Wichita's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2025

Wichita is making waves as a tech powerhouse in 2025, with over 300 tech companies calling it home - that's a wild 25% jump since 2021! The scene here is next level, with tech jobs growing 18% faster than other cities.

What's super cool is how Wichita State University is crushing it with record-breaking enrollment, pumping out talented tech grads ready to shake things up.

Speaking of shaking things up, the city just landed a massive win with WSU Tech's new Gene Haas Innovation Lab - it's a game-changer for anyone looking to level up their tech skills.

The startup scene is absolutely buzzing, injecting $7.2 billion into Kansas's economy. With cybersecurity jobs up 32% and software dev positions climbing 27%, there's never been a better time to jump into tech here.

Plus, the cost of living is way cheaper than other tech hubs, so you can actually afford to live while chasing your dreams. For real, whether you're into AI, cybersecurity, or data analytics, Wichita's startup ecosystem is where innovation meets opportunity.

The city isn't just growing - it's transforming into a legit tech destination that's impossible to ignore.

Through detailed analysis of over 331 Kansas-based companies, we focused on those showing real innovation and growth potential.

Our research went deep into understanding what makes these startups tick. Recent data shows Wichita's tech scene is exploding, especially in AI and digital solutions, with global AI users jumping from 120 million to 250 million in just three years.

We tracked each startup's funding rounds, market reach, and tech innovation through platforms like Crunchbase and PitchBook. What's super interesting is that many of these companies started as student ventures, growing from university competitions into full-fledged businesses.

The selection process wasn't just about cool tech - we looked at real economic impact, job creation, and how these companies are changing Wichita's business landscape.

Each startup on our list had to prove they're not just following trends but actually solving real problems. Our research included direct conversations with founders, data from industry reports, and insights from local tech organizations.

The numbers don't lie - Wichita's startup ecosystem is growing faster than ever, with new companies raising serious funding and creating genuine tech solutions.

This list isn't just about who's making noise right now; it's about identifying the companies that are building something lasting and impactful for our city's future.

CURO Financial Technologies, established in 1997 by three childhood friends from Wichita, has grown from a small startup into a leading provider of alternative financial services.

Operating through brands like Speedy Cash in the US and Cash Money in Canada, CURO has built an impressive network of over 400 locations across North America.

What makes CURO stand out is their commitment to serving underbanked consumers through tech-driven solutions. The company's evolution from a storefront lender to a comprehensive financial services provider shows how they've adapted to changing consumer needs and technological advances.

Their tech stack includes a cutting-edge online lending platform and mobile-first solutions that make financial services more accessible.

CURO's rapid growth caught the attention of investors, leading to their NYSE listing in December 2017.

They've leveraged technology to streamline operations, implementing real-time data analytics and automated systems that have dramatically improved their service delivery.

Their focus on innovation extends to their customer service, where they've introduced digital solutions that make the lending process faster and more user-friendly.

The company continues to push boundaries in fintech, exploring new ways to serve their target market while maintaining strong compliance standards.

High Touch Technologies is absolutely crushing it in 2025, marking their 40th year with some seriously impressive achievements. Their commitment to bringing the human touch to technology has made them a standout player in the software and tech solutions space.

Currently rocking a team of 176 professionals across six major cities, they're not just another tech company - they're changing the game. What's super cool is their recent recognition in CRN's MSP 500 list and their renewal as an Acumatica Gold Certified Partner, showing they're at the top of their game in enterprise solutions.

They've seriously stepped up their security game too, snagging the SOC 2 Type II Certification. But what really sets them apart is how they're investing in the next generation of tech talent, supporting STEM education initiatives and partnering with organizations like the Girl Scouts and Boys and Girls Clubs.

Their services cover everything from custom software development and mobile apps to advanced cybersecurity solutions and managed IT services. With their focus on both high-tech solutions and personalized service, they're helping businesses streamline operations while maintaining that crucial human connection.

Right now, they're particularly strong in rent-to-own, lawn and landscape, and retail sectors, but they're expanding fast. Looking ahead, High Touch is positioned to keep leading the charge in tech innovation while staying true to their mission of making technology accessible to everyone.

ImagineAR, based in Vancouver and Erie, is transforming how we experience digital content through their AR-as-a-Service platform.

Since 2018, they've been crushing it in the sports and entertainment space, letting organizations create AR campaigns without needing complex programming skills.

Their tech is seriously next-level - they've partnered with major names like the NFL Baltimore Ravens and even launched a world-leading fan engagement platform that brings players to life through holograms.

What's really cool is how they're expanding beyond just sports - they're working on a massive 50,000-square-foot immersive entertainment center that'll combine AR with AI for an absolutely wild experience.

Tim Cook wasn't kidding when he said people will wonder how we lived without AR - according to latest stats, we're looking at 1.4 billion mobile AR users worldwide by the end of this year.

The company's latest moves include integrating AI with their AR tech and focusing on location-based entertainment, which is honestly perfect timing given how everyone's getting into immersive experiences these days.

They're not just playing around - they're securing patents and making strategic partnerships to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're a sports fan wanting to snap a pic with a virtual championship trophy or a business looking to create engaging customer experiences, ImagineAR is making it happen with their user-friendly platform.

Integris is revolutionizing cybersecurity in 2025, setting new standards for tech protection across the nation. Their latest cybersecurity strategy developments show impressive results, with 86% of bank executives prioritizing cybersecurity as their top concern.

The company's approach combines advanced threat detection with practical solutions that actually work in real-world scenarios. Their recent expansion includes a dedicated legal practice, addressing the growing need for specialized IT security in law firms.

What's really cool is how Integris is tackling the challenges head-on.

According to their latest trends report, organizations are investing heavily in data analytics (42%) and digital transformation (40%).

The company's comprehensive security framework isn't just about defense - it's about creating smart, efficient systems that grow with your business. Their new CIO, Robert Davis, is pushing for elite status in IT services, focusing on practical solutions that make a real difference in daily operations.

The numbers speak for themselves - Integris now operates in more than 20 offices across 10 states, with nearly 700 employees.

They're especially making waves in the banking sector, where they've become a go-to provider for community banks looking to upgrade their security infrastructure.

Their success comes from understanding that cybersecurity isn't just about fancy tech - it's about creating solutions that work for real people in real situations.

For tech professionals in Kansas, this means tons of opportunities to work with cutting-edge security solutions while being part of something that's actually making a difference.

Keycentrix has transformed pharmacy tech since 1970, making it one of Wichita's most impressive success stories. Their Newleaf pharmacy management software is revolutionizing how pharmacies handle everything from inventory to patient care.

The numbers are pretty impressive - they've helped process over 84.5 million prescriptions and served 3.4 million patients. What's really cool is how they've adapted over time, starting with basic systems like ScripMaster in the 80s and evolving into their current cutting-edge solutions.

The company just made a bold move to a new downtown headquarters, showing their commitment to Wichita's growing tech scene.

Their tech stack includes Sendkey for patient communication and Flextrax for point-of-sale operations, making life easier for pharmacists everywhere. What sets them apart is their customer-first approach, maintaining a 98% satisfaction rate that beats the industry standard.

With the healthcare tech market expanding rapidly, Keycentrix keeps pushing boundaries, especially in specialty and mail-order pharmacy solutions. They're not just another tech company - they're making real impact in healthcare, helping pharmacies run more efficiently and serve patients better.

Their recent SOC 2 Type 2 compliance certification and White Coat Award from Surescripts show they're serious about security and innovation. Looking ahead to 2025, Keycentrix is positioned to keep leading the charge in pharmacy tech evolution, making them definitely worth watching in Wichita's startup scene.

Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT) is absolutely crushing it in Wichita's tech scene. As one of the most influential investment firms, they've already dropped $4 billion across more than 70 direct investments, focusing on everything from AI to healthcare tech.

KDT connects startups with their massive network spanning 120,000+ employees across 60+ countries. Their latest moves include leading a $165M Series D investment in Sidecar Health, which is actually the biggest private investment in employer health benefits this year.

The company's got a solid track record too – just look at their investment in Ibotta, which recently went public at a valuation of over $3 billion.

KDT's not just throwing money around - they're smart about picking winners in sectors like cybersecurity, fintech, semiconductors, and enterprise software. They've got this thing called Koch Labs that helps startups actually use Koch's resources to grow faster.

With 25 team members, including a crew in Israel, they're seriously changing the game for tech companies looking to scale up. Their latest investment in Outrider, dropping $62M in a Series D round, shows they're still hungry to back companies pushing the boundaries of what's possible in tech.

What makes them different is how they combine their investment money with real industry know-how, helping founders turn their big ideas into reality.

NetApp stands out as a major player in data management, transforming how companies handle their digital assets since 1992. Their game-changing ONTAP software platform serves as the backbone for modern data infrastructure, helping businesses manage massive amounts of information across different environments.

NetApp has evolved beyond just storage - they're now crushing it in the cloud services space, offering integrated solutions that work seamlessly with all the major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

The company's growth story is pretty impressive.

Starting as a small tech startup, they've grown into a global leader in data management, with their technology being used by some of the biggest companies worldwide.

Their focus on AI-powered optimization and cloud-native applications shows they're totally in sync with where tech is headed. The best part? They're making complex data management actually manageable, with tools that help businesses save money and work more efficiently.

What sets NetApp apart is their commitment to innovation and education.

They're not just creating technology - they're building a community of future tech leaders through partnerships with local colleges and universities. Their internship programs and educational initiatives give students hands-on experience with real-world data management challenges, preparing them for actual tech careers.

It's pretty sweet how they're investing in both technology and talent.

Looking ahead to 2025, NetApp continues to push boundaries in data management and cloud innovation.

They're all about making sure businesses can handle their data better, whether it's stored on-site or in the cloud. For anyone interested in tech careers, NetApp represents exactly where the industry is heading - smart, connected, and focused on solving real-world problems through better data management.

Pulse Systems is changing the game in healthcare IT from right here in Wichita. Since 1997, they've been building smart solutions that make healthcare work better for everyone.

Their healthcare software supports facilities of all sizes, from small clinics to major teaching hospitals, with tools that handle everything from patient charts to billing.

What's really cool is their focus on making tech that's actually easy to use - their workflow solutions are designed to be simple to implement and learn.

In 2025, they're killing it with new features that use AI for better patient care and practice management. The company, now part of Harris Computer, has expanded its reach and is leading the way in tech trends like cloud security and digital transformation.

They've got this complete package of services - EHR systems that doctors can customize, practice management tools that make scheduling and billing way less painful, and revenue cycle management that helps practices stay profitable.

The numbers don't lie - healthcare providers using Pulse are seeing major improvements in their workflow and bottom line. Their focus on keeping patient data secure while making everything run smoothly shows why they're such a big deal in the healthcare tech space.

For anyone interested in where healthcare technology is headed, Pulse Systems is definitely worth watching - they're not just following trends, they're setting them.

Since 1977, Vortex Global has transformed from a small startup in Salina, Kansas, into a manufacturing powerhouse that's literally changing how industries handle materials.

What started as a father-and-son-in-law venture now serves over 20,000 clients across 120 countries. Their recent executive restructuring shows they're serious about scaling up, with fresh leadership bringing new energy to their engineering and sales strategies.

The company's product line has expanded way beyond their original Orifice Gates - they're now crushing it in everything from food processing to handling industrial minerals.

Their international presence keeps growing, with offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

What makes them stand out is their focus on custom solutions rather than one-size-fits-all products. Their design philosophy prioritizes maintenance-friendly components and dust-free technologies, which is super important for workplace safety.

Looking at their latest innovations, they're all about integrating automation and smart technology into their systems, especially with their new loading solutions and material handling equipment.

This isn't just about making cool tech - it's about solving real problems in manufacturing, like reducing maintenance costs and improving efficiency. With recent expansions into Africa and their acquisition of SolidEx, Vortex is definitely making moves that tech professionals should pay attention to.

They're not just riding the Industry 4.0 wave; they're helping create it.

Wichita's tech scene is seriously taking off. KaaS, a Wichita-based startup, is already making waves with their innovative workforce readiness solutions, and they're on track for a $3 million Series A funding round in 2025.

The growth isn't slowing down - with WSU Tech's expanded partnership with SkillStorm, we're seeing major moves to prepare tech talent for real-world challenges.

The local tech sector is projected to grow by 25% by 2026, creating tons of opportunities in software development, cybersecurity, and AI - with salaries that are double the state's median wage! Wichita State's Center for Entrepreneurship is running awesome programs like the Shocker New Venture Competition, where student entrepreneurs can win serious funding for their startups.

The best part? The city's low cost of living means tech professionals can actually afford to live here while building their careers. With over 110 IT-sector companies (not counting the tech departments in bigger businesses) calling Wichita home, there's never been a better time to jump into the local tech scene.

Whether you're interested in digital advertising like Fliphound's billboard revolution or Shiftsmart's innovative workforce management platform, Wichita's startup ecosystem is ready for fresh talent ready to make their mark.