PROVIDENCE - (April 16, 2020) - The Rhode Island Business Competition today announced that 11 semi-finalists that have been selected for the 2020 competition which has two tracks, Entrepreneur and MedTech. This year's awards total $150,000 in cash and prizes. In addition, the New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) in conjunction with Commerce RI will be offering special awards of $15,000 in prizes plus in kind services to MedTech companies.

The semi-finalists were chosen from an applicant pool that consisted of businesses in biotechnology, education, health care, well being, career placement, and process improvement.

"Rhode Island is known for being an attractive place for entrepreneurs which is evidenced by the strong and wide-ranging applicant pool. 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," said Co-Chairs Peggy Farrell, partner with Hinckley Allen, and Anthony Mangiarelli, partner with KLR.

"We are pleased that we were able to continue the competition despite the challenges presented by COVID-19," they added.

Entrepreneur Track Semi-Finalists

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. Principal applicant: Eli Silvert

CareerDevs has created an innovative online education platform that guarantees B2C graduates a $50-90,000 career in 12 months. Principal applicant: Arnell Millhouse

Cloud Agronomics Inc. is developing a global analytics platform marketed to traders and producers utilizing advanced cameras mounted on a network of aircraft to gather crop data. Principal applicant: Jack Roswell

dataArrows Inc. 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. Principal applicant: Issa Ramaji

Flux Marine is developing zero-emissions electric outboard boat motors to bring the marine industry into a sustainable energy future. Principal applicant: Jonathan Lord

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. Principal applicant: John Rafferty

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. Principal applicant: Katherine Magee

MedTech Track Semi-Finalists

Audiance, Inc. is developing a safe, wirelessly rechargeable, anatomically sized and biocompatible lithium-ion battery that delivers the required power for a fully internal cochlear implant. Principal applicant: Arijit Bose

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. Principal applicant: Aristotle Mannan

Resusci Tech is developing a technology solution that will give people the ability to perform CPR accurately in out of hospital cardiac arrests and prov. Principal applicant: Abigail Kohler

Synapse Dental has developed a low-cost, highly effective device to mitigate oral/dental pain in under 2 minutes for most oral pain issues. Principal applicant: Cosmo Haralambidis

Sponsors of the 2020 Rhode Island Business Competition

Pillar sponsors are Bryant University, Cox Business, and Everhope Foundation. Other lead sponsors include Envision Technology Advisors, Hinckley Allen, Integrated Media Group, KLR, Sprout Coworking, and Tech Collective.

Also sponsoring is Barlow, Joseph & Holmes, Brown University, Greater Providence Chamber, Social Enterprise Greenhouse, TD Bank, and Center for Women & Enterprise.

Additional sponsors include Bank Rhode Island, Beacon Mutual Insurance Co., Business Development Company, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Dimeo Construction Company, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at CCRI, Citizens Bank, Navigant Credit Union, Morgan Stanley - Richard Carriere, Teknor Apex, The Washington Trust Co., Cherrystone Angel Group, Fidelity Investments, Hayes & Sherry RE Services, InsureMyTrip, Newport Biodiesel, and Pawtucket Credit Union.

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.