MassChallenge Rhode Island, a zero-equity startup accelerator, has announced the 25 startups participating in its second cohort.
The four month program begins in June and concludes in October, and its participants represent startups from across the globe. While 11 are from the Ocean State, nine hail from the greater New England region and two are based in Ukraine.
Said startups also work within a host of industries, with the majority (36 percent) considered high tech. Regardless of niche, 56 percent have at least one women founder.
Ultimately, the final participants were chosen from a more than 250 diverse applicants across the country and the world.
A product of the MassChallenge family of accelerators, the program debuted after a 2016 iteration as a “startup bootcamp” program, dubbed Bridge to MassChallenge. That event was a “limited testing of the market,” former Andrew Mallon, MassChallenge Rhode Island program director, told Rhode Island Inno in 2018.
The full accelerator program provides participants with mentors, office space and specific curriculum developed tailored to startups' needs. At the conclusion of the experience, participants pitch their ideas to judges, where top startups win shares of more than $100,000 prize.
MassChallenge leadership called the program a win for the entrepreneurial community in Rhode Island.
“In partnership with major stakeholders across the state [Adler Pollock & Sheehan, Amica Mutual Insurance, CVS Health, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, FM Global, Hasbro and Rhode Island Commerce Corporation], we are unleashing a new model for economic and community transformation which will help Rhode Island fortify its entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said MassChallenge Rhode Island Program Director Hope Hopkins. “These 25 startups bring a tangible energy to that effort. It is exciting that Rhode Island is becoming known as a destination for startups from around the world, in addition to helping homegrowth startups scale.”
Below, we highlight the 25 startups, with descriptions provided by MassChallenge Rhode Island.
- Location: Ukraine
- Industry: General/retail/consumer goods
- Description: "Providing flight compensation services worldwide."
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: High tech
- Description: "Connecting people with traditional home restoration, craftsmanship and arm-to- tables sources through an online niche directory."
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: Health care/life sciences
- Description: "Developing medical devices that address bacterial/fungal issues, skin irritation & odor with orthotic and prosthetic users."
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: General/retail/consumer goods
- Description: "Creating four-ingredient dog treats inspired by the human snacks we love, but recreated making them healthier for owners and pets alike."
- Location: New York
- Industry: Social impact
- Description: "Developing a prison-style fitness bootcamp that hires formerly incarcerated individuals to teach fitness classes."
- Location: Ukraine
- Industry: High tech
- Description: "Providing the opportunity to play, win and work at the same time by automating every esports-ready experience."
- Location: Massachusetts
- Industry: General/retail/consumer goods
- Description: "Making high-protein, low-calorie, low-carb, low-sugar treats."
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: General/retail/consumer goods
- Description: "Using Teff — a super-food from Ethiopia, with a vision to sell Teff products in the U.S. while investing in Ethiopian farmers."
- Read More: Rhode Island Inno's 25 Under 25
- Location: Massachusetts
- Industry: High tech
- Description: "Empowering consumers to buy healthy and safe food that meets their dietary needs, made by brands that share their values, for the best deal."
Griptiller, Inc. (Massachusetts, USA):
- Location: Massachusetts
- Industry: High tech
- Description: "Griptiller moves underwriting data, tailored for the insurance industry."
H2Ok Innovations
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: Cleantech/energy
- Description: "Using AI and new data collection methods to empower communities with cost saving decisions that ensure sustainable access to clean water.
- Norka Health
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: Health care/life sciences
- Description: N/A
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: High tech
- Description: "Developing an e-commerce platform builder that allows anyone to easily create an online store, designed for small and medium-sized businesses."
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: Social impact
- Description: "Creating a movement to educate consumers on sustainable purchases and build new generations of active global citizens."
- Intus Care
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: Health care/life sciences
- Description: N/A
Invent Boston
- Location: Massachusetts
- Industry: General/retail/consumer goods
- Description: N/A
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Industry: High tech
- Description: "Providing personalized admissions strategy for college applicants to increase their chances of acceptance and financial aid."
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: High tech
- Description: N/A
- Read More: How This Platform Streamlines Finding the Right Lawyers ... For Lawyers
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: Social impact
- Description: "Building the resume of the 21st century. We are the first recruiting platform built upon a freelance marketplace."
- Read More: Brown Students Unveil Pangea, a Coed Peer-to-Peer Marketplace (For Now)
Quantitative to Qualitative Health
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: Health care/life sciences
- Description: "Converting health data into simple diagrams to empower its users to make better health decisions."
SAYge
- Location: Connecticut
- Industry: High tech
- Description: N/A
- Location: Massachusetts
- Industry: Social impact
- Description: "Developing tools and apps using machine learning technology to enhance Muslims’ relationship with their faith and holy book, the Quran."
Uproot Inc.
- Location: Rhode Island
- Industry: General/retail/consumer goods
- Description: N/A
- Read More: Recipients of Brown Venture Founders Award Announced
Zamp
- Location: Massachussets
- Industry: High tech
- Description: N/A
