Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the eight finalists for the 11th annual 43North startup competition. The event highlights Buffalo’s efforts to attract innovative businesses and foster job creation in fields such as artificial intelligence, cleantech, and health technology.
“43North is a catalyst for the innovation that defines the spirit of Buffalo — moving the boundaries of technology and innovation across industries and continents,” Governor Hochul said. “These founders are creating jobs, pushing new technologies forward, and strengthening communities across Western New York. I congratulate this year’s finalists and look forward to our competition tomorrow at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.”
The finalists were chosen by a panel of nearly 30 venture capitalists from North America, who evaluated 15 semi-finalists. The eight selected startups will compete at Shea’s Performing Arts Center on October 16 for one of five $1 million investments and an opportunity to expand their businesses in Buffalo’s growing startup ecosystem.
The 43North accelerator program provides funding, mentorship, office space, and access to a network of investors. Over the past ten years, 43North has invested in 74 companies, which have created more than 3,000 jobs globally and raised over $1 billion in capital.
43North President Colleen E. Heidinger stated, “43North Finals is more than a pitch competition — it’s a celebration of ambition, innovation, and the spirit of community. From high-growth startups to Main Street businesses, we have so much to be proud of in Buffalo. On October 16, more than 3,000 people will fill Shea’s to be part of this moment. And for the founders on stage, it’s more than just a pitch — it’s the beginning of something bigger, and their first welcome into a city that rallies around bold ideas.”
The accelerator receives funding from New York State and Empire State Development. This year’s competition also features a $25,000 People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, which will be decided by audience vote during the finals.
The eight finalists are:
– Cellsense (New York, NY): Produces compostable beads from algae and cellulose to reduce microplastics in fashion and cosmetics.
– Cosi Care (London, U.K.): Develops medical devices for instant itch relief and infection management for people with eczema or chronic itch.
– Floe (New Haven, CT): Offers eco-friendly solutions for managing ice and snow on roofs.
– Flye Connect (Tulsa, OK): Operates an AI agent marketplace for small and medium businesses to hire AI agents on demand.
– Integral Health (Buffalo, NY): Uses AI to integrate behavioral health with primary care, aiming to improve mental health outcomes.
– Kinometrix (Alexandria, VA): Provides AI-powered clinical decision support to help hospitals identify patient risk and reduce harm.
– RadEmploy (New York, NY): A radiology staffing platform using conversational AI to connect professionals with hospitals.
– Tukki.ai (Miami, FL): Combines AI and expert support to help immigrants and companies manage visas and green cards.
Tickets for the event are available at 43North.org, and the competition will be streamed live at 43north.org/livestream.
43North invests $5 million annually in high-growth startups through its competition. Portfolio companies receive free incubator space in Buffalo for a year, mentorship, and access to incentive programs like START-UP NY. The program is supported by Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, the M&T Bank Foundation, and other sponsors. More information can be found at www.43north.org.
