The seven companies participating in this week’s TitletownTech Startup Draft Combine are developing laser-based communications systems, battery manufacturing technologies and other innovations.
The venture capital firm TitletownTech yesterday announced details for the companies taking part in the national pitch competition, which coincides with the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. These early-stage businesses will compete for a $1 million prize Thursday and Friday, with the winner being selected April 24 on Startup Draft Day, when the NFL Draft kicks off.
Finalists were chosen out of hundreds of applicants from across the country and will get the chance to meet and connect with dozens of corporate partners while developing their pitches and filming content for the draft day broadcast.
Craig Dickman is the managing partner for TitletownTech, which was formed by Microsoft and the Green Bay Packers.
“This is a community that shows up for its team, its businesses, and now, for the next generation of innovators,” he said in a statement. “The Combine gives founders a chance to experience the strength of the TitletownTech ecosystem and the collaborative spirit that defines how we do business here.”
Participating startups include:
*Ateios Systems of Indiana, which has created a platform for producing battery electrodes without relying on toxic solvents or “forever chemicals,” a group of harmful synthetic compounds called PFAS. The startup’s RaiCure coating product is meant to support “faster, cleaner and more cost-effective production” of advanced batteries.
*Avant Genomics of Virginia, which has an automated platform to “streamline” biopsy sample preparation. It aims to make precision cancer diagnostics “more accessible and scalable” but cutting costs, waste and processing time.
*CubeNexus of Illinois, which has created a method for embedding time and location information directly into sensor and spatial data. This has applications in aviation, defense, energy and telecommunications industries, according to an overview from the VC firm.
*Devii, a North Dakota company with a platform for improving enterprise data integration.
*Shelfmark of Pennsylvania, which has an AI-based visual inspection system for “middle-market” manufacturers. The overview says it supports fast deployment with minimal data needed for training, and aims to reduce defects while reducing labor costs and waste.
*SpaceRake, a Massachusetts business that makes miniaturized laser communications systems for use in satellites, drones and other “critical” small systems.
*Ubicept, a company with a presence in both Madison and Massachusetts that has a method for advanced image sensor data processing. It supports better camera performance “in all lighting conditions” for use in robotics, security and other applications.
See the release and listen to a recent podcast with Dickman on the competition.
