News & Insights

NC IDEA Selects Nine Finalists from Across the State in Fall 2015 Grant Cycle

DURHAM, NC – November 16, 2015 – NC IDEA, an organization committed to supporting entrepreneurial business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina, announced today that it has selected nine finalists from across the state to compete in its 20th grant cycle. These finalists were chosen from the 22 semi-finalists that had been selected out of the 130 applications received from NC-based startups focused on software, information technology, medical devices or material sciences just last month.

The nine NC IDEA Fall 2015 Grant Cycle Finalists include:

  • Brand Assurance – Wilmington, NC
  • Brim – Durham, NC
  • ImVere – Chapel Hill, NC
  • ProAxion – Apex, NC
  • Rheomics – Chapel Hill, NC
  • Roobrik – Durham, NC
  • SeaChange Technologies – Raleigh, NC
  • Surgilum – Wilmington, NC
  • Tom & Jenny’s Candy – Chapel Hill, NC

The finalists will present before a review panel comprised of experienced investors, industry experts and entrepreneurs. Approximately four to six grant recipients will be announced in early December. 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.

Earlier this year, NC IDEA announced the organization’s latest grant recipients from its Spring 2015 cycle: Akili Software, Essay Assay, Luxury Shoe Club, Trinket and Urban Offsets. Since its inception in 2006, NC IDEA’s grant program has awarded nearly $4M to 98 companies across the state.

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. Currently, NC IDEA works closely with these innovative startups mainly by providing early financing in the form of grants. Since its inception in 2006, NC IDEA’s grant program has awarded nearly $4M to 98 companies across the state. Learn more at ncidea.org.