By Tim Ryan

Get ready to cheer for innovation and entrepreneurship, Hampton Roads! The Start Peninsula 2023 Micro Pitch has just concluded its final round, and the finalists have been named! B&C’s Gloves, Forentify, and Melodyville are the top three contenders gearing up for the Championship Pitch event on November 8th. These innovators have not only proven their mettle but have also won a $500 prize and an invaluable invitation to showcase their big ideas further.

So, what do we have in our finalists’ circle this year? B&C’s Gloves is making waves with its unique combination of gloves and fish scalers. Say goodbye to the old, cumbersome ways of descaling fish! Forentify enters the fray with a software solution to detect manipulated media, including the pervasive and often misleading deep fakes. In the digital age, this could be a game-changer! Melodyville promises to bring harmony to our lives by providing high-quality, original, and personalized songs. What’s more, they’re planning to expand into custom jingle cards!

And that’s not all! Let’s give a shoutout to the other incredible finalists—AdvisorFinder, Game On!, InfraSGA, KeepUp, The B.O.B.O. Collective, FreeLife, LLC, Ellipticraft, StewTech, and Vino Visa. From helping people find financial advisors to promoting socially responsible recovery, these entrepreneurs are looking to make an impact in a big way.

We mustn’t overlook the esteemed judges who had the tough job of selecting the finalists at Micro Pitch 4: Carlton Campbell from Elevance Health, and Marty Kaszubowski and William Mcpheat from the Virginia Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP).

Start Peninsula is an annual event that celebrates the spirit of innovation, and this year, it’s hosted by York County in partnership with the Cities of Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Poquoson, and James City County. Since its inception in 2012, Start Peninsula has been a cornerstone for up-and-coming entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to shine and grow.

Don’t miss the championship event on November 8th from 6-8 pm on Zoom. Register here to be part of the innovation excitement! So whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an innovation enthusiast, or someone who loves to see local talents thrive, this event promises something for everyone. Hampton Roads is blooming with potential, and Start Peninsula is the place to witness it all! 🚀💡