The NC IDEA Foundation has selected 11 finalists from 26 semifinals for its first round of grants in 2016. Eight are from the Triangle region.

They are:

  • FarmShots – Raleigh, NC
  • Gryppers – Raleigh, NC
  • LUMEOVA – Raleigh, NC
  • microSiO – Durham, NC
  • MoneyComb – Durham, NC
  • Personalized Learning Games – Durham, NC
  • PodKeeper – Charlotte, NC
  • ProAxion – Apex, NC
  • Roobrik – Durham, NC
  • Sandbar Oyster Company – Morehead City, NC
  • WebHearing – Greenville, NC

“It comes as no surprise that one of the largest applicant pools in the history of the program has rendered one of the most diverse set of finalists,” said Thom Ruhe, CEO of NC IDEA, in a statement. “From nanotechnology to medical device to semiconductors and the ubiquitous information technology offerings, it’s clear that North Carolina has diverse and promising entrepreneurial prospects.”

A total of 173 startups applied for the grants, which are non-dilutive and can be worth as much as $50,000.

This is the 21st round of grants, which are awarded twice annually.