Competition Winners

Spring 2025 - Round 24
- Jake Henry
  Lectra Technologies, Inc. - $35,000
  The magnetic wireless electrode kinesiology tape company addresses debilitating musculoskeletal pain through wearable devices and app technology. The innovative solution treats pain without medications or surgery while outlasting competitors
- Aliyah Newman, Rachel Ransom and Angel Hobbs
  Krave, LLC - $25,000
  The beverage company aims to combat the Washington, D.C., bar scene’s high prices and inconsistent options. The ready-to-drink canned cocktail bridges the gap between premium mixology experiences and affordability
- Tierra and Wali Lathan, Jasmine Mack and Kelvin Jones
  Consult Lemonade - $15,000
  This management and technology resource firm in Columbia, MD, specializes in the development and employment of underrepresented talent that leverages innovation and technology
- Nicole Bishop
  Blackwater Apothecary - $10,000
  This Salisbury-based metaphysical supply store aims to enhance current offerings and expand in the wholesale market
- Desiree Calixte
  Easy Oat Burgers - $5,00
  This easy-to-make; gluten friendly; and dairy-, MSG-, GMO- and soy-free, plant-based, at-home burger mix is packaged in Frederick, MD
- Dietrich Ruehlmann
  GaiaXus - $5,000
  The GaiaXus Water Guardian, based in Germantown, MD, is a water quality monitoring system designed for citizen scientists, students and educators
- Kevin Tu
  Sustainabli - $5,000
  This Baltimore company promotes energy efficiency in research, education and health care settings with innovative sensor technology
Fall 2024 - Round 23
- 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.
Spring 2024 Round 22
- 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.
Fall 2023 - Round 21
- 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.
Spring 2023 - Round 20
- 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.
Fall 2022 - Round 19
- 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
Spring 2022 - Round 18
- 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
Fall 2021 - Round 17
- Phillip Alvarez
  Perphora, LLC - $30,000
  Imaging technologies to assess automotive paint defects
- Joseph Betit
  Earth Systems Management, LLC - $25,000
  Bathymetric mapping services and production of hydro-drone systems
- Todd Sheridan & Nichelle Roane
  Treehouse Juicery, LLC - $20,000
  Additive-free, cold-pressed juices
- Nina Ross
  Nina’s Cookie Explosion - $10,000
  Build-your-own cookie business
- Alaire Jameson
  Salvaton - $10,000
  Fall injury products for hospital, geriatric care and home use
- Samuel Kayode
  CM Training, LLC - $5,000
  Case Management training for human service professionals and organizations
Spring 2021 - Round 16
- 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
- Marven Turner & Syerita Turner
  Side Eye BBQ Sauce - $5,000
  Flavored Barbecue sauces
Fall 2020 - Round 15
- Josh Woozley
  Night Ice, LLC - $30,000
  Medical ice therapy product
- Brett & Megan Hines
  The Buzz Meadery - $20,000
  Premium, high-quality honey mead using locally sourced honey and fruits
- Daniel Lunz
  Capsulomics - $15,000
  A diagnostic platform that predicts the risk of disease progression
- Shantiyyah Hobby
  CLUTCH by Tia Dash - $10,000
  Hand-crafted budget-friendly purses
- Matthew Cohen
  SIMPLi - $10,000
  Ethical food sourcing to create a better food supply chain
- Cameron Kane
  Valkyrie Software Solutions, LLC - $10,000
  Video game enhancement system for the hearing impaired
Spring 2020 - Round 14
- 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
Fall 2019 - Round 13
- James Massaquoi
  360VR Technology – $50,000
  3-D model view of buildings and surrounding spaces using drone/satellite technology
- Hafeezah Muhammad
  Linnel Luxury Child Care – $15,000
  All-inclusive childcare center providing additional at-home and after-hours services
- Melanie Kerber
  Minds in Motion Children’s Museum – $15,000
  engaging and interactive museum in Downtown Salisbury
- Seth Ainsworth
  Overwatch Golf – $15,000
  Enhanced drone aerial view service providing golfers insight to target lines, yardage markers, green mapping and commentary
Spring 2019 - Round 12
- 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
Fall 2018 - Round 11
- Aaron Hsu, Allysa Dittmar, Elyse Heob, Inez Lam & Deborah Nathanson
  ClearMask - $30,000
  Full face transparent surgical mask
- Arion Long
  Femly - $27,000
  Monthly customized feminine care products delivery service
- Lisa Ball
  Plum Dragon Herbs, Inc. – $25,000
  Herbal, health products including natural, topical analgesics
- Kelsey Abernathy & Dan Fucich
  AlgenAir, LLC - $10,000
  Biotech company with algal installations
Spring 2018 - Round 10
- Michael Herod & Jarred Nicholls
  GOEFER - $30,000
  Smart Technology Power Strip
- Funlayo Alabi & Shola Alabi
  Agrobotanicals, LLC - $20,000
  Natural Shea Butter Hair & Body Products
- Mary Larkin, Jill Arnold & Dr. Brent Whitaker
  Blueblood, LLC - $20,000
  Conservation Friendly Provider of High Quality Horseshoe Blood
- Cody Revel
  The Athlete Academy - $15,000
  Fitness & Training Facility
- Lindsay Richard
  Borrowed Pitch - $5,000
  Luxury Camping Rentals
- Doris Ebony-Brown
  Eastern Shore Academy of Cosmetology - $5,000
  Cosmetology & Barbering School
- Tania Speaks & Tanika Craig-Speaks
  Brow Boost - $3,000
  Aloe & Vitamin E Eyebrow & Beard Gel
Fall 2017 - Round 9
- Zandra Cephas
  Wings of Life Mobile, LLC - $25,000
  Mobile Phlebotomy & Lab Tests
- Joe Schneider
  HUCK Performance Buckets - $25,000
  High Performance Outdoor Buckets
- Rob Figliozzi
  Bio Research Solutions, LLC - $20,000
  Bio-Tech & Pharma Research Tools and Assays
- Jasmine Simms
  Scrub Nail Boutique - $20,000
  Subscription Nail Salon
- James Fayal
  Zest Tea - $10,000
  Premium Energy Tea
- Trey Lodge
  MyRoute Apparel - $2,000
  Custom Apparel Company
Spring 2017 - Round 8
- Seal-Bin Han, Jordan Matelsky and Ben Supik
  FitMango - $25,000
  Fitness app
- James Fayal, Evan Fried,
  Elisas Meyer-Grimberg, Karyn Vibig
  Zest Tea - $20,000
  Energy tea
- Robert Cichielo, Benjamin Malesh,
  Matthew Newcomer, Megan Newcomer
  Neuro Helmet Systems - $15,000
  Attachable heads up safety display
- Takia Ross
  Accessmatized, LLC - $10,000
  Mobile makeup studio
- Patrick Crowe, Steven Stillwell
  Loophole - $10,000
  Cell phone kickstand
- Dawn Kennedy
  Compassionately Creative - $7,500
  Mobile sewing workshop business
- Marsha Hammond
  Mind the Current, LLC - $7,500
  Dhremo Therapy IV Decals
Fall 2016 - Round 7
- Marsha Hammond
  Mind the Current - $25,000
- Sidharth Sharma, Adam Bufano, Sergio Malarin
  Mobtown Fermentation - $15,000
- Lori and Rj Batts
  Picklehead - $15,000
- Jean Paul Badjo
  Badjo-T Industries - $10,000
- Larry Tiffany
  gel-e, Inc. - $10,000
- Megan Newcomer, Robert Cichielo, Matthew Newcomer
  Neuro Helmet Systems - $10,000
- Marvin Li
  Stock Scholars - $5,000
- Jay Jackson
  TNP Studios - $5,000
Spring 2016 - Round 6
- Sidharth Sharma, Adam Bufano, Sergio Malarin
  Mobtown Fermentation - $30,000
- Adam Manning and Jamie Lowe
  Soccer Office - $25,000
- Jean Paul Badjo
  Badjo-T Industries - $10,000
- Robert Figliozzi
  Bio Research Solutions - $10,000
- Tyler Dunn and Jordan Palmer
  Cap Strap - $5,000
- Ashton Donoway
  Mindfully Anchored - $5,000
- Julie Buisson and Mark Verdecia
  Modernature - $5,000
Fall 2015 - Round 5
- Lee Beauchamp and Timothy Gatzhorn
  Operational Precision Systems, LLC - $40,000.
- Jean Paul Badjo
  Badjo-T Industries - $20,000.
- Jenna DeLetto
  5POP Sports, LLC - $15,000.
- Darrell Melvin
  Sleeper Creeper, Inc. - $15,000.
- Ahmed Malik
  AM Cooling - $5,000.
- Joost Elling
  Joost Wafel Co. - $5,000.
- Christopher Toney II and Jamar Jackson
  T&J Tech - $5,000.
- Katey Evans and Jo Ellen Algier
  The Frozen Farmer, LLC - $5,000.
Spring 2015 - Round 4
- Charles White & Mike Boylan
  PaverGuide - $35,000.
- Nick Simpson, Ryan Nuzum, Mike Silvers, Allen Butler
  NUVU - $25,000.
- Alain Briancon & Iris Sherman
  Kitchology - $25,000.
- Dan Cowens, Jason Mathis and Marco Le Gette
  Oasis Marinas - $20,000.
- Philippa Palmer
  Gold Leaf Academy - $5,000.
- Cody Branshaw, Daniel Ayre, Matthew Peel and Brian Kelley
  Kanga Trash and Energy Systems - $5,000.
- Lee Beauchamp, Timothy Gantzhorn and Matthew Beard
  Operation Precision Systems, LLC - $5,000.
- Stefan Antony, Robert Williams, Bryan Murfree
  IPPS Mentoring Program - $5,000.
Fall 2014 - Round 3
- Dan Cowens, Brian Arnold, Jason Mathis and Marco Le Gette
  Oasis Marinas - $30,000
- Shelley Whetzel
  Tango (Universal Tablet Stand) - $30,000
- Zachary Bankert
  Shore Inspections (Lead Paint Specialist) - $15,000
Spring 2014 - Round 2
- Joost Elling & Bart Elling
  Joost Wafel Co. - $10,000
- Doug Hawley & Matthew Smith
  Leverage Mobile - $30,000
- John Churchman & Navid Mazloom
  College Scooters - $45,000
- Following presentations by last fall's recipients BakeSale and Zero Gravity Creations:
  Zero Gravity was given $35,000 in additional funding.
2013 - Round 1
- Ryan Chacon & Ben Bunk
  BakeSale - An Online Fundraising Platform - $50,000
- Tim McFadden & Aric Wanveer
  Zero Gravity Creations - Permabulb - Fuses a decorative bulb to a metal cover with a LED inside. - $25,000