RAMP, the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program, just showcased its latest cohort at the Shenandoah Club in Roanoke. This fall’s group features five startups aiming to disrupt their industries with innovative ideas.
Milkmade is here to support breastfeeding mothers. Founder Jenny Lynn Walding created a smart device that measures breast milk in real-time. She got the idea when her baby struggled to gain weight despite continuous breastfeeding. Walding’s smart nipple shield collects data on milk flow and helps connect mothers with lactation consultants. This could make a real difference in breastfeeding success rates.
Back to Eden is another startup focused on infant nutrition. Co-founder Eric Sanctuary, a stay-at-home dad, and his wife, a scientist at Virginia Tech, aim to create a whole-food-based infant formula. Their goal is to cater to infants’ unique needs by tracking age and tolerance, promoting a healthy alternative for babies.
Addressing education, Douglas Pitzer founded Strokes of Genius to tackle gaps in learning highlighted by the pandemic. His Immersive Literacy Learners Platform aims to replace traditional testing methods that often fail to engage students. The platform seeks to partner with schools and provide insights into student performance.
In the tech realm, Anthro Systems Ltd. is working on custom 3D-printed bicycle helmets. Co-founder Will Makowski noted that ill-fitting helmets can raise head injury risks significantly—by up to 52%. His team’s process scans the rider’s head to create a perfect fit. This not only enhances safety but could encourage more people to cycle with confidence.
The Music Advocacy Project, led by Campbell Bloomfield, is using AI to improve the live music scene. Bloomfield aims to analyze various factors, from ticket sales to weather, to help venues and artists increase attendance. With 67% of independent music venues in Virginia struggling to turn a profit, this initiative aims to support a vital part of the local culture.
Each startup in the RAMP program receives $20,000 in funding and critical mentorship. Since its inception, RAMP has seen over 50 companies complete its program, with 80% still operational. Alumni have collectively raised $28 million and supported more than 700 jobs locally.
The fall cohort will wrap up on December 3 with Demo Day, where these startups will pitch their ideas to potential investors. RAMP continually fosters innovation in the region, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Interestingly, past RAMP cohorts have included companies that transformed ideas into successful businesses, showing that community support can be pivotal for new ventures. As the local economy evolves, programs like RAMP play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
For further insights into small business growth, check out this [report by the U.S. Small Business Administration](https://www.sba.gov). It provides valuable statistics and insights into how small businesses impact the economy.
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