By Tim Ryan

Hey, Innovate Hampton Roads! Get ready to feel the buzz—our region’s entrepreneurial energy just skyrocketed. On March 26, 2025, Start Peninsula kicked off its first Micro Pitch of the year, and three mind-blowing startups lit up the stage. These champs are now headed to the Championship Pitch on November 5th for a shot at $5,000—and they’re showing the world Hampton Roads is an innovation hotspot.
First, Hypercube Motors Corporation, led by Jacquelin Akers, rolled out Nyla, a teleoperated robotic nurse that’s here to shake up healthcare. Nyla tackles non-critical tasks with a swappable battery for nonstop action, letting nurses zero in on patient care. Efficiency? Revolutionized.
Next, Life Light, brainchild of Frank King, isn’t just a light—it’s an AI-powered guardian. This slick device detects harmful chemicals in real time, keeping you safe and informed. It’s like having a superpower in your living room, straight from Hampton Roads.
Finally, TRO Energy Solutions, Inc., driven by Edward DeVries, is charging up the future for 250,000 military families across 183 installations. With a turnkey EV charging solution for homes they don’t own and only live in for three years, TRO’s making sustainability simple and smart.
The judges—Himalaya Rao-Potlapall (BFM Fund visionary), Chris Davidson (Orca Strategies founder and local startup hype man), and Henry Cobb (Virginia Beach economic development guru at The Hive)—were all in. Their expertise fueled an epic night.
Missed it? Catch the full replay of Micro Pitch #1 here—trust us, it’s worth it. Better yet, get in the game! Pitch applications are now open for Micro Pitch #2, happening May 14th. This is your chance to shine, score funding, and tap into our region’s killer resources.
Backed by Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Poquoson, James City, and York, Start Peninsula’s been igniting entrepreneurial sparks since 2012. Head to startpeninsula.com to apply or dig into the FAQ. Hampton Roads isn’t just growing—it’s glowing, and you’re the next big story waiting to happen!

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