By Tim Ryan

In the spirit of fostering a dynamic and flourishing innovation ecosystem, Innovate Hampton Roads is thrilled to announce the first set of finalists from the 2024 Start Peninsula Micro Pitch competition, held on March 20th. The event highlighted the entrepreneurial zeal and innovative prowess within the Hampton Roads region, showcasing HerculE-Q, Our Brand Media, and VroomBrick as frontrunners in the quest for innovation and business excellence.

HerculE-Q is steering the future of micro-mobility with its revolutionary approach to transportation fleets, catering to employee convenience, service provision, and customer use. With a focus on efficiency and sustainability, HerculE-Q’s automated charging systems promise to overhaul the existing charging infrastructure, thereby enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction.

Our Brand Media introduces a groundbreaking multi-distribution video platform, a haven for content creators of all stripes. This initiative aims to democratize the digital content landscape, offering a streaming channel that embraces creativity and innovation, empowering creators to reach audiences far and wide.

VroomBrick stands at the forefront of democratizing real estate, offering an intuitive platform that simplifies the home buying and selling process. With VroomBrick, users have a step-by-step guide, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective real estate transaction experience.

As finalists, these innovators are poised to compete in the Championship Pitch event on November 6th, where they stand to win $5,000 to bolster their business growth, alongside access to a wealth of local resources designed to support their entrepreneurial journey.

Innovate Hampton Roads, in alignment with the mission of Start Peninsula 2024, is committed to nurturing and promoting the entrepreneurial spirit within the region. The initiative is a collaborative effort hosted by Newport News, in partnership with the Cities of Hampton, Williamsburg, Poquoson, and the counties of James City and York, underscoring the collective commitment to regional innovation and growth.

With subsequent Micro Pitch competitions scheduled for May 15th, September 13th, and October 11th, Start Peninsula 2024 invites early-stage businesses to showcase their innovative solutions and business models. This initiative highlights the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hampton Roads and serves as a catalyst for future innovation and economic development.

We encourage the local community and potential entrepreneurs to engage with this exciting platform. For more information about Start Peninsula, including how to participate in future pitches, visit startpeninsula.com. Join us as we continue to champion innovation and entrepreneurship in Hampton Roads, propelling our region toward a more innovative and prosperous future.