MassChallenge is the world’s largest global startup competition and accelerator program taking place right here in the Innovation District of Boston. The competition started just as any other startup does. With an initial idea to help entrepreneurs create viable companies MassChallenge has ignited a global renaissance. The companies chosen to move forward in MassChallenge are accelerating the development of high growth, high impact businesses creating jobs across Massachusetts and beyond.
There were 440 entrant teams back in April when the competition began. Last week 110 finalist teams were named to move forward into the 3-month accelerator phase of the process.
Now is the time to pay a special thank you to the WomenPreneurs of the MassChallenge team for helping to connect women throughout the entire process. Without these women MassChallenge would not have been possible.
Salimah Nooruddin and Christine Ribeiro: Throughout the past months you could find Salimah and Christine working their tails off at MassChallenge events and coordinating the entire process in the back ends of the competition. A lot of planning goes into a huge competition like this one and flawless execution is essential for success. We tip our hats to these WomenPreneurs who have been integral parts in encouraging women to follow their dreams in bringing ideas to fruition.
Who are the WomenPreneurs moving on of the 110 finalist teams named?
Aukera Therapeutics, Inc: Aukera Therapeutics is developing a novel therapeutic for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Day 2 Night Convertible Heels: Has created a revolutionary way to rid the need of having to carry flats in your bag when wearing heels. Instead of lugging around two pairs of shoes every time you go to work or out for the night, simply increase or decrease your height with smaller heels for a more comfortable trek.
Diagnostics for All: A non-profit enterprise fusing biotechnology and microfluidics, dedicated to creating low-cost, easy-to-use, point-of-care diagnostics designed specifically for the 60% of the developing world that lives beyond the reach of urban hospitals and medical infrastructures
Evolve Foods: A nutrition-based, gluten-free food company that uses ancient grains to provide innovative products that are both convenient and healthy.
Fenugreen: A patented, inexpensive, natural, non-toxic and biodegradable food preservation technology whose broad adoption promises to revolutionize the food value chain, significantly reducing inventory, transportation and labor costs in a sustainable way.
Meet Impact: Will learn your specific needs to automatically qualify and recommend both events to attend and key people to meet, empowering you to achieve and sustain high-growth innovation here in New England.
Naughty Nutritionist: An online platform whose products, brands and content inform the modern consumer about nutrition and wellness.
Open Runway, Inc.: A fashion 2.0 retailer changing the way women shop via a social commerce experience.
Privo Technologies: Insulin chewing gum is a needle-less drug delivery system for type II diabetes. Their proprietary formulation and nano-encapsulation system gradually releases insulin upon chewing.
Rate It Green: An online community, peer-review resource, and product and service directory for everyone interested in green building.
Samanta Shoes: Creates life changing experiences for women who have trouble finding stylish shoes in their size.
Seeding Labs: Creates opportunities for scientists in the developing world to conduct world-class research.
SolSolution, Inc.: Mission is to simultaneously generate clean electricity and improve the quality of education in underprivileged schools.
Stromatec LLC: Medical device R&D firm specializing in diagnostic and therapeutic tools for connective tissues dysfunction.
Zyrra: Uses mass-customization technology to solve the problem of finding a bra that fits well.
If Boston WomenPreneurs missed any of the women moving forward, please comment in the section below and we will add your team to the list. We look forward to learning more about all of you as you move forward throughout the MassChallenge process. Good luck and keep up your hard work. You are charting the path for WomenPreneurs to watch in 2010!