News

RAMP Welcomes 5 Startups into Spring 2023 Cohort

From designing battery electric spotter tractors to developing individualized neuro-oncology treatments for aggressive gliomas, the five companies accepted into RAMP’s Spring 2023 Cohort span the gamut of technology, health science and life science innovation.

“We are thrilled to welcome these inspiring entrepreneurs and help them accelerate their vision,” said RAMP director Lisa Garcia. “Not only are these companies working in fields vital to our economic, environmental and physical health, their success and growth will enhance the technology ecosystem of western Virginia.”

  • Cairina, Inc., located in Salem, provides technologies that non-invasively measure biologic fluid flow using clinically standard imaging protocols for personalized medicine applications.
  • Code One Training Solutions, of Roanoke, offers a tech-driven, revolutionary innovation for American Heart Association CPR certification.
  • MOVA Technologies, of Pulaski, specializes in air capture technology applying sustainable, circular principles to selectively capture and harvest air contaminants as valuable byproducts that can be sold and reused.
  • SchedulerHUB, based in Roanoke, is an intuitive scheduling and analytics platform for manufacturers to manage complex production projects.
  • Trova Commercial Vehicles, Inc., located in Pulaski, develops battery electric spotter tractors (designed to move trailers and cargo containers around ports, truck terminals and distribution centers) as well as class 8 diesel to electric conversion kits.

The community is invited to “Meet the Cohort” on April 13 at the Shenandoah Club in Roanoke. At the completion of RAMP’s 12-week cohort, the entrepreneurs will present to the community at “Demo Day,” tentatively scheduled for June 8.

As part of the RAMP-in-Residence experience, startups receive $20,000 in non-equity funding, expert 1:1 mentoring, and free office space with high-speed internet in downtown Roanoke’s Gill Building. RAMP alumni also receive two years of free membership in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council; one year of membership in Virginia BIO; three years of membership in the Shenandoah Club; membership in GAN for the lifetime of the company; discounted office space following completion of the 12-week program; and three additional years of ongoing support through Exit RAMP – a suite of ever-growing and developing coaching and support services.

Founded in 2017, RAMP (Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program) has accelerated 38 companies to date that collectively employ more than 600 people and sell products and services to all 50 U.S. states and internationally. RAMP is an affiliate of Verge, a collaborative strategic alliance that includes the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council established to grow the region’s innovation economy.

 

Recent News

09/22/2023

State public health laboratory, Henrico County Schools launch pilot program to promote life science career

More than 50 Henrico County high school students and teachers joined scientists from Virginia’s public health and environmental laboratory Wednesday to kick off an innovative program that brings together private and government scientists and experts, business and nonprofit leaders, and public schools to explore ways to create a pipeline of talent to fuel Virginia’s growing

09/21/2023

Climate Tech Startup ThermaGEL Innovations’ Breakthrough Aerogels Join the Challenge to Save Half-Gigaton of C02 Emissions Each Year

In the fight against climate change, properly insulating homes and buildings can significantly raise energy efficiency and indoor air quality while lowering carbon dioxide emissions. A startup company, spun out of research at Virginia Commonwealth University, is commercializing what it calls a breakthrough in low-cost insulation materials. ThermaGEL Innovations has developed insulation material using aerogels,

09/20/2023

Charlottesville healthy sugar innovator Bonumose raises $2M

Bonumose Inc., a Charlottesville startup specializing in table sugar alternatives, has raised $2 million toward a $10 million funding round after German flavor and fragrances producer Symrise AG signed a minority investment agreement with the company. “The strategic investment from Symrise is part of a larger funding round that will be used for increasing sales,