Founders, innovators and other representatives from all corners of Rhode Island's startup and tech scene congregated at CIC Providence for Rhody's third Inno on Fire awards ceremony last night.
Lt. Gov. Dan McKee was there to provide opening remarks, speaking to the burgeoning entrepreneurial scene and the necessary continued effort needed to keep it thriving in the years to come.
The event celebrated 29 startups, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and other entities who represent the local innovation community's cream of the crop — those who are doing extraordinary work to drive change for the better. These winners fit into seven categories (which we outline below) and illustrate a diverse group of industries, backgrounds and entrepreneurs who make up the startup scene in Rhode Island — a symptom, we at Rhode Island Inno believe, of a healthy, thriving ecosystem.
Choosing recipients began with a call for nominations from the community last fall. The Rhody Inno team relied on those submissions, as well as some editorial perspective, to create the final Inno on Fire winner list that was released in November.
While last night was about celebrating these startups and entrepreneurs, it was also an opportunity to announce the category winners, otherwise known as “Inno Blazers.” A panel of esteemed judges used the list of winners to then choose a specially designated “Inno Blazer” from each category. Inno Blazers received a (literal) red blazer to celebrate the nod.
We’ve recapped the Inno Blazers recipients below, adding an assortment of pictures, social media reactions and even the winner video for good measure.
Finally, we’d be remiss to not thank our founding partners, Cox Business, as well as our event sponsors — Amica, Marcum, Venture Cafe Providence and Insperity — for their support.
MEET THE BLAZERS
Food and Drink
Feast & Fettle: Where to begin with the year Feast & Fettle, a local meal delivery service, had? 2019 included expanding its services to Massachusetts and opening its first commercial kitchen. The company became profitable, with a run rate of more than $1 million and a doubling of its year-over-year revenue from 2019. Feast & Fettle isn’t sitting on its laurels after all those accomplishments, however. There are plans to launch its second kitchen in the new year.
Ocean and Agriculture (Environmental Science)
SeaAhead: As Rhode Island Inno wrote about SeaAhead when it launched in 2018, the bluetech-focused organization “wears many hats, and wears them well.” In essence, it hosts events, promotes mentorship and educational opportunities and incubates organizations within the bluetech sector. In 2019, SeaAhead took its work a step forward by hosting its first-ever Global BlueTech Summit in New York City. The theme was “Next Generation Bluetech,” which examined what the future could hold for innovation in the industry. High-profile speakers, such as keynote Victor Vescovo (founder of Five Deeps Expedition) and Vikki Spruill (CEO of the New England Aquarium), were among those sharing insights during the two-day program this past October.
Education and Government
GoPeer: GoPeer, a tutoring and learning platform, made its third round on the On Fire list because of its substantial growth trajectory since its establishment in 2017. The past year has been its most expansive yet. It gained nearly 2,000 customers in 2019 alone, bringing the total number of users to more than 7,500. This summer, it closed an oversubscribed financing round of $265,000, with participation from Deborah Quazzo, managing partner at San Francisco-based GSV AcceleraTE, and Slater Technology Fund.
Design and Media
Ageless Innovation/Joy for All: A spinout of Hasbro, Ageless Innovation and its Joy for All brand develops toys, like its robotic pets, and other products for older adults. In 2019, the company won the Caregiver Friendly Award and the Dementia SMART Award. Currently, researchers from groups like United Healthcare and the AARP (as well as universities and hospitals) are studying how Joy for All’s offerings are impacting its clients — those living alone, the elderly or suffering from dementia and other related illnesses. That’s not all: Founder Tom Canterino made Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the consumer technology category.
Health and Wellness
Sproutel: Jerry the Bear, Sproutel’s cornerstone tech-enabled toy for children to better cope with their chronic illnesses, put the Providence-based health tech company on the map. However, its “My Special Aflac Duck” creation for insurance company Aflac, a “comforting companion” for children with cancer that’s controlled via an app, is what brought Sproutel to SXSW. At the famed Austin-based event, Aflac and Sproutel shared first place in the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards’ robotics and hardware category with two other companies.
Tech
Pangea.app: In 2017, Pangea.app started as a peer-to-peer marketplace for students looking to find contract work. Come 2019, the company underwent big changes, ultimately pivoting. Now, the service additionally connects companies with students in need of work. Besides the pivot, Pangea participated in MassChallenge RI.
Nonprofit
Tuni Schartner: Dubbed “Rhode Island’s economic gardener,” Tuni Schartner’s most recent work was as the director of entrepreneurship and innovation at the burgeoning innovation center in Newport, aptly dubbed Innovate Newport. She has been integral in fostering a community of entrepreneurs, thought leaders and the curious, facilitating events and attracting speakers that challenge and inspire.
TWEET ROUNDUP
— Lt. Governor Dan McKee (@LGDanMcKee) February 13, 2020
