GILLETTE, Wyo. — Five businesses are vying for a share of a $50,000 seed fund in the second annual Energy Capital Start-Up Challenge. Energy Capital Economic Development announced the finalists Wednesday, each bringing unique solutions to the table:
- Inflatrix, Mark Thoreson: A device designed to revolutionize dental fillings by reducing the time, discomfort and difficulty of the procedure for back teeth.
- Power Theory, Isaac Almejo-Ponce and Luke Macy: Predictive energy software that analyzes building data to identify opportunities for reducing energy consumption.
- Root to Shoot, Nathan Roma: A microgreens farm offering fresh, local produce year-round while using less water and electricity than traditional farming methods.
- The Blind Wrench, Adam and Briar Feist: A mobile mechanic service providing onsite repairs for everything from small engines and power sport equipment to automobiles and trailers.
- White Hat, Dan Knievel and Nick Boltin: A security firm specializing in ransomware protection and incident response for companies in critical infrastructure and high-risk sectors.
These finalists were selected from a pool of applicants by a judging panel of entrepreneurs, bankers, educators and senior managers from northeast Wyoming. Each finalist will now prepare for the Energy Start-Up Challenge Pitch Night on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Gillette College Technical Education Center, 3251 S. 4-J Road in Gillette.
The event is free and open to the public, with livestreaming available for those who cannot attend in person, a news release states.
Three winners will be announced at a reception following the presentations. Each winner will receive a $5,000 award on Pitch Night, with the balance of the seed fund allocation made in a follow-up review that will happen in February 2025.
