by Katie Calabro | Oct 2, 2022
AtomICs is a molecular data storage and computing startup that stores digital data in small molecules to offer denser, more sustainable, and more durable data storage than transistors. Through denser, more sustainable DNA data storage, they seek to revolutionize the way digital data is stored through small molecules.
AtomICs was founded by Dana Biechele-Speziale PhD ‘24, Selahaddin Gumus PhD ‘24 and professors Brenda Rubenstein and Jacob Rosenstein. It was the winner of the 2022 Brown Venture Prize, and was the first first PhD student and faculty team to win the prize. Read AtomICs’ profile in the Brown Daily Herald here. AtomICs was also a finalist in the Rhode Island Business Competition, and is currently in the 2022 MassChallenge US early-stage cohort.
Photo Credit: Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship
by Jonas Clark | Sep 28, 2022
Founded in 2019, Bolden Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing first-in-class therapeutics to treat central nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ischemic stroke. Their technology focuses on a key molecular pathway that stimulates neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) in the adult brain–one that has demonstrated proof of concept in mouse models.
This 2021 Brown Venture Prize Finalist was co-founded by Johnny Page, ’24, Justin Fallon, Professor of Neuroscience, and Ashley Webb, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology. The company received a $500,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from the National Institute on Aging in 2021.
Photo Credit: Justin Fallon, Ashley Webb, and Johnny Page
by Jonas Clark | Sep 24, 2022
Co-founded by Justin Kim, ’21, Michael Lai, ’20, and Matthew Lee, ’22 Cress Health is a tech startup with the mission of democratizing mental wellness for all. Cress Health‘s app, Callie addresses mental health. The app utilizes journaling, breathing exercises, meditation, and analytics, allowing users to reflect and learn about their mental health. Callie also provides a virtual AI, a chat-based companion that builds a personalized wellness regimen based on journal entries.
The app is an alum of B-Lab 2020; Kim served as PEIR in 2021. Kim was also named one of Rhode Island’s Inno Under 25 in 2020. Read their profile here.
Photo Credit: Justin Kim, Matthew Lee, and Michael Lai
by Jonas Clark | Sep 17, 2022
Founded by Jessica Kim, ’00, ianacare is a virtual app that consolidates and streamlines resources to encourage, empower, and equip family caregivers. Inspired by Kim’s own struggles with caring for her mother, the app seeks to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens of caretaking. Users can organize and mobilize friends and family onto one team for easy coordination of everyday errands, such as groceries, picking up medication from the pharmacy, and arranging transportation. The app is also compatible with employers. “iana” stands for “I am not alone.”
Kim has previously served as an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Nelson Center in 2018 – 19. The firm recently raised $12.1M in funding. You can read their Forbes profile here.
Photo Credit: Jessica Kim
by Jonas Clark | Sep 15, 2022
includesign aims to empower disabled individuals in the product design process. Their leading product is the LapSnap, a versatile, adaptive basket for wheelchair users. Features include a collapsible frame, adjustable strap, convenient pockets, and a comfortable padded base.
Founder Diana Perkins Kamada, ‘20 was a 2020 B-Lab alum and won the grand prize at the Future of Grocery Retail Pitch Competition hosted by Ahold Delhaize USA Companies and Venture Café. Diana also recently joined the board of RAMP, a RI nonprofit dedicated to disability advocacy and education and served as a panelist on the National Disability Institute’s Webinar “Entrepreneurs with Disabilities: An Emerging Force.”
Photo Credit: Diana Perkins Kamada
