Meet the latest batch of Delaware EDGE Grant recipients

Gov. John Carney and Delaware Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell gathered with members of the entrepreneurship community at 2021 grant recipient Sweets & Treats Studio in Dover on Wednesday afternoon to announce the latest Delaware startups selected. Following a competitive process, five STEM startups will be awarded with grants of up to $100,000 for eligible expenses, and five other small businesses will be awarded up to $50,000.

To be eligible, businesses must be less than five years old, employ no more than 10 employees and do at least 51% of their business in Delaware.

“With more than 27,000 small businesses in Delaware that employ more than half of our state’s workers and account for nearly $14 billion in wages, small businesses are the backbone of Delaware’s economy,” Secretary of State Jeff Bullock said in a statement. “The EDGE grant program provides these creative, driven entrepreneurs with the capital they need to start or grow their business and reach their full potential.”

The grant program launched in 2019 and has hosted six rounds since, awarding $4.2 million to 68 Delaware small businesses.

This year’s list of winners includes the maker of an AI-based software for cell and gene therapy, a fully autonomous food market, an apiary, and a 2022 RealLIST Startups honoree.

Read about the grant recipients below, with company bios and fund usage info from the Division of Small Business:

STEM Class

A. I. Whoo (Newark)

A.I. Whoo will use its EDGE Grant funds to develop mobile app software to help clinicians evaluate a patients’ walking patterns to help diagnose walking disorders remotely, and to market to clinicians.

Rotulu (Camden)

Rotulu is developing an app that connects parents and schools with real-time school bus information, including alerts and two way messaging. Funds will be used to continue to develop the app and integrate it with Android and Apple devices and enhance existing cloud infrastructure.

All Azimuth Solutions (Magnolia)

All Azimuth Solutions is developing the electronic Community Advanced Air Mobility Toolkit, known as eCAT. Funds will be used for eCAT software development and deployment, association fees, a demonstration booth, marketing materials, advertising and website improvements.

BioCurie (Wilmington)

BioCurie is developing AI-based software for cell and gene therapy production that will allow for more efficient, safe and affordable therapies that are safe, effective, and affordable. Funds will be used for the commercialization of its first product for gene therapy manufacturing.

Voice 4 Impact (Wilmington)

Voice 4 Impact develops sustainable technology solutions for communities. Its patented technology connects people, communities, and data to increase awareness, create greener traffic solutions and build equitable funding goals. Funds will be used to staff, develop, and scale the company’s platform to serve more utilities, tolling and transportation facilities in order to expand the company’s reach.

Entrepreneur Class

BlackDog Behavior and Training LLC (Wilmington)

BlackDog provides accessible behavioral support to Delaware dog owners and supports the community through advocacy, education, and access to resources. Funds will be used for BlackDog’s expansion into a more sustainable operating model and standalone space for training activities.

Sassy Bee Honey LLC (Bellefonte)

Sassy Bee Honey is a certified naturally grown apiary that curates handmade products to increase accessibility to locally-sourced products in Delaware. Its micro apiaries use small clusters of bee colonies in several locations. Funds will be used to renovate a 400-square-foot space and purchase more efficient equipment in order to increase production capacity.

Nourish Markets (Wilmington)

Nourish Markets is Delaware’s first 100% autonomous market. Its mission is to make healthy food, snack, and beverage options accessible, convenient, and affordable to all consumers while employing industry-leading technologies. Funds will be used to purchase frictionless hardware equipment so the company can expand and open a second location in Wilmington.

Rail Haus (Dover)

Rail Haus aims to be the first year-round beer garden in the state. Funds will be used to purchase outdoor heaters, fire pits, trees, sod, and a sprinkler system.

Pink Electrical Services (Clayton)

Pink Electrical Services provides electrical services to Delaware businesses and homeowners. Funds will be used to purchase up to two work trucks which would enable the company to hire a crew comprised of electricians and journeymen.