Five startups have been named as winners of the 11th annual 43North Finals, New York State’s $5 million startup competition held in Buffalo. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that each of the five companies will receive a $1 million investment and relocate to Buffalo, where they will work out of the 43North incubator at Seneca One. The event drew competitors from around the world, including London, who presented their business pitches before a panel of judges at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.
Governor Hochul stated, “New York State is committed to helping innovative startups scale and hire — and 43North is a proven engine for that growth. Congratulations to this year’s five winners. We look forward to seeing you build in Western New York, create good-paying jobs, attract talent and capital and strengthen Buffalo’s standing as one of the nation’s fastest-growing startup cities.”
The five winners are:
– Cellsense (New York, NY): Develops compostable beads from algae and cellulose to eliminate microplastics in fashion and cosmetics.
– Cosi Care (London, U.K.): Offers medical devices for instant itch relief and infection management for eczema and chronic itch.
– Floe (New Haven, CT): Provides smart, eco-friendly solutions for ice and snow management on roofs.
– RadEmploy (New York, NY): Uses conversational AI to connect radiology professionals with hospital systems for staffing.
– Tukki.ai (Miami, FL): Combines AI and expert support to streamline visa and green card management for immigrants and companies.
In addition to funding, winners will receive mentoring, office space, access to investors, and business expertise. Since its inception in 2014, 43North has invested in 74 companies, many of which remain in Buffalo. These portfolio firms have created over 3,000 jobs globally and raised more than $1 billion in capital.
A $25,000 People’s Choice award funded by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield was also presented to Cosi Care, as chosen by the live audience.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Empire State Development is proud to power 43North’s work to attract and scale high-quality startups in Buffalo. By connecting founders with capital, customers and community, this program helps companies choose New York, create good-paying jobs and build a durable startup ecosystem. Congratulations to this year’s winners — we’re ready to help you scale and add momentum to Western New York’s innovation economy.”
43North Chairman Pete Grum commented, “Tonight showed what’s possible when founders meet a community that’s ready to help them scale. Buffalo brings capital, customers and conviction — and 43North brings the platform. Congratulations to our five new winners. We’re excited to welcome you to Seneca One and get to work.”
43North President Colleen Heidinger added, “Our winners are building companies that solve real problems — and Buffalo is where they’ll grow. With access to mentorship, customers and an energized community, we’re positioning these founders to accelerate their momentum and scale their impact. We’re thrilled to welcome them to Buffalo and to the 43North family, and we can’t wait to see the mark they’ll leave on our city and beyond.”
The panel of judges included Felecia Hatcher (Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Opportunity), Kerry Hicks (HW Investment Partners), Pocket Sun (SoGal Ventures), Nasir C. Qadree (Zeal Capital), and Sameer Kenkare (AWS Startups).
43North is an accelerator program that invests $5 million annually in high-growth startups in Buffalo. The program provides free incubator space for one year, mentorship opportunities, and access to business incentive programs. It operates with support from Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, the M&T Bank Foundation, and other sponsors. More information can be found at 43north.org.
