Digital Health Day 2026

Join Digital Health KC for a focused gathering bringing together like-minded entrepreneurial support organizations from across the Midwest. This luncheon is a dedicated space to connect with regional partners and share practical insights on what is actually working in our respective communities. We are keeping the agenda light to prioritize real conversations and collaborative problem solving. Pull up a chair to help strengthen our shared network and drive regional innovation forward.

This invite-only session connects investors with top M&A leaders from Lockton, one of Kansas City's largest industry anchors. Designed specifically for the investment community, the discussion will focus on what corporate buyers look for when evaluating Midwest digital health companies. Attendees will gain direct insight into successful acquisition strategies, valuation drivers, and corporate integration expectations. It is a rare opportunity to discuss exactly how regional startups can position themselves for large-scale corporate exits.

Kick off Digital Health Day early with an evening dedicated to connection and regional innovation. The agenda will feature an engaging speaker panel alongside a showcase of local companies making waves in the healthcare space. There will be plenty of time built in for great networking, accompanied by excellent food and drinks. It is the perfect way to get energized and start conversations before the main event.

• Why the Midwest matters: Understand the unique advantages of building and investing in healthcare companies where healthcare is delivered and purchased.
• What investors are looking for now: Learn how investor expectations have evolved and which signals matter most at different stages of company growth.
• Real stories from the field: Hear firsthand lessons from founders and investors who have successfully navigated fundraising, scaling, and market adoption in digital health.

Join us for an evening at Kauffman Stadium to watch the Kansas City Royals take on the Athletics. This relaxed reception offers our investor community a chance to unwind and build relationships outside of a traditional conference setting. Guests will enjoy a classic night at the ballpark complete with great food, drinks, and a dedicated space to connect during the game. It is a great opportunity to cap off a busy afternoon and celebrate the regional healthcare ecosystem together.

Start the morning with a private breakfast gathering designed specifically for our investor community and a select group of featured companies. Guests will enjoy a catered breakfast provided by local favorite Mildreds alongside premium coffee from a local roasting partner. This dedicated session provides a quiet space for focused conversations and direct introductions before the main programming begins. It is an ideal setting to build meaningful connections and start a busy day on the right foot.

Check-in officially opens.

Pick up your lunch provided by The Russell and prepare for an afternoon of innovation and connection.

The programming begins with a brief welcome from Digital Health KC President, Dick Flanigan.

Following this, we’ll present the first two recipients of the annual Lumi Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in our region’s digital health community.

• Digital Pioneer Award:
  Recognizes a leader who consistently contributes to and excels in the digital health industry. Examples include individuals who contribute to the growth of the digital health ecosystem and act as leaders, collaborators, researchers, or mentors, making a significant difference and inspiring others.
• Corporate Visionary Award:
  Celebrates a visionary leader within a corporation who demonstrates exceptional foresight, innovation, and strategic thinking in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the digital health industry. Recipients of this award inspire and motivate their teams to embrace change, challenge the status quo, and pursue ambitious goals, ultimately shaping the direction and success of their company in profound ways.

This keynote session brings together two standout digital health companies at different stages of scale, Hinge Health and Cariloop, for a candid look at what it really takes to grow from early traction to sustained market leadership.

Aaryn Pure, Chief Commercial Officer of Hinge Health will share insights from the company’s journey to IPO, while Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of Cariloop will reflect on building and scaling through Seed to Series C. Each will offer their perspective on the defining moments, inflection points, and strategic decisions that shaped their growth.

Drawing connections across both journeys, Aaryn and Michael will unpack how expectations evolve throughout the entire company-building process. Their discussion will span from early validation and product-market fit to scaling operations, raising capital, and navigating investor relationships.

Attendees, particularly founders and early-stage teams, will leave equipped to prepare for each growth phase. They will learn to anticipate investor needs at different funding stages and position their companies for long-term success in the dynamic digital health landscape.

Take a short break from the main stage presentations to connect with fellow attendees. This dedicated time allows you to catch up with colleagues, meet new partners, and discuss the day's insights over coffee and light refreshments. Step away from the main stage to expand your network and spark new collaborations before the next session begins.

We will explore the most pressing trends shaping the future of healthcare technology. We will look closely at emerging shifts in artificial intelligence integration, data interoperability, and evolving care delivery models. This brief forecast is designed to help ecosystem leaders anticipate market demands, align with strategic partnership opportunities, and identify new avenues for innovation heading into the next year.

Program resumes with the final two Lumi announcements, recognizing outstanding achievements in our digital health ecosystem.

Company Growth Award:
Highlights growth companies that can quantify their achievements through year-over-year revenue, employee growth, client acquisition, investment, and other relevant factors

Impact and Influence Award:
Acknowledges an individual or organization who has built a successful company and demonstrated a commitment to community impact, mentorship, and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

This keynote session brings together leaders from the public and private sectors—including Stephen Konya, Chief, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, alongside executives from UnitedHealthcare and a leading health system—for a forward-looking discussion on the evolving role of digital health in care delivery.

Stephen will provide updates on ASTP priorities and highlight key federal focus areas for digital health, including interoperability, AI, and data access, as well as programs and opportunities for companies to engage with and apply for federal initiatives. This perspective will be grounded in the current administration’s emphasis on reducing administrative burden, improving care coordination, and advancing equitable access to care.

Building on this foundation, the session will explore how government, payors, and providers are working—both independently and together—to address longstanding points of friction in the healthcare system. Panelists will discuss strategies to reduce administrative waste, streamline workflows, and create more aligned incentives across stakeholders. Importantly, the conversation will highlight real-world examples where collaboration across these groups is beginning to drive measurable progress.

Health equity will serve as a central theme throughout the discussion, with a focus on how digital health companies can play a meaningful role in expanding access, improving outcomes, and supporting underserved populations.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of where federal priorities are headed, how major stakeholders are aligning to address systemic challenges, and where opportunities exist for digital health companies to engage, partner, and contribute to a more efficient and equitable healthcare system.

Take a short break from the main stage presentations to connect with fellow attendees. This dedicated time allows you to catch up with colleagues, meet new partners, and discuss the day's insights over coffee and light refreshments. Step away from the main stage to expand your network and spark new collaborations before the next session begins.

Get a glimpse into the innovative digital health solutions being developed right here in Kansas City. These six standout companies from our network are transforming healthcare through technology and creative approaches. See how local talent is addressing health challenges and connect with the teams behind these promising solutions.