In late May, the SeedSprint team attended the 2021 Texas A&M New Ventures Competition (TNVC). The competition is held annually and is hosted by Texas A&M Innovation Partners and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. 

This year’s finals event showcased 6 innovative startups. The companies ranged in technology area from MedTech to Life Science to Computer Science and were chosen from 20 semi-finalists. The winners secured non-dilutive funding and prizes from the competition sponsors. Read on to learn more about this year’s finalists!

(1) Ictero Medical (Technology Area: MedTech)

Ictero Medical is commercializing a safe and effective method to treat gallstones non-surgically. The company’s CholeSafe system is a minimally invasive cryoablation device. This catheter-based system treats gallstones in place of surgery. This system reduces recurrent stone formation and improves recovery. At present, the company is refining its prototype and conducting animal trials.

(2) CodeWalker (Technology Area: Computer Science)

CodeWalker has developed a software tool that creates a three-dimensional map of source code. This tool allows for easy visualization of algorithms. It helps developers identify inefficiencies and errors. The company’s application is language agnostic. Additionally, it can work with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The tool is available to both consumers and organizations.

(3) MicroSilicon (Technology Area: Sensors)

MicroSilicon developed a novel system for asphaltene monitoring of oil recovery using quantum radio frequency sensors. These sensors monitor asphaltene aggregation and send measurements directly to the cloud. From there, the system analyzes the measurements using AI. The technology is currently being field-tested. MicroSilicon’s vision is to expand its technology to monitor additional oil recovery issues such as corrosion.

(4) Starling Medical (Technology Area: MedTech)

SeedSprint member, Starling Medical, is tackling Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction with its new UrinControl System. The device replaces constant self-catheterization with a once-a-month catheter. Further, the device integrates with Startling’s mobile, AI-powered telehealth monitoring service. The company seeks to improve the lives of its patients by reducing the amount of self-catheterization needed. Startling also aims to decrease the cost of equipment used to monitor urinary health and treat bladder dysfunction. Currently, Starling Medical is developing a prototype for its UrinControl System and training its AI diagnostic platform. The company hopes to begin animal studies soon.

(5) Koda Health (Technology Area: MedTech)

Koda Health makes end-of-life care decisions easier and empowers patients through its online platform. The platform guides patients through the creation of advanced directives and medical power of attorney documentation. Koda’s online application aims to stimulate value-based discussions of care early on. They also educate patients on treatment preferences and help improve outcomes for end-of-life care.

(6) Vitanova Biomedical (Technology Area: Life Science)

Vitanova Biomedical’s goal is to treat cancer without common chemotherapy side effects. The company developed a system that contains a targeted pH-disrupting drug that is activated by infrared light. The light activates the process of intracellular acidosis within tumors. Recently, Vitanova obtained promising results in a variety of cancers both in vitro and in animal models. Currently, the company is focused on commercializing its prostate cancer therapy.

Congratulations to all the TNVC finalists and semi-finalists! The Texas innovation ecosystem is certainly one to keep an eye on.