Sonura Care Earns Top Prize in Fall Shore Hatchery Competition

SALISBURY, MD---Judges in the 27th round of Salisbury University’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition were inspired by innovative advances in neonatal care, awarding Sonura Care, Inc. with this semester’s top funding amount: $25,000.

Sophie Ishiwari and Gabriella ‘Gabby’ Daltoso, of Philadelphia, pitched their wearable medical device, the Sonura Beanie, that offers auditory protection and parental connection for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). 

Held at Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore’s Perdue Henson Center, the competition featured 12 applicants from throughout the Mid-Atlantic vying for their share of more than $100,000 in prize money awarded. 

In addition to funding, winners and participants also receive mentoring support from the program’s board. Mentors include business leaders such as Mike Cottingham of the Rommel Companies; Maurice Ames of Maryland Capital Enterprises; and Trent Pusey of Taylor Bank. 

This round’s winners join the program’s 144 previous award recipients, who have self-reported estimated profits of some $98 million, creating 1,241 jobs to date.

“The goal of this program is to assist where we can make the most lasting impact,” said Michael Jensen, SU executive director of entrepreneurship, “We want to play a role in expanding business growth and increasing job creation in our communities.”

Administered by the Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship at the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, its goal is to fund and provide guidance to entrepreneurs with active small businesses in order to achieve greater scale and market reach. 

“This program offers an important stepping stone for startups,” said Jensen. “The award removes specific obstacles to growth and enables expansion.” 

Up to $200,000 annually is available for those applying for grants through the Shore Hatchery program. Its board of directors selects recipients based on presentations. All competitors have the opportunity to meet with SU’s team at the Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship to discuss resources available to support their businesses.

For more information call 410-546-4325 or visit the Ratcliffe Shore Hatchery webpage.

Learn more about opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.