RAMP welcomes 5 startups into Fall 2023 Cohort

From Fairlawn to Fairfax and from bioinformatics to bioeconomies, RAMP is pleased to welcome five startup companies into a Fall 2023 cohort that represents cutting edge health and life science ventures from across the Commonwealth.

“We’re thrilled that our program is attracting such a diverse array of innovative entrepreneurs from all over Virginia,” said Sarah Spotswood, Managing Director. “It’s a testament to the health and vibrancy of the Roanoke-Blacksburg technology ecosystem.”

RAMP will host a “Meet the Cohort,” open to the public, on October 12 at 5 p.m. at The Shenandoah Club in Roanoke. Cohort members are:

• Oak Bioinformatics, LLC (Fairfax) develops software that helps researchers and consumers save time, effort and money in analyzing genomic variants. Consumers are able to know more about themselves with the help of the company’s DNA exploration software.
• Performance Medical Technologies (Charlottesville) is a clinical data science and product development company focused on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, a naturally reoccurring coenzyme that plays an essential role in metabolism, mitochondrial functioning, and overall cellular health. 
• LymphaVibe (Roanoke) provides wearable solutions tailored for at-home care of patients with lymphedema. LymphaVibe’s device utilizes motors that provide targeted customized vibration mimicking the techniques used in manual lymphatic drainage massages and can be controlled through an app that offers customization options, enabling clinicians to prescribe personalized treatments to patients as needed. 
• Good Foods Group, LLC (Dublin) seeks to manufacture functional foods – bars, shakes, chews and coffee pods – that contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a substance that helps individuals maintain weight, build muscle, and lose fat. CLA currently comes in large capsules that are hard to swallow, leading to low compliance and missing doses. 
• MacroVation, LLC (Fairlawn) designs sustainable, innovative biomaterials in promotion of a green, circular bioeconomy, such as additives for commodity plastics that render them biodegradable after use, and 3D printable materials derived from seaweed for the manufacture of medical devices (syringes, laboratory equipment, prosthetic foams, etc.).

Since its founding in 2017, RAMP – the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program serving western and central Virginia – has accelerated 43 companies that collectively employ more than 600 people and sell products and services to all U.S. states and internationally. 

RAMP is an affiliate of Verge, a collaborative strategic alliance that includes the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council established to grow the region’s innovation economy. Jess Edwards, Verge’s Director of Innovation Studio for a new biotechnology incubator in Roanoke that launches in 2024, will lead the Fall Cohort as interim director of RAMP.

During the 12-week cohort program, startups receive $20,000 in non-equity funding, expert 1:1 mentoring, and free office space with high-speed internet in downtown Roanoke’s Gill Building. RAMP alumni also receive two years of free membership in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council; one year of membership in Virginia BIO; three years of membership in the Shenandoah Club; membership in GAN for the lifetime of the company; discounted office space; and three additional years of ongoing support through Exit RAMP –  a suite of ever-growing and developing coaching and support services.

The Fall Cohort will conclude with “Demo Day,” scheduled for December 6, when the entrepreneurs will present their companies to the region’s business leaders and investors.