My name is Tia Cook, and I am a Senior Majoring in Environmental Science at UNCW, and an All-Blue Intern with the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Last week, I had the privilege of sitting in on CIE’s recent Idea Test Lab Demo Day. This cohort was made up of companies in the BlueTech and ClimateTech industry. The event was generously supported by NC IDEA and Hutchison PLLC. Idea Test Lab brought together nine founders committed to the Blue Economy. For four weeks they got together to develop their companies through various entrepreneurial topics and identify blind spots. The founders were guided through key stages of startup ideation, understanding the market, customer needs, and competition. On Demo Day, the founders came together and presented their businesses to three judges; Laura Tayloe, Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo, Kevin Cahill Ph.D., Startup Analyst Associate with NC IDEA, and Laavanya Rachakonda Ph.D., UNCW Assistant Professor of Computer Science. Each company had a few minutes to present their business idea, target customers, traction, next steps, and what they would do with the prize money. This was followed by a Q&A session from the judges. 

After the informative presentations and thoughtful questions, the judges deliberated on who would win the prize money, with a total of $10,000 being awarded. Steve Janz of BVG Bioenergy took home first place, winning $5,000 and a package with Hutchison PLLC. BVG Bioenergy uses microalgae in multiple ways for energy solutions. Their collection of microalgae is then used in animal feed and microalgae-oriented equipment. BVG Bioenergy reduces carbon footprints, cut costs, and delivers lasting social and environmental impacts.

In second place was Beach Sherpa, founded by Mack Linstead, winning $3,000. Beach Sherpa is a mobile app that connects beach goers with locals to carry their beach gear. Their focus is on helping customers by getting all their gear to and from the beach. Beach Sherpa is making sure one of the few problems and frustrations associated with a beach day no longer exists and it all happens seamlessly through the app.

Bhaya Jain, founder of Enviracell, secured third place, winning the prize of $2,000. With lithium batteries being extremely toxic and dangerous, Enviracell is building an alternative battery: a new biodegradable, cost-effective and green battery. Enviracell is shaping the future of electronics without compromising user safety or the health of the environment.

Other companies that presented were Partner of Commercial Fisherman founded by Megan Waldrep, Zoop Labs founded by Joseph Covi, Naked Landfills founded by Lisa Peten, Nautigen founded by Garrett Mitchell, Second Life Alliance founded by Elizabeth Todd, and Trident Culture Co. founded by Kara Nunnally.

What stood out to me was the passion and purpose driven mindset that each of the founders have for their respective fields. It was clear from their presentations that they are all deeply dedicated to their fields. They all brought such affection and energy that could be seen in their presentations. The founders didn’t just present business ideas; they gave real solutions to real problems in the BlueTech and ClimateTech industries. Each founder did an excellent job demonstrating to the judges. I thought that many of them presented well and were eloquent speakers. These companies are doing important and necessary work for the Blue Economy. 

A big thank you to NC IDEA and Hutchison PLLC for supporting this cohort. And thank you to our judges Laura Tayloe, Kevin Cahill, and Laavanya Rachakonda.

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Heather McWhorter, MS, PE, ECM, is the director of the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. CIE is a resource for high-impact start-ups and the early-stage business community to help diversify the local economy with innovative solutions.