BUFFALO, N.Y. — The new class of winners of the 43North competition were crowned Thursday night.
Five companies were chosen to receive $1 million in funding as the grand prize winners of the eighth annual competition. The winners were selected a Shea's Performing Arts Center.
This year's winners include:
Agape Wellness of Rochester, NY is a wellness company that sparks meaningful conversation with personalized questions.
AMPAworks of Santa Monica, California presented a camera that could take full inventory of pharmacies, medical device companies, surgery centers, clinics, and hospitals by using A.I.
Mod Tech Labs of Austin, Texas helps companies create 3D content at scale.
Otrafy of Chicago, Illinois is an A.I.-powered SaaS supplier management platform, which has the ability to automate compliance and identify risks.
Phood from New York City is a company that integrates universities' card services to connect flex dollar accounts of students to the gig economy.
All of the winners will receive space in the Seneca One tower where 43North is headquartered.
“New York has become a model for fostering innovative economic growth and job creation, and programs like 43North provide essential investment and support to the breakthrough companies of tomorrow,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
“I congratulate the five winning companies for capturing this unique opportunity and look forward to seeing them move to Buffalo, hire staff, raise private capital, and invest in property and equipment. Their work will add to a region that is fast becoming an entrepreneurial powerhouse.”
Over 60% of 43North's portfolio of 59 companies maintain a material presence in Buffalo. Earlier this year 43North reported its portfolio companies collectively created more than 1,000 jobs in WNY.
“The word is out about Buffalo as a place to establish your business: We received over double the number of entries this year for this competition and we’re all witnessing firsthand the successes of the 43North portfolio. In turn, these high-growth companies are bringing new opportunities to our region for everyone. We're excited to share this journey with our year 8 cohort and welcome them to the Buffalo community,” 43North President Colleen Heidinger said.