NC IDEA has selected 19 startups from around North Carolina as semifinalists in its latest rounds of grants.

Thirteen are from the Triangle.

Nearly 100 firms applied for the non-dilutive grants which can be worth as much as $50,000.

To be eligible, startups must be focused on software, information technology, medical devices or material sciences.

The 19:

• 2ndLifeTech – Clemmons, NC
• Akili Software – Raleigh, NC
• Cathedral Innovation Group – Charlotte, NC
• Digital Phenomena – Durham, NC
• EMPLOYUS – Raleigh, NC
• Finnoxa – Durham, NC
• FPJ Enterprises – Cornelius, NC
• Freebooksy – Carrboro, NC
• Intelligent Campus Solutions – Cary, NC
• Legal Software Solutions – Raleigh, NC
• Mati Energy – Durham, NC
• Mindset Systems – Chapel Hill, NC
• MusicBox – Durham, NC
• RevBoss – Durham, NC
• Undercover Colors – Raleigh, NC
• Upswing – Raleigh, NC
• Versame – Huntersville, NC
• WeSkill – Charlotte, NC
• WhittleDATA – Wilmington, NC

These firms can submit more detailed business proposals for review by NC IDEA, an economic development group based in Durham and closely affiliated with venture capital firm Idea Fund Partners.

As many as six grants will be announced in December.

Winners also will receive support from mentors and MBA interns as well as various in-kind services from law firms, accounting firms, marketing consultants and more.

Through 17 cycles of grants (twice a year), NC IDEA has awarded more than $3.4 million to 88 companies.