MassChallenge

Land Maverick is a developer of an autonomous robotic system designed to enhance the management of golf courses. This innovative technology enables greens staff to identify conditions such as pre-critical wilt and assess nutrient levels in the soil with minimal labor. By automating the measurement and analysis of environmental data on-site, the system allows golf course operators to apply fertilizers, chemicals, and water more accurately, thereby reducing costs and minimizing harmful runoff into nearby ecosystems. Through its advanced solutions, Land Maverick aims to improve the efficiency of turf management practices while promoting environmental sustainability.

Natrion LLC specializes in the design and manufacture of sodium-ion batteries, focusing on large-scale energy storage solutions for renewable energy applications. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, and aims to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy generation by providing energy storage systems that leverage solar and wind power. Natrion's ceramic solid-electrolyte batteries are engineered to support power deployment for various sectors, making solar energy more accessible and cost-effective for residential, agricultural, and military uses.

QRfertile LLC is a company based in Farmington, Connecticut, specializing in male fertility solutions. Incorporated in 2018, it develops and manufactures an at-home fertility test kit for men, enabling them to assess their reproductive health conveniently. In addition to the test kit, QRfertile provides a digital platform that connects users with healthcare professionals, offering guidance and support throughout their fertility journey. The company's mission is to make male reproductive health accessible and comprehensive, addressing an often-overlooked aspect of healthcare.

Producing an effective chemotherapy solution with a fully automated tumor-on-a-chip, pre-prescription analysis.

The Feel Good Lab is a wellness product company focused on developing natural pain relief solutions aimed at preventing and alleviating chronic body pain. The company's offerings are formulated with natural ingredients, intentionally avoiding silicons and parabens, and are designed to be odorless. By supporting the body's natural processes for managing pain, The Feel Good Lab enables customers to reduce reliance on traditional pain relief medications, promoting overall health and well-being.

Manufacturer of surgical devices intended to enhance surgeon performance. The company's system provides critical decision-making information along with superior performance and a smart balance of features and ease the way surgeons approach soft tissue management, enabling surgeons to extend their tactile reach to the target tissue with AI guidance, minimize inefficient workflows, reduce costs, and eliminate toxic waste disposal.

Lactation Innovations is a company focused on enhancing the breastfeeding experience by providing real-time data on milk intake. Founded in 2017 and based in Hartford, Connecticut, it has developed a non-invasive medical-grade sensor that measures the volume of milk consumed by a breastfeeding baby. This device delivers actionable feedback to postpartum clinical staff, caregivers, and mothers through a dedicated application, allowing them to monitor and support breastfeeding effectively. By addressing the gap in immediate feedback regarding milk intake, Lactation Innovations aims to empower mothers and improve postpartum care, helping them achieve their breastfeeding goals with confidence.

Zoni Foods, Inc., formerly known as Kitchen Table Inc., produces frozen plant-based meal kits and provides its products in stores. The company's products include Coconut Curry Noodles, Sweet Potato Spirals and Zesty Peanut Noodles. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut.

Torigen Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to advancing immuno-oncology solutions for companion animals facing cancer. The company develops innovative immunotherapy treatments, notably an experimental autologous cancer vaccine that activates the immune system to target specific tumor-associated antigens. This approach allows for the detection and treatment of cancer without relying on invasive surgeries or chemotherapy, thereby improving the quality of care for animals. By leveraging years of scientific research, Torigen Pharmaceuticals aims to provide effective and less painful options for veterinary oncology, positioning itself at the forefront of cancer treatment for pets.

MOVIA Robotics LLC, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, specializes in developing robotic therapy software solutions aimed at educating children with autism. The company creates software-based educational tools designed for special educators, therapists, and parents, enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of interventions for autistic children. MOVIA's proprietary control software facilitates dynamic interactions between the child and the robot, allowing for semi-autonomous operation by instructors. The content is tailored to engage children at appropriate developmental levels and is aligned with curricula that address social, communication, and academic objectives, providing measurable evidence of progress over time. Through its innovative approach, MOVIA Robotics seeks to improve the outcomes of educational interventions while reducing associated costs.

LambdaVision, Incorporated is focused on developing a protein-based artificial retina aimed at restoring vision for individuals affected by advanced retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. Founded in 2009 and located in Farmington, Connecticut, the company is working to commercialize its retinal implant technology, which employs a light-activated protein known as bacteriorhodopsin. This innovative approach targets the stimulation of retinas in patients who have experienced significant sight loss, with the goal of enhancing their quality of life. Through its advancements, LambdaVision seeks to address the needs of millions who suffer from these debilitating conditions.

Asarasi, Inc. is a beverage processing company that produces organic bottled water sourced from sugar maple trees, making it the world's only USDA Certified Organic Water. Incorporated in 2014 and based in Cos Cob, Connecticut, Asarasi offers tree-filtered water as a sustainable alternative to depleting groundwater resources. The company's innovative approach utilizes a renewable plant-based source, allowing it to provide a unique product that is both eco-friendly and sugar-free. Asarasi serves its customers through various restaurants and retailers located in Connecticut and New York, including Bethel, Ridgefield, Albany, Portville, and Ellicottville.

MIFCOR is focused on developing innovative biologic therapeutics aimed at protecting tissues from cell death due to ischemia, a condition that arises from reduced blood flow. The company's leading candidate, MIF-2, leverages cutting-edge science by targeting a unique biological pathway to safeguard tissues from ischemia-induced damage. MIFCOR's therapeutics are designed to facilitate tissue regeneration following events such as heart attacks, cardiac surgeries, or acute kidney injuries, as well as to address tissue death resulting from traumatic injuries to vital organs. By enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms, MIFCOR's solutions aim to significantly reduce ischemic injuries in critical areas like the heart and kidneys. The company has successfully secured exclusive rights to an intellectual property portfolio and is actively building a comprehensive business strategy to advance its mission.

Biorasis, established in December 2007, focuses on developing needle-implantable biosensors for real-time, continuous monitoring of various bio-analytes. Initially aimed at commercializing a miniaturized sensor platform from UCONN and OSCI for glucose monitoring, the company is expanding its technology to track other critical metabolites associated with disorders such as cardiovascular issues, cancer, liver and kidney abnormalities, stroke, and epilepsy. Biorasis's biosensors enable effective diabetes management and enhance metabolic monitoring for drug research and development, allowing healthcare professionals to minimize tissue damage during implantation procedures.

Avitus Orthopaedics, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing and commercializing minimally invasive surgical devices specifically for autologous bone graft harvesting. The company’s flagship product, the Avitus bone harvester, is designed to efficiently harvest cancellous bone and marrow, aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes in orthopedic surgeries. Founded in 2011 and initially known as BOSS Medical, Inc., the company rebranded to Avitus Orthopaedics in March 2014. With its headquarters in Shelton, Connecticut, Avitus Orthopaedics combines technical expertise and clinical experience to create innovative instruments that not only improve surgical techniques but also aim to reduce healthcare costs for patients.

Bioarray Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2009, initially based in Boston and now located in Farmington, Connecticut. The company focuses on developing proprietary predictive diagnostic tests aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes. Its primary product is a breast cancer response prediction test that utilizes gene expression profiling to evaluate a patient's likelihood of responding to standard pre-surgery taxane-based chemotherapy. By identifying the most effective treatment options based on genetic markers, Bioarray Therapeutics seeks to move away from the traditional trial-and-error approach in cancer care, enhancing the personalization of treatment for patients.