NEW ORLEANS — From Tulane University:
The Tulane University Innovation Institute announced finalists for its $50K Demo Day contest, a pitch competition that spotlights startups working to grow “cutting-edge” business ventures in New Orleans.
The contest will take place March 14 on Tulane’s Uptown campus as part of the New Orleans Entrepreneur Week 3rd Coast Investor Summit. It will offer a $25,000 top prize with second-place and third-place awards of $15,000 and $10,000 each.
“We couldn’t be more excited to showcase the creative and innovative startups we have here in New Orleans and provide them with the support they need to expand,” said Kimberly Gramm, David and Marion Mussafer chief innovation and entrepreneurship officer at Tulane. “These founders embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the city, and we’re eagerly looking forward to connecting them with potential investors.”
The finalists’ innovations range from a new patented technology to chill beverages to a new app that simplifies health insurance appeals using artificial intelligence. To secure their positions in the event, startup founders submitted a video pitch and application to the Green Wave Innovation selection committee, emphasizing the opportunity of their startup to make a societal or commercial impact. On March 14, the finalists will pitch their visions to a distinguished panel of judges and investors.
Finalists include:
Cantaloupe AI – a New Orleans startup aiming to “revolutionize” service industry hiring
EquallHealth – an app set to automate the health insurance appeal process through AI
IceJack – a product designed to cool drinks within seconds
In Ceremony Productions – a woman-owned production company “committed to fiscally responsible content funding that employs Louisiana residents”
Informuta – a healthcare company with a mission to provide “next-generation” diagnostics, tracking, detection and treatments for antimicrobial-resistant infections
Levisonics Inc. – a medical device startup focused on developing a novel platform for blood coagulation analysis, and measuring the flow of fluids in the body
RhinoBVM – creator of a new ventilation mask for the healthcare industry
Thrivvy – an app designed to help users find better grocery store prices
Tugs – developing a commercial solution to alleviate head pain when styling children’s hair
Wav RC – an online design and manufacturing platform that allows anyone to create a remote-controlled plane.
By Jeanne Exnicios for Tulane