Darryl and Suzen DuBre and Steve Burke Marins Med - $40,000 The Georgetown, DE, company impressed the judges with their patented specialized prosthetic device, the ProHensor. The invention’s user-actuated lock improves prosthetic acceptance, features three modes with increased functionality and is durable.
Nicholas LeGrand The LeGrand Company, LLC - $25,000 The Newark, DE, company manufactures Bed Ledge, a product that allows safe and independent bed mobility. From aging populations to medical facilities and post-surgical rehabilitation, the product decreases fall risk and prevents future injuries.
Mekia Cherone Cherone Chocolates - $15,000 The artisan chocolate business in Willards, MD, offers an array of made-to-order cake pops, assorted chocolate boxes, truffles and more.
LaTosha Bateman B&J’s Soulful Creations - $10,000 This Salisbury-based catering company aims to “create delicious cuisine from our soul to yours” with a focus on assisting and educating local youth through the culinary arts.
Joyson Balisamore Jay’s Watermelonade, LLC - $10,000 Through the production of three holistic juice blends, the company hopes to create meaningful employment opportunities for youth and young adults in Baltimore, while increasing awareness of the importance of healthy hydration.
Jennifer Corron & Lindsey MacWha The Science Nerds - $37,000 This SU alumni-owned, Berlin, MD business creates custom science kits for educators.
Bridget Greaney & Nancy Becker 2 Betties - $26,000 This Baltimore based mother/daughter duo creates healthy mini donuts free of gluten, dairy, grains and refined sugars.
Christopher DiMarco Sindri Materials - $10,000 The Wilmington, DE-based company is on a mission to set the standard in graphene. The strong, light and renewable source is an asset in nanotechnology applications and can assist scientific research.
Akshaya Anand Korion Health - $10,000 This Pittsburgh-based health company showcased the latest advancement to telehealth accessibility. Its electronic USB stethoscope and app with intuitive guided user interface brings cardiopulmonary exams into the comfort of patient homes.
Caitlin LaComb Mandala Pies - $5,000 This family-run Berlin, MD, bakery specializes in pies using organically grown and locally sourced ingredients.
Francesco Brown La Marmotta Gelateria - $5,000 This authentic Italian gelato shop seeks to employ those with disabilities. In addition to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, the company’s mission is to create a work environment in which everyone is welcomed as a unique person, with their own strengths and weaknesses, capable of positively contributing to this business and the world.
Jeff Smith Iron Skillet Coffee - $5,000 With a focus on the history of Ethiopian coffee and the most organic preparation of coffee throughout the ages, this Berlin-based business roasts small batches in a cast iron skillet over a steady open flame to create a bold and original flavor.
Priscilla Tabi-Gyansah MaQlar Hair Care - $2,000 Based in Salisbury, this organic hair and beauty company specializes in natural products that promote hair growth.
Mack Anderson, Tim Brumbaugh, Daniel Osborne Zenology - $35,000 This stress and anxiety relief tea company boasts a proprietary “Zen Blend” in their adaptogenic tea, Zenjoy, that works to lower cortisol using natural ingredients including ashwagandha and L-Theanine.
Kim Shanahan Gifts Fulfilled - $25,000 This mission-based company from Berlin, MD, was founded to create jobs for people with disabilities. The company creates, assembles and delivers gift baskets, boxes and care packages.
Max Wieder Counter-Intuitive Cooking - $10,000 The Eldersburg, MD-based company introduced Celcy, the automated countertop robot that combines a freezer and oven to offer on-demand, quality food.
Nichole Sullivan Keppel and Kismet - $10,000 The Baltimore-based small-batch manufacturer partners with small- to medium-sized businesses to offer inventory production, custom signage and merchandise of bespoke goods made of wood and other quality materials.
Elena Manakhova Salisbury Dance Academy - $10,000 This facility provides Salisbury and surrounding communities with hands-on opportunities to learn and perform professional dance skills in individual and class environments.
Justin Lee & Gregory James Quantum Senses - $8,000 Based in Prince George’s County, MD, this company provides organic, innovative and affordable technology solutions to enhance the holistic experiences of the five senses to improve consumers’ quality of life.
Suker Li, Kelton Clark and Mark Jeutten Elucidi - $5,000 With a focus on facilitating and diving the sustainable future of the Chesapeake Bay, this Baltimore-based business enables technologies for both farmers and restorationists.
Sara & Gavin Aquino Atlantic Portable X-ray - $40,000 A rapid at-home X-ray service covering the Lower Eastern Shore & Sussex County, DE.
Niki Pino An Optical Galleria, LLC - $15,000 An optical retail store and eye care company, with three established locations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, who manufactures HOOK Optics, a line of polarized sports sunglasses, tailored for the fishing industry.
Ronen Poddar World Travel Comix - $10,000 A line of comic book-based travel guides for children.
Bianca Jackson BrickRose Exchange - $10,000 This startup aims to transform the live and virtual event industry through cutting-edge technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence.
Jessica McCarthy Breathe Interiors, LLC - $7,000 Located in downtown Salisbury, this store focuses on nature-inspired gifts and décor, with many products made by local artisans.
Jen Fry Coordle, Inc. - $5,000 The Baltimore-based team behind this app hopes to provide a more intuitive platform to help those who manage group travel better coordinate information, payments, communication and logistics.
Samuel Shoge Friendly Goods Company - $5,000 This family-owned company in Chestertown, MD, creates small-batch, handmade body care products with natural ingredients.
Kate James Driven Physiotherapy, LLC - $5,000 This Salisbury practice specializes in performance-based physical therapy and programming for endurance athletes, with a mobile clinic serving coastal Delaware.
Shannon Collins Lightwork Enterprise - $3,000 Lightwork provides workforce development technology, services and programs for private and public schools and youth-based, non-profit organizations.
Stephanie Blevins Mosaic Counseling and Wellness - $25,000 Multi-practitioner counseling program providing Youth counseling, art therapy and hydromassage services.
Billy Fanshawe Lytos Vodka - $20,000 Gluten-free vodka from corn, infused with salt, potassium and phosphorus
Chelsea Lahey Galaxy Gymnastics - $20,000 Youth gymnastics facility that provides training for all, regardless of mental or physical ability or age
Grace Mittl Absurd Snacks - $20,000 A nut-free trail mix featuring dried beans and seed-based granola
Kelly Benson Benson Outdoors, LLC - $10,000 A kayak and bicycle rental business that allows users in Maryland and Delaware to virtually reserve and unlock equipment, with half-hourly, monthly and annual subscription plans
Erik Victorin Postbys - $5,000 A digital platform that allows trade show attendees to connect via online posts that direct potential buyers and suppliers to their booths
Edwin Djampa Omega 3, LLC - $30,000 Granola bars enriched with omega-3 fatty acids to support mental health and brain function
Rebecca Della-Rodolfa Simple Assist Therapeutics, LLC - $25,000 A therapeutic device for assisting mobility impaired and disabled persons with performing common tasks such as bathing and getting dressed
Elizabeth Day Beauty in the Scars Corporation/BITS Cleaning, LLC - $20,000 Commercial and residential cleaning services
DeVanna Young Resolved Property Solutions, LLC - $15,000 Property management business specializing in long-term, AirBnB and vacation rentals
J’kai Braboy Real Vibez Productions, LLC - $5,000 Photography and videography production company focusing on expressive, cinematic imagery
Dominiece Clifton Move and Still, LLC - $5,000 A health and wellness business aiming to provide greater accessibility to tools for stress management and trauma recovery
Shelby Blondell The SHELLER - $30,000 Combination crab mallet, picker and bottle opener
Ichiro Takeuchi & Sherry Xie Maryland Energy and Sensor Technologies - $25,000 Energy application firm specializing in energy-saving thermoelastic cooling technology
Tyler Phillips Hummii, LLC - $20,000 Plant based frozen treats
Jordan Foley & Charles Magovern Chow Corp - $15,000 Non-profit “Kitchen with a Mission” and food truck programs that assist military veterans through cooking therapy and culinary training
Jose-Luis Gallagher Rip Current Sports, LLC - $10,000 Bilateral kickboards that assist with swimming
Chi Yan Walt’s Waffles – $30,000 Pancake and waffle mix company
Darrin Lipscomb Ferretly – $25,000 Web platform leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze social media posts to protect brands, employees and profits
Mitch Fletcher and Chris McCabe K9 Precision, LLC – $17,000 “Precision Training Collar” and other innovative dog training products
Susan Clayton RunMitts, LLC – $17,000 Manufacturer of convertible thumbless sports mittens
Sue Carr with John Brzezenski, Terri Lopatka, Gary Lopez and John Nazzaro CarrTech, LLC – $10,000 Medical preparation device company with a prototype filter for medications packaged in glass ampules
Josh Ermias, Patrick Crowe and Vincent Jaugan Door Robotics – $5,000 Autonomous 360-degree camera drone and software package provider for virtual tours
Edwina “Eee” and Lisa “Zee” Arenas LemonadeLove, LLC – $1,000 Locally sourced fruit, vegetable and herbal lemonade manufacturer
Dawn Musil and Nick Zajciw HiveLend – $35,000 Pollination platform to connect farmers and beekeepers
Thomas Marnane, Monica Beeman, Zachary Marnane, Emma Mullineaux, Eric Peterson, and Charlie Taylor, Sr. MADTECH, LLC – $30,000 Agriculture and environmental drone service that assists farmers
James Dolgin DiPole Materials – $15,000 Electrospinning company that specializes in nanofiber manufacturing
Nat Ware Asterisk (Forte) – $10,000 Training platform providing free financial education and vocational training to disadvantaged individuals in the Mid-Atlantic
PJ Bellomo, David Barr, and Terry Collins \ Blue Sources - $10,000+ Water treatment technology that uses live fish to detect toxic levels in water sources
Lawton Myrick Atlantic Vermiculture, LLC – $5,000 Worm grower producing high-quality earthworm castings for fertilizer and fishing bait
