University of Hawaii’s XLR8UH debuts fourth cohort

The University of Hawai’i selected 12 teams as finalists for the fourth cohort of its XLR8UH startup venture accelerator. The pioneering enterprises in this round include: paddleboards for the disabled, organic cookies using locally sourced ingredients, an app for concussion patients and an online platform for students to search for scholarships. These teams have the potential to receive $25,000 to $50,000 for completing the program and up to $100,000 in follow-on funding. XLR8UH is a partnership between UH and Sultan Ventures, which provides their startup investment expertise to the program.

“XLR8UH is integral for the continued growth and development of our entrepreneurial community,” said Vassilis L. Syrmos, UH vice president for research and innovation. “This program, a key component of the Hawai’i Innovation Initiative, supports some of the most forward-thinking, globally relevant, yet locally resonant companies in Hawai’i.”

The teams are currently in the first phase of XLR8UH’s intensive 15-week mentorship and investment program, where they will be assessing and developing their business models. Teams selected to advance to the second phase will immerse themselves into further business development efforts and in the third phase they will develop and practice their pitch to investors. Throughout the entire program, the teams will have access to valuable mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.

“With this cohort we are complementing our focus on tech-based startups with more product-based companies than in previous sessions,” said Meli James, program director of XLR8UH. “We feel these are potential high-growth opportunities leveraging Hawaiʻi’s brand equity.”

XLR8UH Cohort 4

Algorithm Hub, end-to-end development platform that allows users to create, share, and rapidly deploy algorithms.

Cropsticks, a new and innovative twist on eco-friendly, sustainable chopsticks.

Cultur, The World’s Event Guide allowing users to discover and promote events, anywhere in real time.

HealthTech Apps, apps to help athletes, doctors and parents identify concussions and enhance recovery programs.

Jetset ESL, ed-tech solution connecting language learners from foreign countries to native English speakers.

KinetiCor, the most advanced and cost effective Prospective Motion Correction technology in the healthcare industry.

KMB Co, patent-pending paddleboards that provide disabled persons the athletic and therapeutic experience of water sports.

The Maui Cookie Lady, specialty crafted gourmet cookies made on Maui, with locally sourced, organic ingredients.

Medsentec, wearable pressure and temperature-sensing device decreasing instances of pressure ulcers for paraplegics.

PresentUS, digital booking platform connecting talent and entertainers directly with their clients.

Scholar’s App, online platform for students to discover and apply for multiple scholarships through one simple application.

SNR Analytics, patented big data analytics that generate biomarker signatures for ovarian and liver cancer.