Delta Innovation Fund Alumni to Demonstrate Innovations April 17

Little Rock, Ark. – April 4, 2019 – The Delta Innovation Fund (Delta I-Fund) startup accelerator will host its 2019 Demo Day at the Clinton Presidential Center on April 17 at 4 p.m. Eight Delta I-Fund alumni companies will showcase their innovations and successful business models. Governor Asa Hutchinson, Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell and Winrock President and CEO Rodney Ferguson will speak during the event.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to RSVP by April 12.

“Winrock International and the Delta Regional Authority play important roles in developing the entrepreneurial community in Arkansas and across the region,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The Delta I-Fund is a key contributor to achieve our vision for the future of Arkansas’s knowledge-based economy. These impressive startups are proof of the great potential to create jobs and drive long-term economic growth through entrepreneurship.”

Funded by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and administered by Winrock International, the Delta I-Fund is an early-stage, proof-of-concept startup accelerator formed to train entrepreneurs in the 252 county/parish territory of the DRA. Each startup team accepted into the program is matched with a mentor and completes 12 weeks of rigorous business training. Participating entrepreneurs receive technical assistance, including market research, prototype development and patenting assistance.

In March, the Delta I-Fund began training with its seventh cohort. To date, the program has supported 166 Delta entrepreneurs.

Featured Delta I-Fund Alumni Companies

Capture – Flowood, Mississippi

Capture is a platform designed to improve data collection in K-12 school districts. Capture simplifies the process of collecting data by focusing strictly on the core needs of educators, allowing them to adjust quickly to changing needs in the K-12 education market.

Careerquo – Memphis, Tennessee

Careerquo has developed an online platform to connect individuals entering or re-entering the workforce with mentors for interview practice, career advice, etc.

Staley House – Helena, Arkansas

Staley House has developed a Class 1 medical device, the FreeArm, to hold feeding pumps and bags used for bolus feeding.

GSS Group – Blytheville, Arkansas

GSS Group has developed an easy-to-use software to assist farmers in getting GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certified without having to hire expensive consultants.

Precise Curanomics – Little Rock, Arkansas

Precise Curanomics has developed a patented wrist brace that allows for more flexibility, wicks moisture and permits patients to wear a watch while using the brace.

Rejuvenix – Little Rock, Arkansas

Rejuvenix has developed a radiation-triggered liposome that can delay the release of chemotherapy drugs until after they enter the cancerous tumor environment, therefore reducing chemotherapy side effects.

SchoolBox – Little Rock, Arkansas

SchoolBox has developed a scalable, web-based virtual learning environment and management system designed for trainers, managers and instructors.

Talaria Antibodies – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Talaria Antibodies has developed comprehensive kits for antibody-based research within high school, community college and university labs.

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ABOUT DELTA INNOVATION FUND

The mission of the Delta I-Fund is to positively impact the low-to-moderate income communities throughout the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) territory. Funded by the DRA and administered by Winrock International, the program seeks to provide a platform for the creation and launch of high-growth companies, spurring economic development and job creation in the region. For more information, visit www.deltaifund.com.

ABOUT WINROCK INTERNATIONAL

Winrock International is a recognized leader in U.S. and international development with a focus on social, agricultural and environmental issues. Inspired by its namesake, Winthrop Rockefeller, Winrock combines scientific and technical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation to deliver market-based solutions that improve lives around the world. Winrock’s mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources across the globe.

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY

The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives through strategic investments in economic development in 252 counties and parishes across eight states. DRA has approved investments of more than $211 million into more than 1,200 projects. Overall, DRA investments have estimated outcomes since 2002 that will create and retain more than 60,000 jobs, train nearly 54,000 workers to advance in the 21^st Century, and deliver sewer and water improvements to 400,000 residents and businesses. Learn more at dra.gov.

CONTACT

Chris Hancock