A handheld energy generator. Lithium-ion batteries for cochlear implants. An edtech platform for those looking to switch careers. These ideas underpin just three of the 11 semifinalists selected to compete in this year's Rhode Island Business Competition.
Split into two tracks, entrepreneurship and medtech, the startups will compete for a total of $150,000 in cash and prizes, along with an additional $15,000 from the New England Medical Innovation Center and Commerce RI.
"Rhode Island is known for being an attractive place for entrepreneurs, which is evidenced by the strong and wide-ranging applicant pool," Rhode Island Business Competition co-chairs Peggy Farrell and Anthony Mangiarelli said in a statement email to Rhode Island Inno. "In addition to the competition, we continue to assist these entrepreneurs through our workshops and providing other resources to help them flourish and succeed in their respective businesses."
Farrell and Mangiarelli also noted that the competition is able to continue virtually in spite of COVID-19, which has disrupted other parts of the startup world.
Read about the 11 semifinalists below. Descriptions provided by Rhode Island Business Competition.
Entrepreneur Track
BuzzButton has developed an inexpensive, handheld energy generator and integrated storage component that can be used to rapidly charge consumer electronic devices like mobile phones and GPS trackers.
CareerDevs has created an innovative online education platform that guarantees B2C graduates a $50,000 to $90,000 career in 12 months.
Cloud Agronomics is developing a global analytics platform marketed to traders and producers utilizing advanced cameras mounted on a network of aircraft to gather crop data.
dataArrows is developing a solution to reduce energy consumption while assuring occupants' health and comfort by creating real-time digital-twins of buildings in a 3D environment and leveraging AI for automating HVAC operation.
Flux Marine is developing zero-emissions electric outboard boat motors to bring the marine industry into a sustainable energy future.
Retail Marketpoint has developed a universal, objective, real-time measure that instantly evaluates any location in the U.S. for any retail brand or concept.
VISIT is developing a subscription kit and app with social, cognitive and sensory activities to facilitate positive interaction between family caregivers and loved ones with dementia.
MedTech Track
Audiance is developing a safe, wirelessly rechargeable, anatomically sized and biocompatible lithium-ion battery that delivers the required power for a fully internal cochlear implant.
bosWell is developing a two-sided marketplace that connects health plans and providers to community-based organizations utilizing a free application for client management and links individuals at these touch points back to care teams.
ResusciTech is developing a technology solution that will give people the ability to perform CPR accurately in out of hospital cardiac arrests.
Synapse Dental has developed a low-cost, highly effective device to mitigate oral/dental pain in under two minutes for most oral pain issues.
