October 2, 2019, RHODE ISLAND – MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, today announced the top six startups from its 2019 Rhode Island program. Selected startups will now move into the final judging round, where they’ll compete for cash prizes that will be awarded at the MassChallenge Awards on October 24, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts.
“It has been an incredible experience getting to know the 2019 Rhode Island startups and to be able to support each in their respective journeys. MassChallenge has a robust toolbox which includes tailored workshops, mentorship from subject matter experts across the globe, and committed local corporate partners that has certainly impacted their evolution,” said Hope Hopkins, Program Director, MassChallenge Rhode Island. “In addition to the accelerator program this cohort witnessed the merits of a dedicated innovation ecosystem with the launch—and move to—riHub. Looking ahead, I’m convinced of the value we will create for startups and the community through the continued engagement of these collaborative partnerships here in RI.”
The top six startups will compete for shares of $100K in equity-free cash prizes during a final in-person judging round. Industry leaders from the MassChallenge community will evaluate each startup on its ability to demonstrate growth and impact over the course of the 2019 accelerator.
While MassChallenge has had a presence in Rhode Island for three years now, this is only year two of running its full accelerator program here. This year, twenty-four startups participated in the accelerator. These startups represent diverse industry offerings and products with high potential to impact society’s greatest challenges while strengthening the economy. Additionally, the MassChallenge Rhode Island startups had access to riHub, a startup incubator supported by a public-private partnership that included the State of Rhode Island, Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, and IBM.
Members of the community will have the opportunity to meet the 2019 cohorts of MassChallenge Boston and MassChallenge Rhode Island during the tenth annual MassChallenge Awards on October 24, 2019 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Tickets are limited: to register for #MCAwards2019, click here.
MASSCHALLENGE RHODE ISLAND TOP 6:
General
Uses Teff, a super-food from Ethiopia, with the vision to sell Teff products in US while investing in Ethiopian farmers.
Intus Care
Healthcare / Life Sciences
Mobile and online platform connecting home care providers with the elderly and disabled in need of care.
High Tech
Marketplace that connects freelance attorneys with other lawyers, law firms, and legal staffing agencies for short-term work.
Social Impact
Helping college students build experience through short-term gigs, to help them find full-time work when they graduate.
Healthcare / Life Sciences
Digital platform that reduces preventable, harmful and costly Adverse Drug Reactions via a collective and individual methodology.
General
Helping food service providers meet the growing demand for a variety of plant milks in a more healthy, sustainable and convenient way.
About MassChallenge:
MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, our 2,344 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $5 billion in funding, generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue, and created more than 136,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org.
Top MassChallenge Rhode Island Partners:
Adler Pollock & Sheehan, Amica Mutual Insurance, CVS Health, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, First Data Corporation, FM Global, Hasbro, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.