BUFFALO, N.Y. — The 43North startup competition is returning this year, and five Western New York startups have been listed as finalists.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the 19 finalists for the state-funded competition on Wednesday. The $5 million competition includes a top prize of $1 million.
The five finalists from the Western New York area include:
- BetterMynd, Buffalo: An online therapy platform that partners directly with universities to provide their students access to a diverse network of licensed mental health counselors from the privacy and convenience of their laptops and mobile devices.
- Ognomy, Williamsville: Ognomy's HIPAA compliant telemedicine platform helps people to get tested, diagnosed, and treated for sleep apnea from the comfort of home.
- Top Seedz, Buffalo: Top Seedz produces artisan crackers and roasted seeds packed with nutrition and flavor using the simplest ingredients that nature provides.
- VeriTX Corp, East Aurora: VeriTX is a marketplace of digital schematics serving supply chain solutions to customers across the aerospace, medical and industrial markets.
- Verivend, Buffalo: Verivend offers the quickest way available to pay and get paid, allowing businesses to transact with all customers and vendors and a digital wallet powering instant B2B and business to consumer (B2C) payments.
"Buffalo has a rich history of innovation, and 43North is continuing this tradition by drawing some of the world's most exciting startups to the region," Hochul said. "The confluence of technology and talent is spurring remarkable economic growth, and we're looking forward to seeing this year's finalists compete to be a part of this transformation."
Finalists are from all over United States. They also come from as far as Canada and the United Kingdom. The startups cover many industries including clinical test, fintech services, sustainable farming, artificial intelligence and consumer tools.
In addition to the top prize, there are seven $500,000 prizes and winners also receive free space in 43North's incubator in Seneca One Tower, guidance from experienced mentors in their field, and access to other business incentive programs.
Over the past seven years, 43North has invested in a diverse portfolio of 51 companies, close to half of them have kept a presence in Buffalo and have created more than 800 local jobs.
Finals take place on October 28 and is free to attend, but registration is required. To register for finals at Shea's Performing Arts Center head to the 43North website.
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