KAWARTHA LAKES-The Innovation Cluster announced the winner of the first LevelUP pitch competition.
Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc., emerged as the victor among 7 other competing companies, claiming the $10,000 prize sponsored by Invest Kawartha, LAUNCH Kawartha, and Prima IP. This event marked the finale of a 13-week program aimed at propelling regional startups from concept to market readiness.
Held downtown Peterborough at the Innovation Cluster, the competition showcased the top startups from the first LevelUP cohort. Entrepreneurs pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of expert judges, including renowned strategists Christine Crandell, Gail Moorhouse, and venture capitalist Amit Bhanot, engaging a room full of investors and regional business leaders.
With her co-founder and husband, Roop, in the wings, Latchmi blew the judges away with Maman Biomedical’s trailblazing products that are disrupting the in vitro fertilization (IVF) sector. Offering products in patch and gel form, their cutting-edge products eliminate pain and reduce costs for women facing infertility, both major barriers to accessing traditional needle-injected IVF treatments.
“Winning this competition means we can accelerate and move forward,” said Latchmi. “We loved the LevelUP program, and we’ve made a lot of progress in a very short period of time. I am extremely proud of where we are.”
“Our first cohort has set a high benchmark for success,” expressed Christine Crandell, LevelUP judge and Vice Chair of the Innovation Cluster’s Board of Directors. “Seeing these entrepreneurs evolve over the past weeks has been profoundly inspiring. This program, and today’s prize for Maman Biomedical Inc., highlights the vibrant potential of Peterborough’s innovation ecosystem. A huge thank you to our sponsors Invest Kawartha, LAUNCH Kawartha, and Prima IP for making the $10,000 prize possible.”
LevelUP aims to boost economic growth by nurturing startup ventures capable of contributing innovative solutions and jobs. This program is a cornerstone of our strategic initiative to transform Peterborough and the Kawarthas into a thriving hub for business innovation.
