12 Loudoun Businesses Named As Finalists To Compete In Pitch Event For $40K Top Prize

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County officials have announced the 12 finalists for its annual Innovation Challenge. The finalists will compete in a live pitch event and the winning company will receive $40,000.

The event is organized by the the Loudoun Economic Development Authority in partnership with Loudoun Department of Economic Development. Officials said the competition recognizes innovative local companies who are making strides in their respective fields.

The final stage of the competition will occur on Sept. 24. There will be a total of six grants available totaling $150,000.

Here are the 12 finalists:

• Kappa AgTech, LLC
• Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery
• Worm Works, LLC
• Black Hydrovac, LLC
• Flying Ship Company
• Fuel & Tire Saver Systems Company, LLC
• Birdie Everything, LLC
• FireBot Suppression
• Periscope Aviation
• Capango
  
• CodeLock Inc
• Gigasheet

One business will receive a $10,000 People's Choice Award. Voting for the award is open now and will continue until 11:45 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Other businesses who win individual categories will receive $25,000.

For each idea presented by the companies, judges will consider its feasibility and how the company plans to implement it.

Buddy Rizer is Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director. "Loudoun County is home to an entrepreneurial environment that encourages and nurtures innovative concepts by established businesses and startups throughout all stages of the business cycle," Rizer said in a news release. "The distinguished participants in this year’s Innovation Challenge represent some of Loudoun’s finest entrepreneurs, providing transformational ideas within their fields."

Danelle Hayer is the Loudoun Small Business and Entrepreneurship Manager. "We are so impressed by the quality of applications we received this year," Hayer said. "Regardless of who wins this year, we are confident that each of these finalists will continue to progress as thought leaders in Loudoun County."

More information about the Loudoun Innovation Challenge is available online.