2 tech companies are Baltimore Homecoming 2023 Crab Tank finalists

Baltimore Homecoming’s Crab Tank competition, backed by M&T Bank, was established to provide a platform for small to medium-sized businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Baltimore. Designed to celebrate and uplift the city’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, the competition’s organizer announced its five finalists for 2023 earlier this week.

Prior Crab Tank victors include Femly CEO Arion Long, who won two checks during the 2019 cycle. This year, a pair of tech companies join two food-and-drink businesses and a manufacturer on the list for a chance at public recognition through this year’s voting process. Each finalist now has the opportunity to compete for the grand prize of $25,000 and the people’s choice award of $2,500.

The recent announcement coincides with the news of current Baltimore Homecoming Executive Director Robbin Lee stepping down from her role after a tenure of six years, which also included her initial position as deputy director. As Baltimore Homecoming embarks on a new chapter, a nationwide search is now underway to find a suitable leader who will carry on the mission of connecting Baltimore’s natives and alumni from across the country.

In October, at the Activate 2023 event, the finalists will present their pitches to a distinguished panel of to-be-announced judges with expertise in business and technology, as well as numerous influential Baltimore alumni from various parts of the country.

Let’s take a closer look at the companies participating in the 2023 Crab Tank pitch competition:

NextStep Robotics: Working at the forefront of stroke recovery, NextStep Robotics supports survivors, therapists and clinics with cost-effective robotic training solutions. Its decade-long work at the University of Maryland BioPark focuses on harnessing the power of neuroplasticity to drive lasting functional recovery for individuals with foot drop and upper extremity impairments.

ReBokeh: Founded by Rebecca Rosenberg, who drew on her experience with oculocutaneous albinism from a young age, ReBokeh is dedicated to developing assistive technology for individuals with moderate, uncorrectable vision impairments. Its mission is to create a world where everyone can see. The company’s various accomplishments led to Technical.ly making ReBokeh a 2023 RealLIST Startup.

Treehouse Juicery: Paving a way toward sustainable and accessible wellness for families, Treehouse Juicery crafts healthy juices that promote revitalization and renewal. The company is also a Made In Baltimore Home Run Accelerator and Loyola Baltipreneurs Accelerator cohort alumnus. Customers can subscribe to their offerings or opt for packages.

Hiatus Cheesecake: This wholesale cheesecake manufacturing company stands out for its commitment to using premium, organic ingredients. Hiatus Cheesecake, which boasts a nationwide deal with Kroger supermarkets, it operates from the B-More Kitchen, a co-working kitchen space in Mid-Govans.

Keppel and Kismet: Aspiring to become the go-to manufacturing partner for creative entrepreneurs with small and micro product-based businesses, Keppel and Kismet seek to enhance its access to the marketplace, thereby creating job opportunities and inspiring new entrepreneurs in and around Baltimore.