Rhode Island Business Competition Selects 6 Finalists

PROVIDENCE - (April 30, 2020) - The Rhode Island Business Competition announced that six finalists have been chosen in the 2020 competition. The three finalists were selected for each of the 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 awards ceremony that was slated for May 6th will be a virtual event now and the date for that will be announced very soon.

In a joint statement, RIBC Co-Chairs Peggy Farrell, Partner at Hinckley Allen, and Anthony Mangiarelli, Partner at KLR noted "We are excited to be able to still have our awards ceremony even if it is virtual. It is important for us to celebrate the dedication and hard work of these talented entrepreneurs."

Following are the finalists for the Entrepreneur Track:

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

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

Following are the finalists for the MedTech Track:

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

Serving as judges for this year are:

Kim Anderson, impact investor and owner of Plant City

Peggy Farrell, Partner at Hinckley Allen

Katharine Flynn, Executive Director at URI's Business Engagement Center

Carol Malysz, Executive Director at RI Bio

Anthony Mangiarelli, Partner at KLR

Aidan Petrie, Founding Partner at New England Medical Innovation Center

Jennifer Rousseau, Director of Strategic Planning for New Ventures at Altus Dental

Thorne Sparkman, Managing Director at Slater Technology Fund

Jeffrey Wilhelm, Chief Technology Officer at Envision Technology Advisors

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 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.