Since our Wolff New Venture Competition ended in October, the 25+ startups featured in our Startup Showcase component of the evening are actively moving forward — but many still need support to reach their next milestones.
Each company presented bold solutions across diverse industries, from sustainable agriculture and health tech to digital accessibility and consumer products. As they continue to refine and develop their offerings, these startups are in search of additional funding, strategic partnerships, and guidance from industry consultants who can help them navigate complex regulatory and market landscapes.
Below, you’ll find a short profile for each startup that showcased, including a description of their work and a specific “ask” that outlines the kind of support they are seeking. Whether you’re an investor, potential partner, or expert in a related field, we encourage you to explore the unique contributions these startups are making and consider how you might help bring their visions to life.
For those interested in connecting, please reach out directly to the provided contact emails to discuss opportunities to collaborate and support these transformative ventures.
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Andros Innovations
androsinnovations.com | laron@androsinnovations.com
Andros Innovations is advancing ammonia production with energy-efficient reactors that support low-carbon fertilizers, hydrogen storage, and other applications. Their innovative reactors have the potential to reduce costs and environmental impact across industries that depend on ammonia.
- Ask: Andros Innovations is seeking early adopters for their ammonia products, particularly those focused on climate tech, and investors interested in a pre-seed round to drive their production capabilities and scale their impact.
Atlas
atlanticseasolutions.com | anuj.purohit@atlanticseasolutions.com
Atlas has developed a natural, edible coating derived from seaweed that extends the shelf life of perishable foods, promoting sustainability by reducing food waste. This all-natural solution benefits retailers and consumers alike, doubling food shelf life with minimal environmental impact.
- Ask: Atlas is currently raising $200,000 to support commercial testing with their first customers and is also looking for advisory board members with expertise in carbon credits, environmental sustainability, and initial marketing strategy to help scale their reach.
Bastion Health
getbastion.com | reza.amin@getbastion.com
Bastion Health offers the first comprehensive digital men’s health clinic, designed to provide accessible, virtual care across the U.S. By combining diagnostics, specialist consultations, and seamless treatment plans, they empower men with a robust healthcare resource tailored to their needs.
- Ask: Bastion Health is seeking connections with potential clients and investors who are interested in supporting and scaling this innovative healthcare model, with the goal of expanding their virtual care options to reach more users.
Encapsulate Inc.
encapsulate.bio | armin@encapsulate.bio
Encapsulate is transforming cancer treatment with their tumor-on-a-chip technology, which tests biopsies to personalize and predict patient responses to treatments. This system provides crucial insights within days, enabling clinicians to make timely, data-driven decisions.
- Ask: Encapsulate is raising $1.5M to complete a seed round, led by Blackwood Capital VC and Connecticut Innovations. They are seeking an additional $200,000 to finalize the round and further advance their precision oncology technology.
Feel Your Best Self
feelyourbestself.org | sandy@feelyourbestself.co; emilyw@feelyourbestself.co
Feel Your Best Self has created an award-winning toolkit that teaches kids emotional coping strategies through engaging puppet stories. Their product is used at home and in schools to support children’s emotional well-being in a fun and accessible way.
- Ask: Feel Your Best Self is seeking funding to grow their sales force, expand their reach through influencer partnerships, and build relationships with sourcing and manufacturing partners to scale production cost-effectively.
Genesist
genesist.bio | novin@uconn.edu
Genesist is tackling cancer spread with gene therapy-based solutions that alter the tumor microenvironment, reducing the risk of metastasis and recurrence. Their approach offers a promising solution for enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
- Ask: Genesist is currently raising $1M in pre-seed financing to complete IND-enabling studies. They’re seeking introductions to regulatory consultants, FDA experts, and experienced therapeutic founders to guide them through the clinical trial process.
Growler Power
growlerpower.com | rob.zielonka@growlerpower.com
Growler Power has engineered a unique draft system that transforms any growler into a portable kegerator, preserving the freshness and flavor of beverages. This technology appeals to beer enthusiasts and ensures drinks are served at optimal quality.
- Ask: Growler Power is raising $200,000 to complete product development, secure initial tooling, and implement their marketing strategies. They’re seeking partners and investors excited about launching a new product in the beverage space.
Happy Dinosaur
happydinostore.com | lyla.andrick@happydinosaur.net
Happy Dinosaur combines plush toys and storytelling to foster imagination and emotional learning in children. Their characters teach children about self-expression, empathy, and adventure, with a growing line of plush toys and digital content.
- Ask: Happy Dinosaur is seeking $150,000 to expand their product line. They’re looking to partner with experienced toy agents and graphic designers to produce their first print and e-book series and help bring their characters to life.
Kona Brand
thekonabrand.com | 23zlwill@gmail.com
Kona Brand reimagines winter fashion with flannels that incorporate vibrant Hawaiian designs. This blend of comfort and style is ideal for those who appreciate a unique twist on traditional winter wear.
- Ask: Kona Brand seeks partnerships with retail shop owners and manufacturers to distribute their unique apparel line to a broader audience.
LambdaVision Inc.
lambdavision.com | nicole.wagner@lambdavision.com
LambdaVision develops a protein-based artificial retina to restore vision for individuals suffering from retinal degeneration, offering hope for millions affected by blindness.
- Ask: LambdaVision is raising $7M to expand their manufacturing capabilities and fund crucial preclinical efficacy studies in preparation for clinical trials targeting retinitis pigmentosa patients.
Levo International
levointernational.org | cheiden@levointernational.org
Levo International harnesses hydroponic farming to promote food security, sustainability, and job creation, bringing hydroponic farms to urban and rural areas worldwide.
- Ask: Levo International seeks sponsors and partners to expand operations in Hartford and increase urban food production, aiming to grow over a million pounds of produce annually by 2027. They will be building a hydroponic farm on Homestead Avenue in Hartford, creating a highly visible opportunity for companies looking to make an impact in their community.
Mud Rat
mudratsurf.com | amelia.martin@uconn.edu
Mud Rat is introducing eco-friendly surfboards made from mushroom mycelium, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional surfboards.
- Ask: Mud Rat is raising $100,000 in a pre-seed round.
Nami Therapeutics Corp.
namitherapeutics.com | xiuling.lu@uconn.edu
Nami Therapeutics specializes in radiopharmaceuticals that precisely target and treat cancer, particularly in the peritoneal cavity, through nanotechnology-based solutions.
- Ask: Nami Therapeutrics is raising $7.5M to support their IND filing and are seeking introductions to FDA advisors and clinical partners to advance their therapeutic applications.
onewith
onewithswim.com | hayley@onewithswim.com
onewith is revolutionizing women’s swimwear with patent-pending designs that fit like seamless underwear, offering comfort and style in an otherwise saturated market.
- Ask: onewith is currently looking for smart ways to increase their bottom line from those who have experience in doing this as a direct-to-consumer Shopify brand.
Opti-Moo
linkedin.com/company/opti-moo | alaa.selim@uconn.edu
Opti-Moo is an agri-tech startup that provides precision irrigation solutions to help small-scale farmers optimize water use, leading to better crop yields.
- Ask: Opti-Moo is looking to raise $50,000 and connect with agricultural networks and legal experts to facilitate growth and adoption among farmers.
Particle-N
particle-n.com | al.kasani@uconn.edu
Particle-N has developed core-shell technology that reduces precious metal usage in industrial applications, promoting cost savings and environmental sustainability.
- Ask: Particle-N is currently raising a $500,000 pre-seed round.
PatentPlusAI
patentplus.ai | jake@patentplus.ai; massyl@patentplus.ai
PatentPlusAI’s AutoPat tool leverages artificial intelligence to generate patent search reports rapidly and comprehensively, simplifying the IP process for inventors and firms.
- Ask: PatentPlusAI is seeking connections with IP law firms, corporate IP departments, and research institutions to expand their client base and prepare for future funding rounds in 2025.
Phoenix Tailings
phoenixtailings.com | nick@phoenixtailings.com
Phoenix Tailings is innovating clean extraction of rare earth metals from mining waste, addressing resource scarcity with zero-waste processes.
- Ask: Phoenix Tailings is raising a Series B round, and they are seeking connections within the defense industry, including partnerships with Electric Boat and General Dynamics.
Puure
shoppuure.com | cmphillipsinc@gmail.com
Puure produces organic intimate apparel that emphasizes safety, comfort, and style using GOTS-certified organic cotton, promoting women’s health with toxin-free products.
- Ask: Puure is seeking $15,000 in non-dilutive funding for a targeted marketing campaign, pop-up events, and influencer partnerships to drive sales during the holiday season. Puure is also actively exploring partnerships and seeking mentorship from industry leaders to guide their strategic direction.
SedMed
sed-med.com | jeremy@sed-med.com
SedMed designs medical equipment that addresses toileting injuries by offering accessible toilet lifts, reducing healthcare costs for institutions and patients.
- Ask: SedMed is looking for investors and hospital connections, and is now offering a 25% tax credit for eligible investments on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Soleia Biosciences Inc.
soleiabio.com | soleiabio@gmail.com
Soleia Biosciences develops long-acting pain management solutions to improve post-surgical recovery without the need for opioids, addressing a critical gap in pain relief.
- Ask: Soleia Biosciences is raising $60,000, and seeking introductions to FDA consultants, clinical advisors, and industry experts to prepare for their pre-IND meeting with the FDA.
Sourcery
sourceryapp.org | sourceryapp@gmail.com
Sourcery provides a free, open-source archival document delivery app for researchers, allowing them to submit scan requests for academic use.
- Ask: Sourcery is seeking outreach with archivists, librarians, and researchers to build awareness and broaden the app’s user base.
Swipestorm
restoreapp.com | nathan@swipestorm.com
Swipestorm’s Restore app simplifies guest recovery for restaurants, transforming feedback into a continuous improvement tool for better service.
- Ask: Swipestorm is seeking connections with franchise owners and managers, especially those from McDonald’s and Raising Cane’s, to expand user adoption.
Therapeutic Bandage Products
therabandage.com | lsilbart@therabandage.com
Therapeutic Bandage Products offers a rapid tick-test device for detecting Lyme Disease pathogens, providing consumers with timely, actionable insights.
- Ask: Therapeutic Bandage Products is seeking connections in with CPG DTC branding/sales/marketing and veterinary market knowledge to support their 2026 go-to-market timeline.
Vamos
govamos.io | niko@govamos.io; luch@govamos.io
Vamos simplifies group travel for remote teams, providing a seamless platform for planning and booking company trips with personalized recommendations.
- Ask: Vamos is raising $250,000 pre-seed and looking for angel investors and beta users for early product testing. They are also seeking remote teams actively looking to plan their next company retreat to join our early access program.
Webquity
webquityed.com | contact@webquityed.com
Webquity customizes digital accessibility solutions, empowering users to improve their online experience with inclusive and adaptable tools.
- Ask: Webquity is seeking connections with educators and accessibility coordinators to test and refine their solutions.
WheelPrice
wheelprice.com | wally@wheelprice.com
WheelPrice is a marketplace for car enthusiasts to buy and sell second-hand automotive parts, creating a community for sharing automotive resources.
- Ask: WheelPrice is raising $550,000 pre-seed, and seeking partnerships and investors interested in marketplace, community, and automotive innovation.
Zemi
zemilabs.com | toribio@zemilabs.com
Zemi leverages smart clothing technology and AI to provide athletes with insights that optimize training and monitor muscle fatigue, enhancing performance.
- Ask: Zemi is raising $960,000 pre-seed, and looking for textile engineering connections, regulatory consultants, and full-stack developers to support product development.
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Do you have a startup company that you believe would benefit from our Summer Fellowship Accelerator — with the potential opportunity to advance to the 2025 Wolff New Venture Competition? We’re excited to officially open applications for summer 2025 programming! Please review our Summer Fellowship Accelerator homepage and application before applying to ensure that your startup idea/company qualifies.
LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR SUMMER 2025