PROVIDENCE – (May 5, 2022) – A wearable device intended to deliver positive reinforcement for desired behavior in children with ADHD was announced the winner of the 2022 Rhode Island Business Competition. This venture was founded by Geanina Oana Costa, MD, MBA who was one of four finalists that competed against 45 applicants for awards totaling over $140,000 in cash and prizes. The awards ceremony was held at Venture Café as well as live streamed.

In a joint statement, RIBC Co-Chairs Peggy Farrell, Partner at Hinckley Allen, and Anthony Mangiarelli, Partner at KLR, noted "We are excited to showcase these businesses and were very happy we can do it in person this year. It is important for us to celebrate the dedication and hard work of these talented entrepreneurs."

The following are the other three finalists for this year's Competition:

AtomICS is the first startup that is storing digital data in disordered small molecule mixtures. Principal applicant: Dana Biechele-Speziale

MediCircle is focused on capturing, recertifying, and redistributing unused cancer medication by partnering with hospitals. Principal applicant: Jack Schaeffer

Plantopia is developing an allergen-free plant-based food production facility in Rhode Island. Principal applicant: Saron Mechale

Serving as judges for this year are:

• Kim Anderson, Impact Investor and Owner of Plant City
• Bob Chatham, Director at Slater Fund Technology
• Peggy Farrell, Partner at Hinckley Allen
• Katharine Flynn, Executive Director at URI's Business Engagement Center
• Steven Hughes, Sales Director – Northeast Region at Cox Business
• Anthony Mangiarelli, Partner at KLR
• Aidan Petrie, Managing Partner at New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC)
• Jennifer Rousseau, Director of Strategic Planning for New Ventures at Altus Dental
• Annette Tonti, Managing Director at RIHub

The prizes consisting of cash and in-kind services are provided by dozens of sponsors, including banks, investors, colleges and universities, professional services firms, non-profits, construction, health related, software, retail, and other businesses as well as former competitors.

Sponsors of the 2022 Rhode Island Business Competition

Pillar sponsors are Bryant University, Cox Business, Everhope Foundation, and Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund. Other lead sponsors include Envision Technology Advisors, Hinckley Allen, KLR, and Sprout Coworking.

Also sponsoring are Barlow, Josephs & Holmes, Ltd., Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, Brown University Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship, FM Global, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Luminous Creative Agency, and Social Enterprise Greenhouse.

Additional sponsors include Bank Rhode Island, Bristol County Savings Bank, Business Development Company, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Dimeo Construction Company, Navigant Credit Union, Coastal1Credit Union, Peter George, Slater Technology Fund, Washington Trust Company, BankNewport, Brain for Rent, Cherrystone Angel Group, CVS/Health, Fidelity Investments, Morgan Stanley - Richard Carriere, and StormTree.

The Rhode Island Business Competition aims to create and foster growth companies in Rhode Island that will increase local employment. This non-profit is supported by a broad range of sponsors that include private businesses, investors, foundations, colleges and universities, public entities, nonprofit organizations, and former competitors. Today, it is the leading community-supported business plan competition in the Northeast. The Competition encourages plans for new businesses, as well as from early-stage companies.