Innovation Challenge Video
Dutchess County Entrepreneurs Compete For New Business Resources
What is the Innovation Challenge 2019 by Think Dutchess?
The Innovation Challenge 2019 event, held on June 5th at the beautiful Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie, allowed semi-finalists to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas to an experienced and diverse judges panel and participating audience. The second event since Think Dutchess began this program back in 2017, allows pre-venture start-ups looking to call Dutchess County home, and newly formed businesses (less than 3 years) to win resources in a robust competition that not only allows actual capital and professional services but entices all of them to network and expand their business idea to a wider range of people.
When Think Dutchess invited me to attend the Innovation Challenge to support Accessadoor, I was extremely excited. I had just released an inspiring episode about Dana Jones and Accessadoor and had received amazing feedback, and I would be able to continue following and supporting her journey. Accessadoor was one of 4 semi-finalists to pitch and present their ideas to an experienced judges panel, who included Sheila Appel of IBM, Johnny LeHane of the Hudson Valley Startup Fund, Chris Shaw of Chase Bank and Noa Simons of Upstate Capital Association of New York.
I also had a chance to speak with Sarah Lee, CEO of Think Dutchess Alliance for Business about the Innovation Challenge and entrepreneurial growth in the Dutchess County area. Check out the upcoming video for more of our discussion.
This years 4 semi-finalists were:
Accessadoor LLC :
Dana Jones, CEO of Accessadoor LLC opened the presentations with a thorough overview of the accessibility hardware and app that allows those with limited mobility and physical challenges to open doors with a touch of the finger. As previously mentioned I shared Dana, and her partner Jacob Ernst, Head Hardware and Software Engineer in the article and video here: Accessadoor Opens Door For Entrepreneurs
Learn more about them on their website here: https://www.accessadoor.com/
Unlimited Tomorrow:
Easton LaChappelle, CEO of Unlimited Tomorrow pitched his concept of cost-effective prosthetic replacement limbs. Utilizing new technology with commercial grade 3D scanners and advanced software to correctly prepare and deploy an artificial limb, at a greatly reduced cost.
Learn more about them on their website here: https://www.unlimitedtomorrow.com/
Earth, Wind and Fuego:
Madeline Henriquez, CEO & Co-Founder, and Jen Herman, COO & Co-Founder brought their concept of social workplace culture shifts, and creating a training and future employment structure into the restaurant workforce. This concept reduces turnover, puts individuals with barriers in the employment arena and creates a path of light and hope into more economically challenged areas.
Learn more about them on their website here: https://earthwindfuego.com/
United Aircraft Technologies, Inc. :
Evaguel (CEO) & Daryian Rhysing (CTO and Executive Chairman) both Co-Founders of United Aircraft Technologies wrapped up the competition with their concept of bringing re-engineered and innovative technology to the aviation industry. Daryian brought his concept of replacing cumbersome, complex to install and heavier weighted clamp, into a modern ergonomic friendly, lightweight and future technology outfitted.
Learn more about them on their website here: https://www.uairtek.com/
And The Winner Of The 2019 Innovation Challenge is…
After all of the presentations and judges Q&As were wrapped up, the 4 judges, and the audience making up the 5th judge deliberated and came out with the winners. The 2019 Innovation Challenge By Think Dutchess winners are:
2nd Place – Accessadoor LLC
1st Place – Unlimited Tomorrow
Each of these winners received prizes and support to move their business ideas forward. Overall this was a fantastic event, as a competition which allows the local public to see a “Shark Tank” type of pitch, while also being involved from a local growth perspective and seeing our communities grow together. The future of innovation, technology and entrepreneurism are right here in the Hudson Valley.
