PROVIDENCE – MassChallenge awarded more than $1 million in cash prizes to 15 winning startup organizations, with three winners from the MassChallenge Rhode Island cohort, during a MassChallenge Awards event held earlier this month.
MassChallenge, a global network of startup accelerators, recognized inaugural MassChallenge Rhode Island accelerator program participants named winners this year include: CBC Wind Energy of Warwick, in the clean technology category, with its Hidden in Plain Sight Wind Energy Systems products; T-Var EdTech of Boston, which has created literacy tools for the blind; and AirWorks of Cambridge, Mass., which has developed aerial intelligence and analytics to save time and money for those in the construction industry.
For four months, the Boston and Rhode Island startups in the program have benefited from mentorship, customized programming, corporate partnerships and industry resources at no cost to them.
“It’s been incredible to engage with top entrepreneurs as they develop solutions to dramatically improve our society,” said Kiki Mills Johnston, managing director, MassChallenge Boston. “We are proud to collaborate with the powerful innovation communities in Boston, Rhode Island and around the world to ensure that any entrepreneur – regardless of background or industry – has the opportunity to turn their world-changing ideas into realities.”
The event was held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Thirty Rhode Island startups took part overall.
MassChallenge Rhode Island partners include Altus Dental, Amica Mutual Insurance Co., R.I. Commerce Corp., FM Global, Rhode Island Foundation and the Verizon Foundation.
Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributing writer.
