OhioXcelerate Announces Four Finalists for Its 2024 Program

 
 

Columbus, OH – OhioXcelerate, Ohio’s award-winning statewide startup pitch competition, announced the four innovative startups chosen for its second-ever cohort. This year’s selection, representing groundbreaking advancements across healthcare, sports digital, energy storage, and wound care technology, underscores OhioXcelerate’s commitment to fostering diverse innovation within the state.

The 2024 finalists include:

  • Kilele Health Inc. (Oakwood), spearheaded by CEO Andrew Cothrel, has invented “SunVida,” a wearable for continuous biomolecular monitoring aimed at reducing heart failure hospital readmissions. 

  • Five Star Fans (Columbus), led by CEO Tina Provost, offers a revolutionary platform that gamifies college sports for fans while providing athletes their first chance to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness (“NIL”). 

  • Adena Power (Lewis Center), under the co-leadership of Neil Kidner, is set to transform the energy sector with its low-cost, flexible duration energy storage products based on sodium iron/salt battery technology. 

  • Auxilium Health Inc. (Akron), guided by Chief Technical Officer Aparna Arun Agrawal, is pioneering next-generation wound care technology that monitors and prevents infections in all wounds.

Chris Berry, President of OhioX, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This year’s finalists embody the innovative spirit and potential of Ohio’s startups. We’re excited to support these ventures as they prepare to make significant impacts in their respective fields.”

Antony Seppi, VP at Alloy Growth Lab, added, “The diversity and caliber of applications this year were truly impressive. It’s an honor to collaborate with these startups, offering mentorship and resources to help them achieve their ambitious goals.”

Selected from over 35 applications and associated with 33 entrepreneurial support groups nationwide (yes, there were supporters from outside of Ohio as well), these startups will embark on a comprehensive mentorship journey. The program includes pitch preparation, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and culminates with live pitches at the Ohio Tech Summit on May 16th in Columbus. The finalists’ participation highlights the program’s role in connecting startups with a broad network of industry experts and potential investors.

OhioXcelerate remains dedicated to its mission of driving innovation and economic growth across Ohio by providing startups with the guidance, resources, and platform they need to thrive. The program looks forward to the contributions these finalists will make to their industries and the broader Ohio community. Add another line about some of the benefits for the startups.

OhioXceleate was the winner of the OEDA Excellence in Innovation Award in 2023. 

For more information about the finalists and OhioXcelerate, please visit www.ohioxcelerate.com.

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OhioX Team