Another cycle of CED’s GRO Incubator will wrap up this week as the program’s ninth cohort—affectionately and sensibly dubbed “GRO9″—has its demo day.
For the past 12 weeks, the seven founders comprising the GRO9 cohort have been “building, refining, and accelerating” their startups, as well as forging connections with one another and with personal mentors. This Thursday, June 26th each founder will give a five-minute pitch in front of a live audience at Cary Founded, followed by a happy hour. (Please note that an RSVP is required.)
Read on for a brief look at each of the seven startups that will be presenting at Demo Day this week. (And if you’re curious about past cohorts, check out our recap of last fall’s GRO 8 Demo Day).
Artificially Digital (Durham)
Co-Founders: Ron Berry, Dr. Shams Syed
Artificially Digital delivers an advanced conversational AI platform that helps companies improve and streamline customer engagement while boosting efficiency and reducing costs. The startup was awarded an NC IDEA MICRO Grant in the spring of 2024. (See GrepBeat’s past coverage.)
Citrus Oncology (Cary)
Co-Founders: Afreen Shariff, MD, Aabid Shariff, PhD
When patients are being treated for cancer, there is often so much focus on the primary disease that side effects are swept under the rug. Citrus Oncology’s virtual platform connecting patients and providers with specialists to combat this problem, streamlining care for side effects and pre-existing conditions. The startup has previously pitched at CED’s Venture Connect and was runner-up in the Triangle’s Big Launch Challenge in 2024. (See GrepBeat’s past coverage.)
Scale Social AI (Raleigh)
Founder: Runbin Dong
Scale Social AI turns businesses’ existing customers into influencer marketers via SaaS AI solutions. Their platform invites customers to share authentic experiences, which are then compiled as AI-generated video reels ready for use as marketing material. The startup was part of the inaugural FCAT Fellowship cohort in 2024, pitched at CED’s Venture Connect this past spring, and was recently among the winners of The Big Pitch at the Seed The South Capital Summit in Charlotte. (See GrepBeat’s past coverage.)
Scyntek (Chapel Hill)
Co-Founders: Vignesh Sriram, Bryce Menichella, Karthik Ramakrishnan, Josh Henderson
Scyntek is using advanced photoplethysmography (PPG) sensing technology to bring about effective, non-invasive venous blood flow monitoring. This makes it possible to identify blood clots early and enables convenient, at-home detection of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)—which carries significant risk when undetected. The startup was recently awarded funding at the Wolf Den Pitch Competition and won 1st place at UNC’s Joan and Chester Luby Pitch Competition.
Selah Innovations (Triangle)
Co-Founders: Sebastian Heredia, Laura Nelson
Selah Innovations is a startup built by nurses and revolving around “The Bedet”—an affordable and ergonomic bedpan-slash-bedet hybrid that enhances hygiene, efficiency, and infection control for patients in both hospitals and long-term care settings. The startup also participated in the 2024 cohort of the Andrews Launch Accelerator.
Synap Biotech Inc. (Raleigh)
Co-Founders: Glenn Block, Nicholas Tubach
Synap Biotech is aiming to redefine neurological recovery for those affected by stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases, ushering in a new era of possibilities and enhancing overall quality of life.
Tessifi Medical (Triangle)
Tessifi Medical is pioneering innovative medical technologies with a particular focus on its flagship product, known as “the smartest catheter.” This product is designed to improve patient outcomes through efficiency, reliability, and ease of use.
