Business Incubator

First Place

Ossatura Labs - Yogesh Kumaran, Ph.D
Yogesh Kumaran built OssPlan from more than a decade of orthopaedic biomechanics research and direct experience moving medical technology toward clinical use. Developed through Ossatura Labs, OssPlan is a patient-specific surgical planning platform that uses diagnostic imaging and physics-based simulation to help orthopaedic trauma surgeons evaluate fixation options before surgery begins. His experience supporting FDA 510(k) submissions and translating academic research into clinically relevant medical technology gives him a practical understanding of what surgeons need and what medical devices require. By bringing engineering precision into pre-operative planning, OssPlan could help make fracture fixation decisions more measurable, better informed, and tailored to each patient.

Second Place

Altered Gravity - Eda Yildirim-Ayan, Ph.D
Dr. Eda Yildirim-Ayan is redefining how researchers study the effects of gravity without leaving Earth. As the founder and primary inventor behind Altered Gravity’s Biomimetic Engineered Space Technology (BEST) platform, she brings deep expertise in bioengineering, mechanobiology, and three-dimensional tissue systems to a technology designed to make advanced partial-gravity research more accessible. The platform allows researchers to simulate lunar, Martian, orbital, and other gravity conditions in a laboratory setting while studying complex tissues, organ models, biologics, and pharmaceutical agents under more realistic experimental conditions. By addressing the cost, access, and repeatability challenges of space-based experiments, Altered Gravity has the potential to transform research in disease modeling, drug development, tissue regeneration, and other fields where gravity can change the outcome.

Third Place

Echo - Michael Vanderpool, MEd.
Michael Vanderpool’s career has centered on helping people use technology in practical, accessible ways. Echo applies that same approach to facility maintenance by making problem reporting fast, simple, and location-specific. Each asset receives a unique quick response code placard, so anyone who notices an issue can send a report without an app, login, or personal data. For facility teams, that means fewer missed problems, clearer communication, and better insight into recurring maintenance needs. Echo turns small moments of frustration into useful operational information.

Finalists

Surgiplate - Shawn Monteiro
Surgiplate is a single-use surgical fixation platform designed to provide secure stabilization of the hand and other joints during procedures requiring precise positioning. Developed by Shawn Monteiro, the technology utilizes a proprietary plate-and-strap configuration that can be adapted across a broad range of orthopedic and extremity surgeries while accommodating differences in patient anatomy and surgical technique. By offering a scalable platform rather than a procedure-specific device, Surgiplate aims to simplify surgical preparation, streamline workflows, and provide healthcare providers with a practical fixation solution capable of supporting multiple clinical applications.

ILUminate -  Nathan Meller
ILUminate grew out of Nathan Meller’s firsthand experience inside manufacturing plants, where workforce skill tracking was often disconnected from the pace of daily operations. His background in technology consulting and automation helped shape a platform that gives supervisors real-time visibility into employee qualifications, staffing readiness, and training documentation. By replacing manual tracking with a more reliable skill matrix, ILUminate helps manufacturers make workforce decisions with greater confidence.

 

Judging Panel Members

• Abel Castillo, MBA - Venture Program Manager, JumpStart Inc. 
• Mikayla Coen - Senior Specialist Embedded Software Engineer, L3Harris
• Anthony Gillespie, MBA, MS - Director, Strategic and Technology - Based Partnerships and Technology Transfer, Parallax Advanced Research
• Katherine Pollard, MBA - Associate Director of Licensing, Medical Devices, The University of Michigan
• Joseph “Joey” Scott, MBA, CGBP - Ohio APEX Accelerator Statewide Manager, Office of Small Business and Global Trade, The Ohio Department of Development

First Place

VisioCell - Dr. Aniruddha Ray
Dr. Aniruddha Ray, founder of VisioCell and Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Toledo, drew on his expertise in biophysics and imaging technology to create a portable, handheld microscope with companion software that delivers lab-grade imaging at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems. Smaller than a cell phone, the device offers resolution finer than 700 nanometers and includes brightfield and fluorescence imaging capabilities that integrate seamlessly with its cloud-based viewing and analysis tools. By merging high performance with true mobility, this breakthrough in portable microscopy makes precision imaging more accessible, affordable, and scalable than ever before.

Second Place

Badger AI - Ben Saddoris
Badger AI was founded by Benjamin Saddoris, a law enforcement and military veteran with more than a decade of public service experience. Saddoris developed an AI-powered grammar and narrative tool built specifically for law enforcement. Designed with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) awareness and no data retention, it helps officers turn rough draft reports into clear, professional, and legally sound narratives in a fraction of the time. By cutting report-writing time by 15–30%, agencies can save thousands in overtime costs, speed up case processing, and keep officers focused on public safety. Badger AI improves accuracy, consistency, and efficiency—helping departments operate more effectively while reducing administrative burden.

Third Place

PlayTime Movement - Dr. Caroline Humberston PT, DPT, CSCS
PlayTime Movement was founded by Dr. Caroline Humberston, PT, DPT, CSCS, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Fellow of Washington University Movement Science with over 25 years of clinical experience. Drawing on her expertise in movement science and injury prevention, she developed a secure, AI-powered assessment and teaching system that evaluates movement quality and provides standardized instruction for participants and trainers. Her work bridges clinical practice and technology to promote orthopedic health, prevent injuries, and help individuals of all ages move with greater confidence and efficiency.

Finalists

BG Biologics - Dr. Paul Morris
BG Biologics has developed PythiumX™, a natural microbe that directly targets Pythium, the waterborne pathogen responsible for devastating root rot that plagues the multibillion-dollar hydroponic farming industry. Infections can cut crop yields up to 50%, require millions in mitigation costs, and have led to greenhouse closures throughout the world. Unlike chemicals or UV systems that only provide partial control, PythiumX circulates through water systems to eliminate hidden reservoirs of the disease and protect roots from recurring infections.

Astromode -  Dr. Youssef Sari
Astromode is developing new therapies to tackle the public health crisis of alcohol and opioid addiction. By restoring balance to brain chemistry with novel small molecules, these treatments have the potential to reduce drug-seeking behaviors, prevent overdoses, and give individuals and communities new hope in the fight against substance use disorders.

 

Judging Panel Members

• Dr. Barbara Ritter - Dean of the Neff College of Business and Innovation, The University of Toledo 
• Christine Michaels - President and CEO, ConnecToledo
• Evan Marsh - Managing Partner of Innovation & Commercialization, WynHouse
• Dr. Sridhar Viamajala - Founder, Plastinuva and 2024 Tech419 Grand Prize Winner
• Tom Bush - Chief Operations Officer, Actual Reality Technologies

First Place

Avani Enterprizes (Plastinuva) - Dr. Sridhar Viamajala 
Dr. Viamajala has developed a sustainable process to recycle waste polypropylene into high-value products, aiming to reduce environmental impact and drive a circular economy. Avani Enterprizes’ mission is to divert millions of tons of polypropylene waste from landfills, setting new standards for resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Second Place

EZ - Fit - Jomoko Graves
Jomoko has designed an innovative tool to enhance user-experience when dispensing fluids from a 5-gallon bucket. Made from durable HDPE, the EZ-FIT features a quick-assembly design for easy cleaning, reducing spills and waste while minimizing the risk of injury, making it an essential tool for both DIYers and professionals.

Third Place

CerviStrength Solutions - Dr. Burton Rogers Ed.D., MBA, ATC, PTA, CSCS
Dr. Rogers has developed a system that leverages extensive research in human anatomy and injury mechanics to assess cervical muscle strength and quantify individual concussion risk. By creating personalized training programs aimed at enhancing neck strength, the technology offers a comprehensive approach to reducing the likelihood of concussive injuries.

Finalists

SuReLight - Dr. Jayaraman Sivaguru
Dr. Sivaguru’s patented technology introduces bio-based photoinitiators for radiation curing, offering an energy-efficient, non-toxic solution that operates under UV and visible light. This customizable, sustainable technology is recognized for its application across industries like automotive finishes, promoting safety and environmental responsibility while reducing operational costs.

EventPin -  Matthew Medlin
EventPin transforms event discovery by focusing on user privacy and genuine exploration through a transparent, map-based interface. Unlike traditional platforms that rely on data harvesting, EventPin allows users to find events organically based on their own criteria, ensuring personal preferences remain private and free from targeted ads or sponsored content.

Judging Panel Members

• Dr. Thomas Brady - Entrepreneur, Educator, Author & Philanthropist 
• April Welch - Deputy Director of Economic Development, City of Toledo
• Lisa Halsey  -Senior Program Associate, Women of Toledo
• Todd Hendricks Jr. - President, Robotic Maintenance Vehicles (RMV) & Pioneer Industrial Systems (PIS)
• LeSean Shaw - Chief Operations Officer, Actual Reality Technologies

First Place

TackBox - Joyce Kilpatrick
The digital marketplace lets equine event vendors and competitors coordinate show pre-orders, deliveries, pick-ups, navigate product lists by location or event, and complete purchases from the palm of their hands.

Second Place

Neez21 (Claire) - Dr. Kemi Azeez
Rechargeable device that makes rinsing your nasal cavity quick, easy, and comfortable. The cleaning system gently moistens a disposable, soft cotton tip with a low flow of saline. The tip gently spins to rinse any allergens, viruses, or bacteria out of the nasal cavity.

Third Place

The Koolpad - Melinda Alic
A patented case design that provides optimal temperature control for iPads in the most extreme environments. Users can slide specialized heating or cooling packs into the integrated, condensation-free compartment to protect devices from physical damage, operating delays, and rapid battery drain.

Finalists

Pipnote - Rushabh Patel
The AI platform was built to redefine accessibility of medical knowledge. By navigating databases of verified medical resources, Pipnote provides students and clinicians with prompt, accurate, up-to-date answers, and lists of corresponding source citations. The interactive tool also adapts to the users' learning style, transforming the engine into a personalized study aid.

MEDevicE - Julie Shawver, PA-C
The telestroke eye examination tool was developed to assess visual fields and monitor eye movements of suspected stroke patients. The head-mounted device contain a camera that faces the eyes of the wearer and allows medical professionals to remotely evaluate the patient's field of vision without relying on observations from a bedside assistant.

Judging Panel Members

• Dr. Anne Balazs - Dean of the Neff College of Business and Innovation, The University of Toledo 
• Ebony Carter - V.P. of Minority Business Services and Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center
• Dr. Leon Cheng - Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Toledo.
• Jessica Sattler - Senior Project Manager, Regional Growth Partnership.
• Troy Szopo- Director, Woodward Angels

First Place

Robotic Maintenance Vehicles (RMV) - Todd Hendricks Jr. 
An AI-integrated work truck that performs faster and more accurately than current solutions. This conserves materials and money by reducing required job site equipment and crewmembers and keeps roadworkers out of harm’s way.

Second Place

Learn Kernel - Erica Potter
An internet-free, compact, reloadable, rechargeable tablet-like device that delivers educational video content to locations experiencing economic instability, environmental crisis, or other adversity.

Third Place

Opendemia - Zac Graber
Research paper assistance platform designed to help students with school writing assignments by providing a single location to save notes, autogenerate in-text citations, cite full works, create research outlines, and collaborate on group projects.

Finalists

NexFence - Aaron Valentine
State-of-the-art fencing system that helps to prevent rot and deterioration. The patented hybrid fence post combines a traditional treated wood top structure with a heavy duty composite base that resists moisture, pests, decay, and rotting.

Dishtory - Andrea Zawisza
An app that allows users to record, save and share family members’ recipes in their own voice, so they can create, plate and curate home-cooked creations with the people who matter most.

Judging Panel Members

• Bill Baumel- Managing Director, Ohio Innovation Fund
• Diane Durance - Executive Vice President, Michigan Capital Network
• Dr. Leon Cheng - Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Toledo.
• Linda Lucas - Small Business Librarian, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
• Nick Komives - Member, Toledo City Council

No Competition Due to COVID-19

First Place

Pelham Precious Metals - Dr. Terry Bigioni
A disruptive antimicrobial, anti-odor, anti-infective, and anti-HAI (healthcare-associated infection) coating for textiles. The coating adds protection to fabrics without interfering with the functionality of underlying coatings, such as fire retardants, wicking layers, water repellants, and fabric softeners.

Second Place

CCTronic - Nida Idraikh
The three-tier system that measures, controls, and extracts nutrients from a farm's water run-off before it makes its way to Lake Erie. It helps farmers monitor and manage soil and water resources to ensure the supply of clean water, improve soil health, build regenerative practices, and maximize profit within agricultural and hothouse industries.

Third Place

Bite-R - Susan Haseley 
A therapeutic tool designed to help children produce the “r” sound and has shown to reduce the time spent in speech therapy – saving schools money and improving children’s lives.

Finalists

Jaberu Sump Pump Controller - Chuck Rupp
WIFI-enabled sump pump controller with a mobile app interface. The device can monitor and regulate multiple pumps, provide notifications of long cycles, and alerts for high water levels and power failure.

PedoEndo Dental Innovation - Dr. Daria Dibiri
multi-sensor, hand-held dental probe that determines the health of a tooth without the need for verbal feedback from a patient.

Judging Panel Members

• Tony Pietrocola - President of Agile1, investor and board member with Metisentry.
• Jason Daniels - President and CEO, JAYRAMON LLC.
• Tracy Momany – Vice President of Plastic Technologies at Guardian Medical USA & Director of Medical Operations, Plastic Technologies Inc.
• Doug Rammel – President and Founder, Abstract Reality Ventures, Social Net Watcher, and Founding Partner/Investor of Didgebridge.
• Akib Amin – 2018 Pitch & Pour Winner and founder of GAFFL.

First Place

GAFFL - Akib Amin
GAFFL makes traveling affordable and safer by connecting travelers who have similar itineraries. Every year 300 million solo travelers miss out on an opportunity to save 360 Billion Dollars. GAFFL connects these travelers so that they can share costs and save money.

Finalists

CodeWeGo - A web platform which teaches web development languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in Spanish using Spanish keywords and tags with ambitions to expand into Mandarin soon after. CodeWeGo is aimed at helping non-English or ESL speakers learn to code.

Judging Panel Members

• Bill Burkett - Commissioner of Business Development, City of
  Toledo;
• Pat Grospiron - Partner, Network Management at JumpStart Inc.
• Dr. Anne Balazs -Dean of the College of Business and Innovation, The University of Toledo
• Diane Bouis - Innovation Program Manager, Venture Accelerator at the University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer
• Dr. Norm Rapino - Executive Director, Rocket Innovations.

Competition details will be added soon.