Eight MIT startups face off Wednesday for $10,000

Zach Church

Feb 9, 2017

Eight startups developing new technologies to solve problems in health care, international trade, and other industries face off Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the MIT $100K Accelerate competition. The finalists were pared from 20 semifinalists. Each team will pitch to a panel of judges. The winner will receive $10,000.

Started in 1990 with a grand prize of $10,000, the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition has identified and supported promising startups in a variety of industries. Recent competition winners show include High Q Imaging’s portable MRI machine, Astraeus Technologies’ affordable lung cancer test, and Good SIRS’ device to treat sepsis. Three of the eight Accelerate finalists are health care companies.

Accelerate is the second of three annual MIT $100K competitions. The third, Launch, which takes place in May, awards the $100,000 grand prize.

Here’s a look at the finalists:

Eximchain uses blockchain technology to help importers and exporters build credit scores for use in international trade. It provides tools to help companies improve their reputations and lower the cost of financing.

Infinite Cooling uses electric fields to capture and reintroduce water to power plant cooling systems, conserving water and saving power companies potentially millions per year in water costs.

NeuroMesh is a managed security and intelligence platform for smartphones and other internet-connected devices, using blockchain and deep learning.

NeuroSleeve is a low-cost, portable device to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome from any doctor’s office without needing to refer patients to a neurophysiologist.

Pison Technology creates wearable sensors to help people with Lou Gehrig’s disease — also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS — and others with loss of movement control mobile phones, tablets, and wheelchairs.

TORq Interface is a secure platform for communication and collaboration between hospitals and medical device companies, reducing waste and lost time when scheduling surgeries.

TransTympanix makes a locally administered antibiotic ear drop to treat middle ear infections in children, improving convenience and reducing the side effects of an oral application.

SW Sol Lox makes pop-up storage for fruits and vegetables to prevent dehydration and spoilage while the food awaits shipment.