Startup 302: Delaware’s Launchpad for Diverse Founders

Delaware’s innovation ecosystem continues to attract attention as the fifth annual Startup302 competition showcases emerging talent from across the country. Coordinated by the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), this pitch contest supports tech-enabled startups led by underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. 

From more than 100 applicants, just nine finalists competed to win over $115,000 in non-dilutive grants and gain invaluable access to advisors, investors, and Delaware’s vibrant startup community.

Supporting Underrepresented Startup Talent

Startup302 offers more than funding—it provides critical exposure within a community that values inclusivity and innovation. For early-stage founders who are often overlooked by traditional venture networks, this competition is a chance to gain visibility and build momentum. Finalists spanned three high-growth sectors:

Fintech 

Grad Village (Wilmington, DE) 

Roam (Everett, WA) 

Innocuous AI (New York, NY) 

Environnemental Impact 

Crystron Materials (Wilmington, DE) 

Kipostech (Columbia, PA) 

rotate8 (San Gregorio, CA) 

Life Sciences 

Aeromedical Innovations (Felton, DE) 

Fetal Therapy Technologies (Baltimore, MD) 

Vasowatch (Philadelphia, PA) 

Each finalist pitched their company at a sector-focused Delaware event—offering not just funding, but connections and credibility.

FinTech Innovation Takes the Stage

FinTechs & Fairways, held on April 8–10 and hosted by the Center for Advancing Financial Equity (CAFE) accelerator, spotlighted the fintech finalists in a dynamic setting that blended startup energy with investor insight. Roam, a next-generation HOA management platform, took first place. Wilmington-based Grad Village, connecting college students with private donors, earned second and Innocuous AI, focused on simplifying data management and collection for financial institutions, placed third. 

Startups gained not only grant funding but exposure to national investors and mentors. The event also introduced six additional fintech startups from the CAFE spring accelerator cohort: DubPrime, Goodtrust, Spare, Starlight, TAZI AI, and Trackstar AI.

CleanTech Innovation Ecosystem Summit 

On April 24, the IS: CleanTech 2025 summit at The Innovation Space in Wilmington brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to explore the future of clean technology and sustainability. This premier half-day event featured insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and a showcase of groundbreaking solutions in climate tech and clean energy.  

A highlight of the summit was the Startup302 Environmental Impact Finals, where finalists Crystron Materials, KiposTech, and rotate8 presented their innovative approaches to pressing environmental challenges. KiposTech, with its patent-pending hardware system that merges bioaerosol science with advanced data analytics to enhance biosecurity, emerged as the winner. Rotate8, which offers a solar-powered farm automation suite to streamline farming operations, took second place. Crystron Materials took home third place with its sustainable battery technology.

Life Sciences Finalists Take the Stage at Delaware’s DNA Conference

The final round of Startup302 took place at Delaware’s DNA Life Science Conference  on May 8 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The event brought together biotech leaders, researchers, startups, and investors to celebrate Delaware’s growing life sciences sector—and to spotlight some of the most promising startups in the region.  

In a close competition, Fetal Therapy Technologies earned first place for its groundbreaking device that enables surgeons to perform corrective procedures on fetuses in utero. Second place went to Vasowatch for its real-time fetal monitoring system that detects postpartum hemorrhage during childbirth, while Delaware-based Aeromedical Innovations secured third for its wireless patient monitoring solution designed to replace traditional hospital cables.

solution designed to replace traditional hospital cables. 

Fueling Growth and Connections

Startup302 finalists receive travel stipends and can earn between $3,000 and $25,000 in grants, with bonus incentives for Delaware-based startups. But the deeper value lies in long-term relationships—with fellow founders, investors, and future partners. 

Since 2020, 583 companies have applied for the competition, and 61 companies were awarded $926,500 in non-diluted unrestricted grants which further strengthens Delaware’s reputation as a home for equitable innovation. Sponsors including Bronze Valley, Chase, DuPont, Discover Bank, Delaware Biotechnology Institute, FMC, Highmark Delaware, and The Mill help ensure the program continues to grow. 

➡️ Learn more about the competition and meet the finalists at Startup302.