Inc. Magazine and Cox Business invited five New Orleans-based startups to pitch inspiring business plans at Get Started NOLA, a brand new competition hosted last night, March 25th, during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW).
Photo by @CoxLouisiana on Twitter.
“Get Started NOLA is a way for Cox Business and our partners to help promote innovative talent in our local business community,” said Leigh King, vice president of Cox Business in Louisiana. “Not only will contestants be eligible to win a grand prize, but our panel of experts will provide valuable advice and success tips that will assist them in launching their business.”
Drytunes, the waterproof wireless speaker with internal dry storage, won $5,000 cash and a Cox Business technology package valued at $5,000.
The product is a fully submersible– waterproof and dustproof– speaker system that plays music which can be heard above or below water. Drytunes uses some patented audio technology, such as their audio drivers, to build the speakers. The speakers themselves are patent-pending technology. The technology and custom designed user interface allows users to wirelessly connect through any bluetooth device.
The runner up for the evening was AxoSim Technologies, which has developed a “nerve-on-a-chip” technology for safer prescription drug development.
Other participants included: Earth Prime, a practically automatic recirculating hydroponic system for home-growing fresh produce; myMix Nutrition, an e-commerce platform that allows customers to fully customize ready-to-mix nutritional supplements, and Spike Me Not, a life-saving drink monitor that connects to your smartphone.
The startups were judged by Kris Frieswick, senior editor at Inc.com, Lauren Thom, founder and CEO at Fleurty Girl, Steve Rowley, Senior VP at Cox Business, and Chris Schultz, founder of Voodoo Ventures.
This coverage is brought to you by Peer Partners Interactive and LookFar.
