MassChallenge

Ostiio develops a novel approach to correct skeletal deformities and deficiencies. It is developing a novel distractor that can be fully buried under the patient's skin, and expanded wirelessly and with precision. It is utilizing a fully implantable, magnetically driven, bony distraction device. Ostiio is a Penn Center for Innovation company.

Solarflux Energy Technologies is a flexible, clean, inexpensive solar thermal power.

Strados Labs, LLC is a medical technology company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that focuses on innovating respiratory health management through advanced biosensors and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2016, Strados Labs develops a wearable device that provides real-time insights into respiratory metrics such as breathing speed, sounds, and patterns. This device is equipped with a continuous breathing sensor that enables remote monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. By connecting the device to a mobile application, patients and healthcare providers can access critical respiratory data, facilitating informed decision-making and improved management of respiratory health.

Strados Labs, LLC is a medical technology company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that focuses on innovating respiratory health management through advanced biosensors and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2016, Strados Labs develops a wearable device that provides real-time insights into respiratory metrics such as breathing speed, sounds, and patterns. This device is equipped with a continuous breathing sensor that enables remote monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. By connecting the device to a mobile application, patients and healthcare providers can access critical respiratory data, facilitating informed decision-making and improved management of respiratory health.

Developer of a healthcare networking community platform designed to improve the quality of life for those living with rare and chronic diseases. The company's platform specializes in using an analytics engine that extracts meaningful information from patient and caregiver stories, journals, discussions, polls, and surveys to create health initiatives using those insights gained from participant-contributed real-world data to collectively evaluate the effectiveness of specific therapies, diets, enabling patients suffering from chronic diseases to share their stories and received medical advice.

Civic Champs, Inc. is a software developer that provides an application designed to assist nonprofit organizations in managing volunteer activities and tracking essential data for grant applications. The app utilizes geofencing technology to monitor volunteer check-ins and check-outs, streamlining the process of hour tracking and engagement. In addition to time management, the platform facilitates small donations, event scheduling, and mentorship tracking, while offering real-time data access and feedback mechanisms. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, with an additional office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Civic Champs aims to reduce the administrative burden on nonprofits by automating volunteer management tasks. The application is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play.

Virtual Internship Partners provide remote internships that develop 21st Century professional skills, including the use of digital technology and online platforms, that make students more employable and career-ready.

MD Ally, Inc. is a telemedicine platform focused on enhancing emergency medical services (EMS) through innovative triage solutions. Established in 2020 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company aims to bridge non-emergency care gaps by integrating telemedicine into emergency dispatch processes. This allows EMS personnel to effectively triage patients with non-life-threatening conditions, directing them to virtual medical and behavioral healthcare professionals, as well as follow-up care and social services. MD Ally's platform is designed collaboratively by EMS and emergency room practitioners, making it user-friendly for public safety entities. By providing this technology, MD Ally seeks to improve patient outcomes, reduce response times, and optimize the use of emergency resources, ultimately contributing to better overall healthcare delivery.

Fitly, Inc. is a Philadelphia-based company that develops a mobile web application and a countertop device aimed at helping families and children plan, purchase, and prepare healthy meals. The core product, SmartPlate, utilizes advanced food recognition technology to provide users with personalized meal plans based on specific health goals. By pairing the SmartPlate app with a countertop device, users can achieve precise image recognition and nutrient tracking, accessing a comprehensive database of food items for easy tracking. SmartPlate offers personalized guidance on various health aspects, including weight management, energy levels, portion control, and dietary needs. The device is designed to improve the efficiency of meal tracking significantly, aiming to enhance accountability for users managing their diets, whether for weight loss, athletic performance, or chronic illness management. Incorporating advanced object recognition and load sensors, SmartPlate delivers accurate meal analysis, positioning itself as an innovative alternative to traditional calorie-counting methods.

CityGrows, Inc. is a company that offers a self-service cloud platform designed to help government organizations digitize their processes and workflows. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, CityGrows provides process management software utilized by cities, towns, and counties for various administrative tasks, including business licenses, fictitious business name registrations, and event permits. The platform aims to streamline the transition from traditional paper-based systems to digital solutions, enhancing the experience for both constituents and government employees. By improving public access to information and simplifying interactions with local government services, CityGrows provides an efficient and user-friendly alternative to more complex and costly solutions typically employed by governmental entities.

Folia Water, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in manufacturing innovative water filter papers. The company has developed a patented process utilizing large-scale paper machinery to produce low-cost, nano-metal functionalized materials. Folia Water's primary product is an affordable paper water filter designed to significantly reduce waterborne pathogens, making clean drinking water accessible to a broader audience. Targeting emerging markets, the filters are priced at approximately $0.20 for 20 liters, catering to the needs of around 3 billion consumers. Folia Water operates in the business-to-business sector, partnering with enterprise-scale consumer brands and conducting pilot projects with notable companies such as Unilever in Bangladesh and a multinational corporation in Mexico. Through its efforts, Folia Water aims to enhance the quality of life for working-class consumers by providing high-quality, affordable water purification solutions.

CityGrows, Inc. is a company that offers a self-service cloud platform designed to help government organizations digitize their processes and workflows. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, CityGrows provides process management software utilized by cities, towns, and counties for various administrative tasks, including business licenses, fictitious business name registrations, and event permits. The platform aims to streamline the transition from traditional paper-based systems to digital solutions, enhancing the experience for both constituents and government employees. By improving public access to information and simplifying interactions with local government services, CityGrows provides an efficient and user-friendly alternative to more complex and costly solutions typically employed by governmental entities.

Developer of a healthcare networking community platform designed to improve the quality of life for those living with rare and chronic diseases. The company's platform specializes in using an analytics engine that extracts meaningful information from patient and caregiver stories, journals, discussions, polls, and surveys to create health initiatives using those insights gained from participant-contributed real-world data to collectively evaluate the effectiveness of specific therapies, diets, enabling patients suffering from chronic diseases to share their stories and received medical advice.

NeedsList PBC operates a digital platform designed to connect individual and corporate donors with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to facilitate humanitarian aid. Established in 2016 and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the platform focuses on assisting refugees, supporting local economies, and promoting grassroots innovations. It partners with local aid organizations to identify urgent needs and utilizes local suppliers for quick and sustainable delivery of food, transportation, and essential supplies. Users can engage with the platform by donating cash, purchasing products, or volunteering. NeedsList emphasizes transparency and efficiency in its operations, providing real-time impact metrics to help partner organizations monitor their activities and outcomes. The company generates revenue through commissions from affiliate suppliers and enterprise users of its platform.

Orai is a company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016, that specializes in a public speaking application utilizing artificial intelligence. The application offers users instant feedback on their speech, along with guided lessons to enhance public speaking skills. Orai serves enterprises by providing a scalable and cost-effective solution for communication and soft skill training. With over 300,000 users on its iOS and Android platforms, the app has delivered AI-driven feedback on more than 2 million recordings, helping individuals become more effective and confident communicators.

RistCall is a developer of wearable technology aimed at enhancing patient safety and satisfaction in hospitals and senior care communities. By updating traditional call bell systems, RistCall's smartwatch devices facilitate improved communication between patients and nursing staff. This innovation not only helps to reduce the incidence of patient falls but also aims to enhance patient satisfaction scores, such as HCAHPS. Through its focus on wearable technology, RistCall addresses critical needs in healthcare settings, ultimately striving to create a safer and more responsive environment for patients.

Astarte Medical Partners, Inc. develops a software that provides a universal view of clinical data in real time to assess the state of the preterm infant’s gut health to make more informed decisions. The product enables NICU clinical care teams to standardize and streamline the practice of feeding. Astarte Medical Partners, Inc. was incorporated in 2016 and is based in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

VIT Initiative, Inc. is a health and safety company based in San Francisco, California, that develops a cloud-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) platform aimed at reducing operational risks and promoting employee health. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on utilizing smart technology to provide real-time coaching and collect data on leading indicators of workplace injuries. This approach helps businesses mitigate risks, enhance operational efficiency, and improve safety compliance, ultimately leading to reduced cycle times and lower injury-related costs. Additionally, VIT Initiative offers automated COVID-19 symptom tracking, further supporting workplace health initiatives. Their products are designed to identify patterns and behaviors that may lead to health problems, allowing for proactive intervention before complications arise.

Access for Life is a medical device company focused on providing innovative solutions for chronic disease patients, including adults and children, who require repetitive vascular access for treatments such as hemodialysis, chemotherapy, and other blood and digestive disorders. The company’s JEM series of smart devices are designed to be inserted subcutaneously near veins, fistulas, or grafts, allowing for repeated punctures at the same location. This technology aims to preserve the integrity of the vessel wall, significantly reducing the risk of complications such as hematomas, thromboses, and stenosis. By enhancing the safety of venous access, Access for Life's devices are expected to lower healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes, particularly for those undergoing dialysis, where traditional methods can lead to serious complications. The JEM device offers a safer alternative, minimizing the risks associated with repetitive access, thereby addressing a critical need in the management of chronic diseases.

Parkloco Inc. develops and operates a cloud-based analytics software that provides real-time analytic-based data for the parking industry. Its platform shares the data with existing parking applications and navigation systems to establish a communication channel between parking lots and drivers. The company’s solution is available in Boston, Providence, and Philadelphia cities. Parkloco Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Bansen Labs LLC, founded in 2014 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing adaptive technology to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The company's flagship product, Xogo, is a customizable adapter that enables users to connect various assistive devices to consumer technology, including game consoles. Xogo supports multiple input types, such as USB, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm jacks, allowing users to integrate standard game controllers and assistive technology in ways that best suit their needs. This flexibility helps individuals with disabilities engage with technology more effectively, whether for gaming or other applications, by overcoming compatibility barriers and promoting a more inclusive user experience.

Bansen Labs LLC, founded in 2014 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing adaptive technology to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The company's flagship product, Xogo, is a customizable adapter that enables users to connect various assistive devices to consumer technology, including game consoles. Xogo supports multiple input types, such as USB, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm jacks, allowing users to integrate standard game controllers and assistive technology in ways that best suit their needs. This flexibility helps individuals with disabilities engage with technology more effectively, whether for gaming or other applications, by overcoming compatibility barriers and promoting a more inclusive user experience.

Ajiri Tea is a company dedicated to producing high-quality black tea sourced from small-scale farmers in the Kisii District of western Kenya. The name "Ajiri," which means "to employ" in Swahili, reflects the company's mission to create job opportunities for local women, who also handcraft the product labels. Ajiri Tea specializes in flavored black tea and roasted coffee, incorporating unique ingredients such as dried banana bark. Profits from sales are directed to the Ajiri Foundation, which supports the education of orphans by covering their school fees. This initiative not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also contributes to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of the local community.

Beat Farm USA is a company dedicated to creating original music that enhances physical movement, particularly in action sports. Founded in April 2013 by three members, Beat Farm offers a unique smartphone application that customizes music based on the user's movements, such as tricks and turns. This innovative approach provides an enriched experience for riders by integrating sound and action, allowing users to engage with music in a dynamic way. The company's online store launched in May 2013, marking the introduction of a new product category known as Body-Activated Music, which underscores Beat Farm's commitment to merging creativity and physical activity.

Drinkwell is a company focused on providing clean drinking water solutions in Colorado, West Bengal, and Dhaka. Established in 2013, it offers a range of products and services including Hybrid Ion Exchange (HIX) Resins, designed to remove arsenic and fluoride from water, and water ATMs that facilitate safe water access through RFID-enabled money management and metered dispensing. In addition to these technologies, Drinkwell provides system design services and maintains water assets. The company aims to address the global water crisis by implementing effective water filtration technologies and leveraging a micro-franchise business model to ensure affordable access to clean water for rural and peri-urban communities. Headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Drinkwell also has offices in Kolkata, India, and Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Dimples is a company focused on helping organizations and individuals reduce printing costs and environmental impact through innovative ink and toner conservation solutions. The company has developed a patented method that creates unique perforation overlays, known as 'dimples,' which are applied to fonts. This technology allows users to maintain the visual integrity of printed text while significantly decreasing ink and toner consumption. By offering engineering-focused software and font overlays, Dimples enables newspapers, magazines, and other organizations to utilize their existing fonts, effectively promoting cost savings and sustainability in the printing process.

HydroConfidence is focused on supporting the natural gas extraction industry by offering tools and services aimed at maximizing gas production while minimizing environmental impact. The company is developing two main products: an aquifer monitoring system that employs a network of well-based sensors to detect methane migration, and a downhole monitoring system designed to provide data on gas flow and mechanical integrity. These innovations not only enhance the financial competitiveness of natural gas but also promote its environmental safety, contributing to a more sustainable approach in the sector.

Citybot Inc. is a San Diego-based company that offers a mobile application designed for both tourists and locals to create self-guided tours and itineraries. Since its incorporation in 2011, the company has expanded its services to major cities across the United States, including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington. The app aims to enhance the exploration experience by allowing users to customize their travel plans according to their interests and preferences.

ChromaTan Inc. specializes in developing continuous countercurrent tangential chromatography (CCTC) technology for the purification of monoclonal antibodies and proteins. Founded in 2007 and located in Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, the company addresses significant process bottlenecks in the production of therapeutic proteins by offering a cost-effective, column-free, and single-use purification solution. ChromaTan's CCTC platform has undergone extensive beta testing with numerous major biotech firms, demonstrating a 5 to 15 times increase in throughput while maintaining or improving product quality. This innovative technology provides a scalable alternative to traditional large-scale column chromatography processes, benefiting biotechnology and contract manufacturing companies by lowering production costs and enhancing efficiency.