Rhode Island Business Competition Announces Winners of the Pitch Contest
PROVIDENCE - (November 15, 2022) - The Rhode Island Business Competition hosted a Pitch Contest on Thursday, November 10th awarding a total of $1000 in cash prizes. Over 28 entrepreneurs pitched their business idea to a panel of three judges, including Doris Blanchard, Director of Small Business Programs at RI Commerce, Alex Pirri, Vice President – Small Business Banker at Bank of America, and Brian Spero, President and CEO at Beacon Mutual Insurance Company.
The first-place winner was Nishita Roy-Pope who is the founder of WorldRoo Learning Lab, a multi-media, subscription-based app for ages 3-6 with a focus on key learning skills, including STEM, global languages, and building confidence. Yashvi Deokule took second place with her company, InterEye Therapeutics, a start-up whose mission is to develop IL-24 polypeptide as a treatment for uveitis, an eye inflammatory disease. Third place was awarded to Diane Kamada whose flagship product, The LapSnap, helps wheelchair users increase their independence by enabling them to do more tasks themselves, such as shopping and household chores.
Applications for the Rhode Island Business Competition, which awards over $150,000 in cash and prizes, will be available on the website www.ri-business.com starting January 4, 2023.
The Rhode Island Business Competition fosters development of companies by inviting emerging and established entrepreneurs to submit ideas for a business, in any industry, that is based in Rhode Island and has strong growth potential. The most promising ideas will receive cash and services.
The Competition 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, we are one of the leading community-supported business competitions in the Northeast.