NC IDEA today announced it has selected nine finalists from across the state to compete in its fall 2015 grant cycle, the 20th grant cycle in the organization’s history. The finalists were chosen from 22 semi-finalists selected out of the 130 applications received from NC-based startups focused on software, information technology, medical devices, or material sciences just last month.
The nine NC IDEA Fall 2015 Grant Cycle Finalists include:
- Brand Assurance – Wilmington, NC
- Brim – Durham, NC
- ImVere – Chapel Hill, NC
- ProAxion – Apex, NC
- Rheomics – Chapel Hill, NC
- Roobrik – Durham, NC
- SeaChange Technologies – Raleigh, NC
- Surgilum – Wilmington, NC
- Tom & Jenny’s Candy – Chapel Hill, NC
The finalists will present before a review panel comprised of experienced investors, industry experts and entrepreneurs. Approximately four to six grant recipients will be announced in early December. The grants, which are up to $50,000 per recipient, support business plan research and development, reduce the risk of early failure and advance projects to the point of suitability for angel or venture capital investment. In addition to the funding, winners will also benefit from mentoring by successful entrepreneurs and experienced investors; use of MBA interns; in-kind services from attorneys, accountants and marketing consultants; public recognition and access to growth capital.
Earlier this year, NC IDEA announced the organization’s latest grant recipients from its Spring 2015 cycle: Akili Software, Essay Assay, Luxury Shoe Club, Trinket, and Urban Offsets. Since its inception in 2006, NC IDEA’s grant program has awarded nearly $4 million to a total of 98 companies across the state.
