A Dayton-area startup triumphed at a Columbus pitch competition, stunning judges with its innovative health care technology.
Statewide pitch feedback program OhioXcelerate recently announced the results of its 2024 set of programming. The program brings Ohio-based startups together with a diverse group of mentors from across the state.
The final pitch event, held on May 16th at the Ohio Tech Summit in Columbus, showcased the talent and entrepreneurial spirit thriving within Ohio’s startup ecosystem.
Andrew Cothrel, founder of Oakwood-based Kilele Health was named the winner of the 2024 OhioXcelerate program. Kilele Health won $1,000 in cash, as well as free services from Dinsmore and Big Kitty Labs.
"The OhioXcelerate program was very useful in helping us to shape and then share our story to a broad audience," Cothrel said. "We are very appreciative of the opportunity to participate, and of course we were delighted with the pitch competition win."
Prior to the win, Cothrel has accumulated $2.8 million in funding for research and development.
OhioXcelerate said Kilele Health impressed mentors and judges with its innovative approach to real-time diagnostic monitoring for chronic disease management. The program said Kilele’s victory “symbolizes the promising future of Ohio’s startup landscape”.
The program received over 30 applications from innovative startups across Ohio. Finalists include:
- Kilele Health (Winner) – The Dayton-area startup is currently working toward commercialization of its SunVida Platform. The technology focuses on preventing readmissions in the 30-to-60-day period after heart failure patients are discharged while medication is selected and corrected.
- Adena Power – The Lewis Center-based startup is an energy storage provider using domestic raw materials and manufacturing to deliver sodium batteries to commercial and industrial markets.
- Auxilium Health – The technology startup engineered a bio-based polymer to create the optimal environment for healing, creating a more sustainable and cost-effective healing process for hard-to-heal wounds.
- Five Star Fans – The Columbus-based startup aims to amplify the experience of college sports by redistributing power to athletes and fans.
“The dedication and innovative spirit of these startups, combined with the invaluable guidance from our mentors, underscore the bright future of Ohio’s tech ecosystem,” said Jeremy Fritzhand, director of startup services at Alloy Growth Lab.
Due to the success of this year's program, the OhioXcelerate aims to host another edition in the fall of 2024 or spring of 2025. The upcoming event will build on momentum generated and continue to provide opportunities for startups to accelerate their growth and connect with experienced mentors and entrepreneurial support networks.
The OhioXcelerate program has worked to nurture startups across Ohio, providing them with critical resources, mentorship and exposure to a network of industry leaders.
Through a structured curriculum and hands-on guidance, OhioXcelerate empowers startups to refine their business models, enhance their market strategies and prepare for sustained growth. Participants received personalized guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts. The program also provided opportunities for startups to connect with potential investors, partners and clients, fostering relationships to further growth and success.
