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SCORE Announces Winners of its Small Business Pitch Competition in Houston

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HOUSTON, Oct. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, announced the three winners of its 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition held on Oct. 3 at Houston Community CollegeWest Houston. The event was the last in a series of five nationwide pitch competitions, offering small business owners the opportunity to showcase their presentation and selling skills to industry experts, win funding and gain valuable knowledge and mentorship, all at no cost. More than 2,200 small business owners applied to participate.

The three winning businesses in the Houston pitch event are:

First Place:
Crystal Lister – Mommy and Me: The Listers (Cypress, TX)
Mommy and Me: The Listers is dedicated to delivering engaging STEM education to children and families, especially in underserved communities. Innovative programs, including interactive workshops and events, aim to foster curiosity and imagination in young learners. Their flagship initiative, the STEM Carnival, combines fun with education and provides hands-on experiences that inspire a love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Crystal earned the top prize of $20,000 for her pitch. She plans to use her prize to finance the creation of a mobile classroom to deliver STEM education directly to underserved communities and expand existing programs. In addition, the funds will support investments in technology, specialized equipment and software to improve STEM program delivery and user experience, and to develop a scalable business model to ensure ongoing support for educational initiatives in underserved areas.

Second Place:
Khaliah Guillory – Nap Bar, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Nap Bar offers a unique rest and wellness experience designed to boost productivity and well-being. Nap Bar provides comfortable, sustainable sleep suites, including organic mattresses and linens, within a serene environment. Their services cater to professionals, entrepreneurs and anyone in need of rest, offering pop-up napping services, VR experiences, and sleep consultations to help combat sleep deprivation and improve overall performance. Khaliah earned $10,000 for her pitch, which she plans to use toward the expansion of sleep solutions including the installation of sleep suites in airports, pop-up sleep pods and development of new products. The fund will also support brand awareness, resources and marketing to promote their commitment to wellness and sustainability, as well as strategic partnerships to scale operations and reach new markets.

Third Place:
Jacky Chao – Creator Camp (Katy, TX)
Creator Camp provides innovative educational experiences for children aged 6-13, focusing on creativity and technology. Offering in-person camps in various locations, participants learn skills in filmmaking, animation, music production and game development. The program emphasizes collaboration and hands-on learning, ensuring that kids gain valuable knowledge in a supportive environment. Jacky received $5,000 for his pitch. He will use the prize toward website optimization to further improve user experience, making it easier for parents to browse and register for camps. The prize will also go toward marketing initiatives to increase visibility, attract more participants and expand the camp programs.

“Congratulations to the winners of our 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition event in Houston, the grand finale of our nationwide series,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. “It takes ingenuity, passion and dedication for small business owners to succeed, and we’ve seen those qualities shine throughout this competition again and again.” 

As part of the pitch competition, contestants were matched with one of SCORE’s free, expert business mentors to guide them to prepare and deliver a compelling pitch.

Judging criteria included the effectiveness of the presentation, brand identification, uniqueness and viability of the product or service, the thoroughness of the business plan, scalability and any sustainability or social impact. Financials were also assessed on overall potential.

Shellie Peters, Head of Benefits and Charitable Giving at Global Atlantic, said, “Global Atlantic is honored to be the premier sponsor of SCORE’s pitch competition in Houston. We commend all the participants for their bold ideas and hard work, and we’re excited to support these local small businesses and entrepreneurs who will play a crucial role in strengthening Houston’s diverse and resilient economy.”

The 10 finalists from the Houston event also included:

David Norec – Fit Lit (McAllen, TX)Alexavier Shin – Cleaning SATX, LLC (San Antonio, TX)Wendy Dawson – Incuentro LLC (Houston, TX)Chibueze Ihenacho – ARMR Systems, Inc. (Baltimore, MD)Tammy Marshall – La Lueur Health & Wellness (Desoto, TX)Sergio Espinoza – Manka Inc. (Lynn, MA)Jonathan Cole – Chop Up Jay, LLC (Houston, TX)

In addition to Houston, regional contests were held in Los Angeles on Sept. 26, Des Moines on Sept. 12 and Philadelphia on Aug. 28. A nationwide virtual competition took place Sept. 17-19. This Houston event marked the final event in the series. In total, SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition has awarded $175,000 to 15 winning small businesses.

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor or volunteer to be one, visit score.org.

About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at score.org.  

Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Media Contact
Maria Coder, SCORE, 954-379-2115, teamscore@redbanyan.com
For more information or to download photos of the Houston event, click here for the press kit.

To schedule interviews with winners of the competition, finalists, mentors, or representatives from SCORE, please contact teamscore@redbanyan.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/score-announces-winners-of-its-small-business-pitch-competition-in-houston-302267791.html

SOURCE SCORE

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Kando Secures $10M Investment to Accelerate Innovation in Wastewater Intelligence and Enhance Global Wastewater Quality with GenAI

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TEL-AVIV, Israel, Oct. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kando, a leading wastewater intelligence company dedicated to improving global wastewater quality through innovative solutions, is excited to announce the successful close of its latest investment round, raising $10 million, bringing the total amount raised to $30 million.

Wastewater quality is a huge global challenge that impacts water availability, public health and the environment. Kando was founded by Zohar Scheinin and Ari Goldfarb and operated as a bootstrap company in its early years. This round was led by prominent investors, including DC Thomson, LIP, Ram-On Investments, Bridges Israel, ICI Frund, Aliaxis and OurCrowd. The investors joined forces to support Kando’s mission of transforming the water sector with cutting-edge technology. 

The investment will drive Kando’s extensive global expansion, focusing on the US and Europe. Kando’s solution, built on proprietary machine learning models trained on unique in-house IoT wastewater data, optimizes wastewater quality management.

Backed by a robust data science team, including experts with PhDs in Biophysics, Biology, and Mathematics, Kando leverages Generative AI to transform analytical insights and industry knowledge into actionable business actions. This innovative approach enables significant cost savings, enhances wastewater reuse, and supports sustainable urban water management in cities across the US and Europe. 

John S. Thomson, Investment Director, DC Thomson:
“As a purpose-driven company, we are dedicated to driving meaningful change. We are thrilled to support Kando on their journey to make a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are looking forward to helping Kando improve water quality in the ocean, rivers, and streams in the UK. Kando’s solution, based on GenAI, aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in technologies that support a sustainable future.”

Mario Nissan, Managing Partner at LIP Ventures:
“We are excited to collaborate with Kando on scaling their wastewater intelligence solution. Kando is a prime example of how AI can address complex challenges in a market that is so important to people’s lives. We look forward to supporting Kando’s leadership and leveraging our unrivalled network of corporate and entrepreneurial decision-makers.”

Gili Elkin, partner at Kando and the Israel-Colorado Innovation Fund:
At ICI Fund, we are dedicated to investing in innovative AI technologies that address pressing global challenges. Kando’s pioneering approach to wastewater intelligence perfectly aligns with our mission to drive meaningful impact. We believe in Kando’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and the environment through advancements in wastewater quality – now further enhanced by the power of Generative AI.

Josh Hersch, Investment Director at OurCrowd:
“Kando’s pioneering use of Generative AI in wastewater management is a game-changer for the environment and public health. This investment allows us to back a technology that not only improves water quality but also empowers communities globally. We’re proud to support Kando’s mission and look forward to seeing the transformative impact it will bring.”

 Fredrik Östbye, Head of Aliaxis Next:
“As a company focused on providing sustainable water management solutions, we are excited about our partnership with Kando. Their Generative AI-driven platform is exactly the type of innovation the water sector needs to address its growing challenges. We are thrilled to support the development of cutting-edge technology that enhances water quality worldwide.”

Ari Goldfarb CEO and Co-founder KANDO:
“We are excited and looking forward to working with our new partners who have joined us, together with the existing investors who have once again shown their trust and support to solve the global water challenge. This investment will further empower the use of AI to improve decision-making in the water sector, benefiting populations worldwide. Kando’s solution, powered by Generative AI, allows us to manage and improve wastewater quality, save millions of dollars, and enable the reuse of wastewater. This investment will accelerate our growth and create more value for cities in the US and Europe.”

Media Contact:
Eve Ferguson
Public Relations Manager, Fifth Ring
+44 1224 628083
eve.ferguson@fifthring.com 

About Kando

Kando’s journey began in the heart of southern Israel, a region renowned for pioneering water conservation and innovation. Inspired by the region’s commitment to sustainable water practices, Kando was founded with a vision to revolutionize wastewater management. Our mission is to make a positive impact on global public and environmental health by enhancing wastewater quality. Our journey has been driven by a passion for cleaner water and a healthier planet. At the core of our efforts is our data intelligence platform. We empower our clients to make informed decisions, guiding them toward a future where wastewater management is efficient, sustainable, and aligned with their goals and vision.

For more on Kando’s origins and evolution, read Kando’s full story here.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kando-secures-10m-investment-to-accelerate-innovation-in-wastewater-intelligence-and-enhance-global-wastewater-quality-with-genai-302267821.html

SOURCE Kando

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HackIndia 2024: Empowering Indian Students to Revolutionize the Future of Web3 and AI

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NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CSharpCorner‘s HackIndia 2024, India’s largest Web3 hackathon, is bringing 9,000 of the brightest students from 59 universities to tackle real-world challenges through Web3 and AI. HackIndia is a cornerstone of India’s technological landscape, unleashing student creativity and innovation at an unprecedented scale.

A Springboard for Innovation and Excellence

HackIndia’s series of ten regional hackathons represents a step forward in fostering Web3 innovation and technological excellence for students in India. The hackathon series is set to conclude in Delhi where the winners from regional hackathons will compete for the chance to showcase their project and claim the $150,000 prize pool at the prestigious BCrypt 2024 conference, which will be held both virtually and in person October 16-18 at the Radisson Blu Kaushambi.

HackIndia: Shaping India’s Technological Future

The HackIndia initiative is more than just a competition; it is a critical step towards positioning India at the forefront of global technological advancement. With the Indian government and industry leaders increasingly focused on integrating AI and Web3 technologies into key sectors, HackIndia plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of tech leaders. These hackathons align with the government’s “National AI Strategy” and initiatives like the Blockchain District in Telangana, highlighting India’s commitment to adopting decentralized technologies.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

HackIndia offers students an extraordinary opportunity to access mentorship, resources, and guidance from top experts in AI, blockchain, and Web3. Panelists, judges, and speakers from leading companies like Alchemy, Solana U, Algorand, Rair Protocol, Vottun, Lotus and Ample are not only sharing their expertise but also providing essential infrastructure and support to empower student developers.

By removing traditional barriers, HackIndia creates a dynamic environment for creative problem-solving, collaboration, and the chance for students to tackle real-world challenges they have interest in resolving. Partnering with top venture capital firms like Gumi Cryptos Capital, HackIndia also gives participants direct exposure to the financial side of their projects, with VCs serving as judges and panelists and contributing to the prize pool—offering students unmatched access to both industry and investment leaders.

Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead

HackIndia showcases the talent of India’s young innovators. With plans to partner with 100 universities for HackIndia 2025, the event continues to be a cornerstone of India’s technological future by fostering innovation and providing students a platform to excel in next-generation technologies.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hackindia-2024-empowering-indian-students-to-revolutionize-the-future-of-web3-and-ai-302267830.html

SOURCE CSharp Inc

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Pomerleau selected to deliver new hospital campus in Moosonee

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MOOSONEE, ON, Oct. 4, 2024 /CNW/ – Pomerleau Healthcare Partners (PHP) is pleased to announce that the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Redevelopment Project has reached Financial Close and PHP has been awarded the contract to design, build, and finance the project. The consortium was selected by WAHA and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) to help expand and improve access to primary health care services in Moosonee, Moose Factory Island and along Ontario’s James Bay Coast. This project is being delivered using a progressive Public-Private Partnership (P3) Design Build Finance (DBF) model.

Once complete, the new regional health campus will allow WAHA to expand its health promotion and capacity building programs, better accommodate primary health care services and provide improved access to Indigenous communities living along Ontario’s James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts. The project includes an acute care hospital, a larger 24-hour emergency department, a new 32-bed Elder Care Lodge, modern state-of-the-art suites, expanded mental health and addictions programming, residences for staff, and a hostel for patients and visitors.

“We are honored to be selected to bring much needed and improved healthcare facilities for WAHA and all the communities it serves along the James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts,” said Philippe Adam, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We bring decades of experience in delivering complex and revitalizing healthcare projects. We look forward to working together with WAHA, Infrastructure Ontario, and the local Indigenous communities to deliver another successful project.”

“On behalf of everyone at Infrastructure Ontario, I’d like to congratulate WAHA, Pomerleau Healthcare Partners and the provincial and federal governments on this truly one-of-a-kind project that will transform healthcare in the north,” said Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario. “This milestone for the WAHA Redevelopment Project marks the close of procurement for our first progressive P3 DBF project – and the first to complete the development phase. As the next phase of construction kicks off, we’re committed to working with communities and stakeholders to get critical healthcare infrastructure like this project built.”

“We are all committed to creating the most state-of-the-art regional healthcare campus possible and we’re excited to reach this milestone in our redevelopment project,” said Lynne Innes, President and CEO of Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. “Our entire organization is eager to begin the next phase of construction which will drive us forward in ensuring the health and well-being of people in our region.”

The Pomerleau Healthcare Partners (PHP) team is comprised of:

Applicant Leads: Pomerleau Inc.Design Team: Kasian Architects Ontario Inc. and Bertrand Wheeler Architecture Inc.Construction: Pomerleau Inc.Financial Advisor: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Construction is expected to be completed in 2030.

Learn more about the project: https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/what-we-do/projectssearch/weeneebayko-area-health-authority-waha-redevelopment/.

About Pomerleau 

Pomerleau is one of Canada’s largest construction companies, with close to $5 billion in revenues in 2023. It delivers buildings, infrastructures, civil engineering works, and major projects using collaborative models. With its research and development lab, Pomerleau integrates innovation in more than 70% of its projects and works in a sustainable way to build the living environments of tomorrow. Its subsidiary Borea executes 50% of the country’s renewable construction projects, and ITC Construction Group, acquired in 2022, is one of the largest residential construction companies in the West. It also owns Pomerleau Capital, a subsidiary specializing in private infrastructure investment and financing. Founded 60 years ago, Pomerleau has over 5,000 employees and workers at over 200 sites from coast to coast. The company has been named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers since 2020.

SOURCE Pomerleau Inc.

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