PROVIDENCE, MAY 15, 2019 – MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, today announced the 25 early-stage startups that have been accepted into the 2019 MassChallenge Rhode Island program. Representing the most-promising solutions across industries, this year’s cohort was selected from more than 250 applications from 25 U.S. states and 39 countries around the world.
“In partnership with major stakeholders across the state, we are unleashing a new model for economic and community transformation which will help Rhode Island fortify its entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Hope Hopkins, Program Director of MassChallenge Rhode Island. “These 25 startups bring a tangible energy to that effort. It is exciting that Rhode Island is becoming known as a destination for startups from around the world, in addition to helping homegrowth startups scale.”
MassChallenge Rhode Island has activated a community of investors, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, academics, and more to evaluate applications based on each startup’s ability to demonstrate impact. Of the 25 startups selected:
- 36 % are high tech
- 24 % are general, retail and consumer goods
- 20 % are healthcare and life sciences
- 16 % are social impact
- 4 % are cleantech and energy
Reflective of the organization’s efforts to foster a more inclusive ecosystem, MassChallenge is also proud to share that 56% of the Rhode Island cohort has at least one female founder.
As part of the 2019 MassChallenge Rhode Island cohort, startups will have unrivaled access to a powerful network of expert mentors, tailored curriculum, free office space, and top corporate partners – all at zero cost and for zero equity. In addition to support from the Rhode Island innovation community, startups in the 2019 MassChallenge Rhode Island accelerator will also have the opportunity to tap into MassChallenge’s global network. At the culmination of the program on October 24, these startups will also compete for shares of more than $100K in cash prizes at the MassChallenge Awards ceremony.
Click to see all of the companies that are part of the MassChallenge Rhode Island 2019 Cohort