FenX Custom takes top award at the April 15 TCNewTech Pitch Competition 

20Fathoms is pleased to announce the winners of the April 15 TCNewTech pitch competition.  

FenX Custom won the First Place Award, receiving $5000. The FenX Custom pitch was presented by Gary Lemanski, CEO. The company produces custom in-ear earplugs made and delivered in a fraction of the usual time using AI and automation. The earplugs will be produced in Traverse City and include specialty products for swimming, shooting, concerts, sleeping, and more. 

The $2000 Second Place Award went to Farmish, presented by Terra Osman, Founder. Farmish is a social marketplace that connects local farmers with consumers and wholesale buyers. 

Nic-Nix took home the Audience Choice Award. Presented by Kirin Olsen and Sam Henley, Nic-Nix weans users off nicotine through a customized reduction plan via a software-hardware system. 

Michigan State University student Kevin Burnett and his company Trail Eagle Packs was voted winner of the University Demo and received $500. Held prior to the main pitch competition, the University Demo showcased student-led startups from Michigan universities.  

A program of 20Fathoms, TCNewTech is a recurring pitch competition supported by tech enthusiasts, businesses, and entrepreneurs. The April 15 event was part of Northern Michigan Startup Week, the region’s annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the growing startup community in Northern Michigan. 

Madison Meter of Full Tilt Improv moderated the event. The final pitch presenter was Ridar Systems. Presented by Mary Michno, CEO, Ridar Systems provides awareness alerts to drivers about nearby cyclists and motorcyclists to allow for safe passing. 

Pitch presentations were judged by a panel of statewide startup experts including Cotopaxi Lyon, founder and CEO of Lyon Quality Assurance and The Lyon Agency, Mike Groleau, Principal and Chief Analytics Officer at RJG, Lisa Baker-Lorincz, Senior Business Consultant at Vensure Employer Solutions, and Kara Van Dam, Vice President and Chief Executive, Omni at Grand Valley State University. 

The event also featured a presentation from Dana Black, executive public speaking and speaker delivery coach, and Shea Petaja, intuitive business coach for executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs. 

Founded in 2015 as a way to connect local tech professionals, TCNewTech is a critical component in Traverse City’s growing startup community. Since its founding, more than 250 companies have pitched and nearly $50,000 in pitch prizes have been awarded. 

TCNewTech is made possible through the generosity of community partners including Presenting Partner Celly Health and Supporting Partners SJA Solutions, Honor Bank, Grand Valley State University, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, RJG, AccessPoint, a Venture Employer Services Company, Aurora Patents, MSUFCU, and Up North Healthtech.