Summary:
Five start-ups pitched their ideas at the Energy Capital Start-Up Challenge.
Winners received $5,000 from a $50,000 seed fund.
Inflatrix, Root to Shoot, and White Hat were the main winners.
Inflatrix enhances dental filling comfort and efficiency.
Root to Shoot focuses on providing nutritious microgreens to local markets.
A Night of Innovation at the Energy Capital Start-Up Challenge
On Wednesday evening, five innovative start-ups pitched their impactful ideas for Wyoming and beyond at the second annual Energy Capital Start-Up Challenge held at the Gillette College Tech Center. After advancing from a competitive semi-final round, each group showcased their concepts in a 15-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session with a panel of eight judges.
Kevin Couch, one of the judges, expressed the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in northeast Wyoming, emphasizing the community's growth potential.
Winners and Awards
Each winning team received $5,000 from a total seed fund of $50,000, with further funding to be awarded based on follow-up presentations early next year. An additional Audience Choice award of $1,000 was also given based on feedback from attendees and livestream viewers.
The judges selected:
- Dr. Mark Thoreson for Inflatrix, a dental tool enhancing filling placement.
- Nathan Roma for Root to Shoot, expanding access to nutritious microgreens.
- Dan Knievel, Nick Boltin, and Waleed Siddiqui with White Hat, a cybersecurity service tailored for small businesses.
Additionally, Nathan Roma won the Audience Choice award for his engaging presentation.
Finalists
Other finalists included Isaac Almejo-Ponce and Luke Macy with Power Theory, a predictive energy software, and Adam and Briar Feist with The Blind Wrench, a mobile mechanic service.
Spotlight on Winning Start-Ups
Inflatrix: A Game Changer in Dental Care
Dr. Thoreson's Inflatrix tool simplifies the dental filling process, improving comfort and efficiency. With a potential profit margin of 95%, he aims for production expansion and global outreach by 2025.
Root to Shoot: Fresh Produce Revolution
Nathan Roma's Root to Shoot aims to provide affordable and nutritious microgreens, with plans to expand sales to schools and restaurants. He projects $105,000 revenue in 2025.
White Hat: Cybersecurity for All
White Hat, led by Dan Knievel, tackles the cybersecurity gap for small businesses, offering affordable solutions. The team anticipates significant growth, targeting revenues of $2 million by 2027.
These start-ups not only showcase innovation but also a commitment to improving the community's well-being and economic health.
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