In just over a week, six startups will make their pitches to a panel of judges for a chance at being crowned this year's Get Started Rhode Island champion.
A micromobility-focused mapping app, a childbirth resource network and a blood glucose diagnostic tool are among the ideas that will compete for the top spot. This year marks the ninth-annual edition of the pitch competition, a local version of Atlanta-based Cox Business’s pitch events across the country, and the second year that Cox is holding the contest virtually. The final pitches will be live-streamed, and the winner announced, on Sept. 29. Register here to watch live.
During the main event, the finalists will have the opportunity to share their company and vision to a panel of judges during the main event on Sept. 29. Winners will receive a prize package worth more than $50,000, with $25,000 in cash. There’s also a chance for companies to win an Audience Choice prize of $5,000.
Who will you root for? Check out an overview of the competitors below. Descriptions provided by Get Started Rhode Island.
Flourish Fund: The Flourish Fund is a resource network of wellness providers that offer online and in-person services such as doula support, newborn care, childbirth education, pre and post-natal fitness and much more. The platform is a supplement to traditional baby registries, allowing family and friends to help invest in services the mother really needs.
Mocingbird: The Mocingbird platform simplifies the ability to track and store medical certifications. This allows clinicians to stay on top of continuing medical education requirements, thus minimizing administrative tasks and allowing them more time to focus on their patients.
Pointz: Pointz is a mapping app which routes bike and scooter riders to low-stress, low-car-trafficked roads. Users can enter additional information such as hazards, points of interest and route ratings to further enhance the mobility experience.
Astellar Labs: Astellar Labs focuses on creating non-invasive diagnostic technology. The Echo will allow people to measure blood glucose without having to prick their fingers or wear a device that needs to be regularly swapped out, thus eliminating discomfort while also saving money.
Ocean State Shields: Ocean State Shields has developed a suite of products and services that address the concerns of the pandemic and beyond, while safeguarding our environments. Products include fire code-compliant igloos, antimicrobial cleaning solutions and a forthcoming antimicrobial fabric treatment.
MediCircle: MediCircle is revolutionizing care equity by creating a system of collecting, certifying and then redistributing unused cancer medications that would have been previously wasted. These medication and savings are then passed along to patients, insurance carriers and healthcare facilities, all while improving the health of local communities.
Disclosure: Cox Business is a founding partner of Rhode Island Inno.
