The Loudoun Economic Development Authority and Loudoun Economic Development on Monday announced the finalists for the Loudoun Innovation Challenge. Twelve finalists are vying for six grants totaling $150,000. 

The program is designed to recognize Loudoun companies that are pushing new initiatives in their industries.

“Loudoun County is a thriving hub of innovation where entrepreneurs are encouraged and supported to bring their groundbreaking ideas to life. The annual Innovation Challenge is a testament to this vibrant ecosystem, showcasing the best and brightest minds in the region,” stated Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer. “This year’s participants are no exception, representing a diverse range of established businesses and startups, all with transformational ideas that have the potential to shape the future of their respective fields. I truly believe that these ideas will become the next flurry of #LoudounPossible success stories and our team is excited to see how these innovative ideas will perform in the next round.”

This year’s finalists are: 

Agri-Tech Innovation: OpsSmart Global, Route 7 Provisions, and Vinterra Winery 

Clean Energy Innovation: Mehrdel LLC, Nsmart Inc., and Opal Minds LLC

Highly Specialized Manufacturing Innovation: Blue Vigil, LLC, INTALUS, INC., SkyRFID, LLC

Information and Communications Technology Innovation: CodeLock, Inc., Measured Risk, Inc., and Onclave Networks, Inc.

The finalists will participate in the live pitch event on Nov. 29 at River Creek Club near Leesburg. The grand prize winner will land $40,000. The winners in each industry category will be awarded $25,000. A $10,000 People’s Choice Award will be decided by a vote of the public on the event website at LoudounInnovationChallenge.com through 2:30 p.m. Nov. 29.