DURHAM, NC – April 8, 2016 – NC IDEA, an organization committed to supporting entrepreneurial business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina, announced today that it has selected 26 semi-finalists from across the state in its 21st grant cycle. These semi-finalists were chosen from 173 competitive applications.
“This was one of the largest and most diverse pool of applicants we have had in the history of this program,” said Thom Ruhe, President and CEO of NC IDEA. “North Carolina is incredibly fortunate to have so many creative and ambitious people pursuing their entrepreneurial aspirations. As we have limited resources, we had to narrow the field and we look forward to working with the group of 26 semi-finalists as they move along the process.”
The 26 NC IDEA Spring 2016 Grant Cycle semi-finalists include:
- BioMetrix – Durham, NC
- Copula Systems – Durham, NC
- Deep Blue Medical Advances – Durham, NC
- FarmShots – Raleigh, NC
- Gryppers – Raleigh, NC
- LineHire – Chapel Hill, NC
- LUMEOVA – Raleigh, NC
- MD Benchmark – Raleigh, NC
- microSiO – Durham, NC
- MoneyComb – Durham, NC
- Neurun – Durham, NC
- Papirys – Swansboro, NC
- Personalized Learning Games – Durham, NC
- PodKeeper – Charlotte, NC
- Polymer Braille – Raleigh, NC
- Premirr Plastics – Chapel Hill, NC
- ProAxion – Apex, NC
- Romr – Chapel Hill, NC
- Roobrik – Durham, NC
- Sandbar Oyster Company – Morehead City, NC
- Shipedge – Durham, NC
- Sportscale – Greenville, NC
- Trakex – Raleigh, NC
- Treadwell Corporation – Wilmington, NC
- Trill Financial – Durham, NC
- WebHearing – Greenville
The semi-finalists have been invited to submit a full, more detailed proposal by mid-April. Finalists will then be selected in mid-May to present before a review panel comprised of experienced investors, industry experts and entrepreneurs. Grant recipients will be announced in June. The grants, which are up to $50,000 per recipient, support business plan research and development, reduce the risk of early failure and advance projects to the point of suitability for angel or venture capital investment. In addition to the funding, winners will also benefit from mentoring by successful entrepreneurs and experienced investors; use of MBA interns; in-kind services from attorneys, accountants and marketing consultants; public recognition and access to growth capital.
In addition to NC IDEA’s longstanding seed grant program, the foundation is currently accepting proposals for its recently announced Ecosystem Partner Grant through April 18th. The organization is seeking innovative and transformational ideas from both nonprofit and for profit organizations that can further North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Ecosystem Partner Grant will enable NC IDEA to further its mission by working with partners around the state to foster a diverse, collaborative Community; identify and impact promising Companies; facilitate the formation and multiplication of Capital; nurture and attract world-class Talent while optimizing Connectivity.
About NC IDEA
NC IDEA is a private foundation committed to supporting business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina. The organization serves as a catalyst for young, high-growth technology companies by promoting initiatives that foster growth and guides these companies to become major contributors to the state’s business community. Since its inception in 2006, NC IDEA’s core grant program has awarded over $4.2M to 104 companies across the state. NC IDEA has supported over 100 additional companies through its Durham-based startup program Groundwork Labs. Learn more at ncidea.org.
