CED Announces Eighth GRO Incubator Cohort: Eight High-Potential Startups Set to Drive Innovation in Tech and Med Device Industries

Research Triangle Park, NC, August 29 , 2024 – The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is excited to announce the eight innovative companies that have been accepted into its GRO Incubator for the eighth cohort. This group includes seven technology companies and one medical device company, each selected for their potential to make a significant impact in their respective industries. The companies will participate in an intensive twelve-week program designed to accelerate their growth, culminating in a Demo Day scheduled for November 14, 2024.

“We’re excited to launch this new cohort in the GRO Incubator,” said Preet Mankad, Startup Programs Lead at CED. “These startups have the potential for ground-breaking innovations, from advanced AI solutions to pioneering medical devices. I’m eager to watch their growth over the coming weeks and look forward to presenting their achievements at Demo Day”.

Meet the companies:

Brainery Labs is a software-as-a-service company that uses AI to create intelligent tutoring solutions, dynamically assessing a student’s knowledge and gaps to deliver customized lessons that enhance understanding.

Golgi is a software-as-a-service web application designed to modernize how pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals collaborate, streamlining connections for successful drug development. The platform will expand networks to increase access to clinical trials, including for patients in underserved communities.

Linear Detection specializes in developing advanced fire detection systems for the energy sector, with a focus on early detection in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Their AI-driven technology, developed in collaboration with the University of Maryland, offers comprehensive detection over several miles, significantly reducing response times and virtually eliminating false alarms.

Melon is a dual-sided marketplace platform focused on death care, helping the bereaved find funeral venues, vendors, and services. Similar to Zola for weddings, Melon aims to eventually support other life events like divorce and miscarriage but currently specializes in funeral planning and estate resolution.

Murmuratto is a workflow automation software-as-a-service platform designed to make business improvement and innovation inclusive by engaging employees to tackle company challenges. It helps companies boost competitiveness and performance by driving sustainability targets, streamlining operations, and enhancing quality and regulatory compliance in life sciences, among other areas.

NearbyNearby: One Search, Endless Connections—your gateway to everything local. Easily find nearby businesses, parks, trails, events, and more, all in one seamless search, eliminating the need for multiple searches and outdated information.

No Show Hero bridges the gap between businesses with last-minute openings and clients seeking immediate services. It transforms cancellations into opportunities, helping businesses stay productive while offering clients flexibility and spontaneity in accessing appointment-based services.

VimaCept’s mission is to build lower extremity diagnostic and therapeutic devices, with a particular focus on neuropathy-associated sensory and functional impairments.

These companies were selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represent a wide range of innovative solutions poised to address key challenges in the Tech and Med Device industries. Over the course of the program, founders will engage in targeted curriculum sessions, collaborate with peers, and receive personalized coaching from experienced founders and operators.

Creating equitable access for all startups

As part of our commitment to equitable access, CED provided scholarships to support startups in need. We are dedicated to expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and would greatly appreciate any contributions to the GRO Scholarship Fund. If you’re interested in supporting future startups, find out how you can get involved.

Programming Details

GRO will offer weekly classes delivered by talented speakers and other foundational learning elements. Participants of GRO will also receive 1:1 coaching from industry leaders and entrepreneurs and complete assignments that will help them launch their ventures.

The program will conclude with Demo Day, on November 14th, where participating companies will have the chance to get up on stage for a 5-minute pitch to the audience. Demo Day aims to serve as an introduction for our companies into the wider RDU ecosystem of entrepreneurs and innovators.

For more information about the program, visit the CED website.

About CED (Council for Entrepreneurial Development)

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development was formed in 1984 by a group of business leaders wanting to empower the successful creation and growth of entrepreneurial companies in the North Carolina region. CED acts as the connective center for all of this to happen. Through high-touch support, education, access to capital, and crucial connections, CED brings entrepreneurs together with the optimal resources needed to turn a new company into a success story. For more information go to www.cednc.org.

Media should contact Preet Mankad for more information.