Noleus Wins Gold Prize at Inaugural MassChallenge Houston Accelerator
From the MassChallenge Website: MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, last night named three prize winners from its first Houston-based program: NeuroRescue, Noleous Technologies, and Sensytech. Announced at the MassChallenge Texas in Houston Finale at the House of Blues Houston, this news caps off the first-ever MassChallenge Texas in Houston program, which accelerated 25 of the world’s highest potential, early-stage startups.
“It took a city-wide effort to bring MassChallenge here. Now I am proud to see how much has been accomplished in only nine months since the announcement of Houston as their second Texas-based location,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “As one of the most innovative cities, we believe startups will thrive here. Through programs like this first MassChallenge accelerator we are learning best practices to ensure startups get the access they need from our city’s abundance of resources so it is easier for them to plant roots and grow their companies in Houston.”
Based on a proprietary in-person pitch event that took place at the MassChallenge Texas in Houston offices, the three prize winners were selected based on their company’s viability, overall growth throughout the program, and potential for impact. The three selected startups received direct placement into either the 2020 Austin or Houston accelerator, where they will have the opportunity to participate in a three month-long program and compete for equity-free cash prizes.
“It has been incredible to engage these entrepreneurs through the early stages of their development and provide the support they need to design and build groundbreaking solutions,” said Jon Nordby, Managing Director of MassChallenge Texas in Houston. “We are incredibly proud of our startups and the collaborative community that brought together the best executives, strategists, and executers from all sides of the table to help these startups - from around the world – turn their ideas into reality. It takes a village to breathe life into new ideas, Houston has a supportive and engaged village. Thank you to the community and congratulations to the first MassChallenge Texas in Houston prize winners.”
THIS YEAR’S MASSCHALLENGE TEXAS IN HOUSTON PRIZE WINNERS ARE:
NeuroRescue, Inc. - Healthcare/ Life Sciences | Ohio, United States
NeuroRescue improves the standard of care used to treat stroke, brain injury and cardiac arrest to increase neurological outcome by up to 40%.
Noleus Technologies, Inc. - Healthcare/ Life Sciences | Texas, United States
Noleus is a novel medical device that reduces post op ileus, saves post op hospital days and accelerates patient recovery.
Sensytec, Inc. - Energy/Clean Tech | Texas, United States
Sensytec is revolutionizing the oil & gas and construction industry by bringing smart cement technologies & real-time data collection.
Additionally, the Houston Angel Network awarded a $40k investment prize to:
Sensytec, Inc. - Energy/Clean Tech | Texas, United States
Sensytec is revolutionizing the oil & gas and construction industry by bridging smart cement technologies & real-time data collection.
“Houston Angel Network is proud to offer this investment opportunity to the startups of the first MassChallenge Texas in Houston accelerator,” said Stephanie Campbell Managing Director of Houston Angel Network. “Our network understands that access to capital plays an integral part in attracting and retaining startups in Houston. Partnering with Accelerators like MassChallenge helps to build a robust innovation ecosystem for founders and investors.”
The first MassChallenge Texas in Houston Finale brought together nearly 500 innovation leaders, businesses, policymakers, and enthusiasts from across Houston to celebrate the local startup community.
About the MassChallenge Texas in Houston 2019 Accelerator
In July 2019, 25 of the world's highest impact, highest potential early-stage startups joined MassChallenge Texas in Houston’s inaugural cohort. See cohort statistics here.
The inaugural cohort invited to participate in the program represents:
3 Countries
6 US States
5 Industries
30.77% High Tech
30.77% Healthcare/Life Science
26.92% General
7.69% Energy/Clean Tech
3.85% Social Impact
50% Female Founded
Over the past six weeks, startup participants had access to a tailored program designed to support their unique needs: from market research to launching pilot programs, intellectual property and licensing, to fundraising and investor relations, sales and marketing strategy, to working with corporate partners and more.
The 25 companies worked out of the new MassChallenge Texas office located at 1313 Main Street in Downtown Houston and will continue to have access to the free office space through the end of the year.
In addition to the office space, startups also received more than $250K in deals and discounts from companies like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Hubspot, Stripe, and UPS. Startups also received bespoke mentorship and access to MassChallenge’s global network of corporate partners.
All 25 startups that participated in the inaugural Houston program will also receive an additional six months of free co-working at Station Houston and The Cannon. This added benefit provides each startup from the Houston program with up to 18 months of free office space in the Greater Houston area.