TCnewTech was back in person on Tuesday, July 6th, at City Opera House in downtown Traverse City. Five startups pitched to win the $500 prize provided by Pitch Prize Sponsor and NMA Sponsor DGN Advisory. Each company had five minutes to present their emerging business to a hybrid, in-person and online audience of investors, city and government stakeholders, local tech professionals, media, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Theresa Smith of Ola Filter Corporation sought seed funding for an easy-to-use, ultra-affordable water filter that removes bacterial contamination from drinking water. Ola Filter Corporation is a women-founded, triple bottom line social business focused on people, the planet, and sustainability. They have team members in Ann Arbor, MI, Bend, Or, & San Marcos, Guatemala.

Philip A. Hallstedt of Northport, Michigan presented Getcharged.com. The Get Charged Company provides customers with access to the latest cleantech products. Their goal is to create a more sustainable future that is less dependent on fossil fuel. They are seeking seed funding to further their mission.

Steven Lenon of  Vert9 Company which has a mission to make drone capabilities accessible and financially possible for everyone by making drones modular and modifiable for the everyday consumer. Additionally, they are building a network of drones for industrial use. This Midland, Michigan based company sought their first round of investment.

Joe Gleason of genusConnect, a content delivery and engagement platform for the health care market, showed the audience their technology in real-time during the event. The genusConnect platform is designed to connect care partners, families, and community resources to improve health outcomes.