Innovative Startups from South Carolina Named Finalists

News Summary

PulManage and Querri, two startups from South Carolina, are finalists in the Sloss.Tech/Ideas Pitch Competition, showcasing innovation in healthtech and emerging technologies. The competition offers significant financial prizes and support for early-stage companies, underscoring the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. The event will occur during the Sloss Tech conference, highlighting various technologies from the Southeastern United States aimed at fostering growth in the tech industry.

South Carolina – Two innovative startups from South Carolina, PulManage and Querri, have been named finalists in the inaugural Sloss.Tech/Ideas Pitch Competition. This competition features a substantial total prize pool of $75,000, highlighting the growing entrepreneurial spirit in the region.

The pitch competition will take place during the Sloss Tech conference, scheduled for June 25-27, 2025. PulManage, which specializes in healthtech and biotech, and Querri, which focuses on emerging technologies, will compete against other finalists from across the Southeastern United States.

For the best overall pitch, there is a grand prize of $50,000. In addition, competitors can aim for the $10,000 People’s Choice Award and three $5,000 category winner prizes, adding to the allure of the contest for aspiring tech entrepreneurs.

Each of the 16 finalists will receive various supports, including two complimentary admission badges for the Sloss Tech 2025 conference, a $250 travel stipend, coaching to prepare for the event, and the opportunity to feature their products during a Startup Showcase. This support is aimed at bolstering the businesses and helping them gain valuable exposure.

Both PulManage and Querri are relatively new ventures, having been founded after January 2020. Additionally, they have each raised no more than $5 million in total funding to date. This underscores the competition’s focus on early-stage companies with innovative ideas.

PulManage, founded by Amanda Clark, is particularly focused on improving the field of pulmonary diagnostics. The company aims to deliver remote, high-quality diagnostic services specifically for research and clinical trials, operating in a market that exceeds $1.3 billion. This innovative approach could significantly impact patient care by enhancing the capabilities of medical professionals in diagnosing and monitoring pulmonary conditions.

On the other hand, Querri, established by Dave Ingram, stands at the intersection of artificial intelligence and data management. The company utilizes natural language processing to assist organizations in converting complex, unstructured data into actionable insights, which can lead to informed decision-making and improved business outcomes.

The selection of these companies as finalists highlights the diverse spectrum of technology and innovation emerging in the Southeast. The applications were sourced from a competitive pool representing nine Southeastern states, showcasing a wide array of promising technologies across four key sectors: healthtech and biotech, emerging tech, agtech and foodtech, and mobility and transportation technology.

This competition has been made possible through funding from a grant by the Regions Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering economic and community development in the region. The foundation’s commitment supports entrepreneurs in realizing their visions and contributes to the broader economic landscape.

Organized by TechBirmingham, the competition aims to position Birmingham, Alabama, as a leading tech ecosystem in the Southern United States. Through initiatives like the Sloss.Tech/Ideas Pitch Competition, TechBirmingham seeks to cultivate a vibrant environment for technology startups and encourage collaboration among innovators.

In summary, the Sloss.Tech/Ideas Pitch Competition not only promises sizable financial incentives but also enhances the visibility of innovative companies like PulManage and Querri. As South Carolina’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, events like these are crucial for nurturing talent and fostering growth in the tech industry.

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