Patent Attorney and Founder
Hey there. Welcome to the Bold Patents Wichita, Kansas page.
If you’re an inventor, founder, or builder, you’re in the right place.
I know this road well. It can feel heavy. Sometimes lonely. I’ve spent over a decade working with inventors, and I’ve seen the same worries come up again and again. Good ideas. Real talent. Not always clear next steps.
So I did the homework for Wichita and pulled together five local resources worth your time.
Let’s jump in.
First up: NXT US
You may remember it as E². Same group. New name.
This is Wichita’s main startup accelerator. They offer:
- Mentors who’ve been there before
- Pitch events (yes, Shark Tank vibes)
- Access to funding
- Pilot programs to test ideas
More than 2,700 startups have come through NXT. Over $8 million raised. That’s not luck.
One quick note. Before joining any accelerator, protect your idea.
Equity and privacy matter.
At least get patent pending first. It takes pressure off and keeps your options open.
If you want help with that, book a free call with us. We’ll talk it through.
Number two: NXT’s Customer Attraction Cohort
This one is about traction. Real people. Real feedback.
You’ll be grouped with others at a similar stage. Some ahead. Some behind. That mix helps more than you’d think.
The focus is simple:
- Do customers care?
- Will they pay?
- What needs to change before launch?
It’s a softer way to test your idea before the public does it for you.
Number three: The Center for Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University
WSU supports both students and local founders.
You’ll find:
- Workshops and events
- Mentors
- Links to researchers and students
Universities are underrated.
Labs. Equipment. Extra hands. Sometimes low cost. Sometimes free.
One reminder here too. Lock down ownership before teaming up.
Talk to a business or patent attorney first. It avoids headaches later.
Number four: The APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC)
This runs through Wichita State and is backed by the SBA.
They help small businesses work with government contracts and growth plans.
Many services cost nothing.
You’ll often meet:
- Retired execs
- Seasoned operators
- People who want to give back
These folks know how businesses really run.
Number five: The Garages
This one’s fun.
It’s a rotating retail incubator.
Street-level shops. Short-term leases. Built-in support.
Think:
- Farmers market energy
- Garage inventor spirit
- Real customers walking in
It’s a great way to test a product before committing to a full storefront.
That’s my list.
If you have questions about patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets, reach out.
Book a free discovery call. No pressure. Just a clear conversation.
I’m JD Houvener, founder and patent attorney at Bold Patents.
Thanks for stopping by the Wichita page.
Go big. Go bold.