Five companies hit the jackpot at Shea's Performing Arts Center on Thursday night.
Agape Wellness, AMPAworks, Mod Tech Labs, Otrafy and Phood each won $1 million in the annual state-funded business competition that seeks to support startups as they build their companies in Buffalo.
Above, scroll through some photos of the competition's big night. Below, learn more about each of the companies that will now make their homes here.
Agape Wellness: A relationship wellness company with an app that prompts users with questions to kickstart deep chats. It will transform the lives of nearly 60% of Americans who feel lonely every day, said founder and CEO Kadie Okwudili: "I like to describe it as a toothbrush for your relationship.” | Read more
AMPAworks: The startup builds technology using artificial intelligence algorithms to help hospitals be more efficient and reduce costs. The business has a camera that uses computer vision artificial intelligence to have full inventory visibilities in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, pharmacies and medical device companies. Founder CEO Bianca Gonzalez sees a bright future for her company's product: “We’re so differentiated than other players in the market that we can collab with almost anybody.”
Mod Tech Labs: The startup helps companies by digitizing the real world using photos and videos to create universal 3D content at scale. The platform is artificial intelligence-powered. Founder Alexandria Porter has growth avenues in mind: "We see gaming as an easy slide into our next industry opportunity." | Read more
Otrafy: The business’ systems-as-a-service platform automates the collection and transfer of food industry data. The goal is to help with real-time food safety, certifications and sustainability information. “We’ve been data-focused from the beginning. … That’s really our differentiator," founder Nhat Nguyen told the 43North judges.
Phood: The startup integrates with universities’ card services to create a connection between students’ flex dollar accounts and the gig economy. The business issues a virtual debit card to students which can be used to buy goods and services from third-party vendors. Founder Alex Parmley is passionate about his company's role in the collegiate world: "We believe food is a form of community."
