Five healthcare technology startups selected to pitch at the TCNewTech University Showdown

20Fathoms is pleased to announce the five pitch presenters selected to compete at the TCNewTech University Showdown. Happening April 23, 4-7 pm at the City Opera House in Traverse City, the event is part of Northern Michigan Startup Week.

This pitch presentation features student-owned early-stage startups from Michigan universities. The selected pitch presenters will all be pitching their healthtech startups, which coincides with the rural healthcare innovation theme of this year’s Northern Michigan Startup Week.  

This event is open to the public and free to attend.

The community is invited to attend this fun and inspiring pitch competition where they can cheer on the next generation of innovation leaders in Michigan. Reserve your ticket.

Dialysis Innovations – CORE (COnnecting REsearch)
Karthik Ramani & Ethan Marshall (University of Michigan)
CORE is an innovative accessible, user-friendly software platform that democratizes clinical trials by promoting DEI using machine learning technologies which matches the participant with the clinical trial sponsor thus increasing recruitment and retention, resulting in more robust outcomes while significantly reducing cost. 

Intero Biosystems Inc.
Charlie Childs & Madeline Eiken (University of Michigan)
Intero Biosystems is a biotech company specializing in the creation of organoid platforms for drug discovery and development. Their product is a novel stem cell-derived Human Intestinal Organoid, the first of its kind to contain many functional cell and tissue types found in the native intestine, mimicking the human intestine “in a dish.” 

MinaRosa
Jingjing (Lily) Li & Ana Timoficiuc (University of Michigan)
MinaRosa™ is a women-led health biotech start-up that offers a portable and private light-therapy solution for urinary tract infections (UTIs) as a medication alternative to empower all people, especially women for whom antibiotics are ineffective, to take back control of their well-being. They intend to share their vision with customers through a physical device as well as an accompanying app offering education and community surrounding a problem that is often misunderstood and stigmatized.

Reel Free
Alex Pollock (Michigan State University)
Reel Free is a medical device startup dedicated to revolutionizing oxygen therapy management for seniors and individuals with oxygen deficiencies. Their flagship product, the ReelMate Remote, offers a comprehensive solution designed to enhance safety, mobility, and independence for users of supplemental oxygen therapy.

Vitamin Clinic
Omomoemi Emmanuella Agbegha (Central Michigan University)
Vitamin Clinic which is the first of its kind, a fusion of the nutrition and game industry that specializes in providing customized freshly prepared smoothies and meal plans to clients based on their health status, preferences and dietary needs while transforming their somewhat challenging journey for healthy living into an exciting quest through games.

Grand prize: $5000 cash prize, made possible by Thompson Retractor, and MiSpringBoard certificate for free legal services from Varnum

Second prize: $2000 cash prize, made possible by MSUFCU, and MiSpringBoard certificate for free legal services from Varnum

Audience favorite: $500 cash prize, made possible by Aurora Patents

20Fathoms is grateful for the generosity of sponsorship support from our Community Partners. In addition to the Prize Sponsors, we’d also like to recognize our Event Show sponsors: IntentIP, Tom’s Food Markets, Munson Healthcare, and Grand Valley State University.”

Pitch presentations will be judged by a panel of local experts in healthcare, technology, and startups including:

In addition, the audience will vote on their favorite pitch.

New this year, 20Fathoms will be hosting a Startup Expo in the lobby of the City Opera House featuring the following startup service providers:

A program of 20Fathoms, TCNewTech is a recurring pitch competition supported by tech enthusiasts, businesses, 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 $40,000 in pitch prizes have been awarded.

The TCNewTech University Showdown is one of many events occurring during Northern Michigan Startup Week. Happening Apr. 22-25, Northern Michigan Startup Week is an annual event celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and the growing startup community in Northern Michigan. The theme of the 2024 event is Rural Health Innovation. Northern Michigan Startup Week is organized by Traverse Connect in partnership with 20Fathoms, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University Conquer Accelerator, MiSTEM Network, Northern Michigan Angels, Northwest Education Services, and Northwestern Michigan College.