiewit had 2020 revenues of $12.5 billion and employs more than 27,000 staff and craft employees.

Benefitbay™ is an end-to-end ICHRA administration platform for brokers and their clients, providing a full-service technology suite for simplified employee benefits. The company's platform is designed to make it easy for brokers to manage and administer ICHRA plans, while also providing employees with a streamlined and personalized benefits experience. benefitbay™'s individual-focused approach sets them apart from traditional employer-focused healthcare models, and their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made them a leader in the ICHRA space.

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile.

Netsmart is an industry-leading healthcare technology organization empowering providers to deliver value-based care to the individuals and communities they serve. Together with our clients and Marketplace vendors, we develop and deliver innovative technology, including electronic health records (EHRs), interoperability, analytics, augmented intelligence (AI), population health management and telehealth solutions and services that assist organizations in transforming the care they deliver. The result has helped make a positive impact on the lives of more than 147 million individuals.

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, to create connected brands that drive growth. The agency is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning work with blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. VML has 26,000 employees worldwide with principal offices in Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney.

Mylo is amplifying insurance solutions to protect what matters. Through its patented Mind of Mylo™ recommendation engine, the insurtech leader connects individuals and business owners with top-rated insurance products from 100+ carriers, across business, auto, home, life and individual health. A growing ecosystem of 60+ channel partners and agencies embed Mylo’s Amplifi℠ insurance intelligence platform. Mylo is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and backed by Group 1001, the global investor with a powerful commitment to technology-driven insurance transformation. Mylo has been honored by Fintech Global’s InsurTech100, Benzinga’s Global Fintech Awards, Forbes’ America’s Best Startup Employers and more.

Founded in 2016 by industry veterans in medical coding, revenue cycle management, and enterprise SaaS, Reasint is on a mission to revolutionize medical coding technology. Reasint’s AI-driven platform, ARNI, empowers healthcare businesses to streamline operations, increase coding accuracy, and improve financial performance, all while supporting human coders in their work. With Reasint, businesses can expect enhanced productivity, cost savings, and a solution that scales with their needs.

FanThreeSixty is at the forefront of data solutions with an innovative engagement platform built for high-performing sports and entertainment organizations. By transforming complex fan data into actionable strategies, their technology enables brands to foster deeper connections, unlock new revenue streams, and build a sustainable competitive advantage with unparalleled efficiency.

About Hack Midwest

Would hearing from a NASA Astronaut inspire you?

Are you a developer that loves building things?

There's $10000 up for grabs at this year's Hack Midwest Oct 11-12 in KC!

Join us along w/ 350+ passionate software developers to build amazing things in 24 hours & win thousands in prizes and cash! We'll also have a special keynote from an Astronaut from NASA!

Hack Midwest is a great opportunity to:

• get inspired by building new things
• get community recognition
• win awesome prizes and cash
• make new friends!

What will you build? Join us at Hack Midwest!