CED welcomes nine companies into its ninth incubator cohort. The cohort features a split between life sciences and technology companies, reflecting the region’s strength in both sectors.
Research Triangle Park, NC, April 2025 – The Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) announced the nine new companies that have been accepted into its GRO Incubator. The participating companies represent a diverse array of industries, ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to artificial intelligence and software. The twelve-week program will culminate in a Demo Day scheduled for June 26. The cohort is sponsored by Wells Fargo. The companies were selected from a large pool of applications through a screening process to ensure company and program fit.
“Our team is thrilled to welcome this next group of entrepreneurs to the program,” said Preet Mankad, Startup Programs Lead. “Over the coming twelve weeks, these companies will sharpen their skills through a focused curriculum, build connections within their cohort, and benefit from personalized coaching. Watching their progress culminate at Demo Day is always a proud moment for us.”
The nine companies are:
- Artificially Digital – delivers an advanced conversational AI platform that enhances customer engagement, streamlines interactions, and boosts efficiency while reducing costs.
- Citrus Oncology – a virtual platform that connects cancer patients, providers, and employers with specialists to manage treatment side effects and pre-existing conditions through a multi-specialty approach to supportive care.
- Environmental Answers – on a mission to answer relevant environmental questions by providing innovative service-based solutions to support the nation’s climate readiness
- Rad Systems – offers powerful IDE products and intuitive business management software, providing solutions for accounting, payroll, ERP, CRM, payments, and expert systems to streamline operations and drive efficiency
- Scale Social AI – creates SaaS AI marketing solutions to help businesses effortlessly acquire and retain customers. Their Reel Moments™ AI-generated videos harness the authentic voice of your customers to bring in more business.
- Scyntek – has developed an innovative at-home deep vein thrombosis (DVT) detection system that leverages advanced photoplethysmography (PPG) sensing technology to monitor venous blood flow noninvasively and identify clots early.
- Selah Innovations – is a nurse-led healthcare startup revolutionizing patient care with The Bedet—an affordable, ergonomic bedpan-bidet hybrid that enhances hygiene, efficiency, and infection control in hospitals and long-term care settings.
- Synap Biotech – aims to redefine neurological recovery, ushering in a new era of possibilities and enhancing overall quality of life.
- Tessifi Medical – pioneers innovative medical technologies, including its flagship product—the smartest catheter—designed to enhance patient outcomes through efficiency, reliability, and ease of use.
CED would like to thank Wells Fargo for their support of both the Spring and Fall GRO Programs for 2025.
“Wells Fargo has a long history of supporting entrepreneurship across North Carolina through universities and startup programs, and we are proud to continue that support through CED,” said Michael Crooke, Executive Director, Commercial Banking at Wells Fargo and active CED Board Member.
“We believe tech and life science innovation help drive economic growth in the Triangle. We’re honored to support the GRO Program and help provide an incredible opportunity of learning and development for the budding companies in the upcoming cohort.”
Creating equitable access for all startups
As part of an organization-wide focus on providing equitable access to programming, CED awarded three scholarships to eliminate financial requirements and create access for startups that otherwise would be unable to participate. We’d like to recognize Wells Fargo for their contribution to the GRO Scholarship Fund. Learn more about sponsoring a company.
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, June 26, 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 Triangle ecosystem of entrepreneurs and innovators.
For more information about the program, head here.
About CED (Center for Entrepreneurial Development)
The Center 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.
For interview requests, company introductions, or questions about our GRO Program, media should contact Preet Mankad.
