The Pitch – 2023

$5,000 Grand Prize

Fit After Pink
Ms. Davida Pantuso

“Fit After Pink, established in 2023 in Akron, Ohio, is a membership-based, fitness community designed for breast cancer survivors by breast cancer survivors. Knowing that each survivor has a different definition of fit, we inspire and empower survivors to “find their fit.” Membership includes access to a fitness facility, classes taught by instructors who have the Cancer Exercise Trainer Certification, fitness classes designed specifically for breast cancer survivors, opportunities to connect with survivors on social media, coaching services, and more. By creating a safe space, using the most current exercise science, and tailoring activities, survivors gain confidence and skills to live an active life.”

$2,500 Runner Up Prize

Micah Specialty Foods
Mr. Kwamena Takyi-Micah

“Micah Specialty Foods was created to offer authentic African food products for the American consumer in the shortest possible time and to create awareness about African food and culture in American households. Ghana Supreme Sauce Marinade, our maiden product is a family recipe that has existed for over six generations. It is used to marinate meat, chicken, or seafood and even to sauté vegetables adding zest to any meal. We are also in the process of creating a delicious line of healthy mocktail in hibiscus, pina colada and mojito flavors.”

$2,500 Runner Up Prize

Rebat
Mr. Adam Goodman

“Factories and hospitals use batteries in their Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSes) to ensure their operations are powered during outages. However, due to the need for ~99.999% reliability and regulatory compliance, these batteries are frequently replaced years before their lifespans end. Rebat pioneers methods to procure, rejuvenate, and sell batteries from UPSes at a reduced cost for smaller residential and commercial uses. We are distinct from our competitors, who focus on recycling vehicle batteries: an energy intensive and environmentally destructive process. We’ve successfully repurposed $4000 (estimated) of dumpster-destined batteries from the Cleveland Clinic’s UPSes, and look forward to scaling up!”

In their own words:

Desert Water LLC
Mr. Thomas Butryn

“We are advancing a game-changing technology that will deliver fresh, safe drinking water to communities worldwide with zero hazardous environmental impact using solar or waste heat power. Desalination plants make millions of gallons of water every day.  In the process they make more brine which damages aquatic ecosystems and they use enormous amounts of electricity resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions. Our Saltwater Distillation System uses heat directly in the distillation process and produces only fresh water and saleable sea salt with no brine.  International patent #11,780,744 covers the equipment and another patent will be issued for the process.”

iRxReminder
Dr. Anthony Sterns

“iRxReminder is an AI-driven patient engagement platform and patented IoT medication dispensing device empowering mental health patients to high medication adherence, providing healthcare professionals monitoring data that triggers reimbursable activities increasing revenue up to 70%.”

Lighthanded Enterprises
Mr. Steven Burns

“We are integrating a low-power laser and polarization optics into a white light otoscope. The otoscope works just the same as a standard otoscope “white light mode”), but with the push of a button, a low-power laser light turns on (“OME-ID mode”) and indicates the presence of fluid to the doctor with a halo of light. This enables pediatricians to quickly screen young patients (6 months to 6 years) for middle ear fluid without disrupting their existing workflows. This enables them to screen for/diagnose Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) with confidence (89% accurate instead of ~50% with current tools).”

SLA Video Production
Cheryl Shaver

“We are a production company that specializes in story telling, specifically for the older demographic. We stream our content on a free, easy to use platform at generationstationtv.com. Although we are not a functioning nonprofit, we see ourselves as a community service and look for stories, information and sharing that makes lives better in small ways for older adults. We strive to do many things; Give older people a voice, help to dispel myths about age and ageism, give attention to people and nonprofits who truly help the community, encourage people to want to be involved and active in their local community center, spotlight people who would never be noticed but are special and active in their community, offer education from local experts, and provide programming to those who are sick or homebound.”

• Reka Barabas, Consultant, Chief Relationship Officer, Entrepreneurship Education Consortium
• Rachel Bridenstine, Vice President, Development Finance Authority of Summit County (DFA)
• Jonathan Brown, Vice President Loan Policy, HFLA of Northeast Ohio
• Shashonna Duckworth, Regional Director, Minority Business Assistance Center, Urban League of Greater Cleveland