Southeast Shoutouts | Catalyst launched across three South Carolina counties
RIoT has announced the launch of the 21st cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program, this time in Pittsboro, NC.
From Charleston, SC:
Beemok has launched Catalyst, a new initiative designed to fuel early stage companies across Charleston’s Tri-county area.
At its core Catalyst is a business pitch competition, culminating in a live event on November 8, where up to $1 million in potential funding will be awarded. But Catalyst is much more than a competition; it is a dynamic, open-to-the-public gathering designed to provide entrepreneurs with exposure, opportunities to connect with investors, and pathways for growth. The event will feature live pitches from selected finalists, inspiring speakers, including successful entrepreneurs and experienced investors, and serve as a vibrant forum for networking among Charleston’s growing startup community.
Company founders can apply online at catalystbybeemok.com, and finalists will be selected to present their business opportunity in front of a panel of experienced investors, business leaders, and a live audience at the Terminal Building at Union Pier. The expert panel will make investment decisions based on the creativity and viability of the idea and the quality of leadership.
Catalyst is open to Founders based in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties to submit an overview of their ventures by September 30, 2025. The competition will also include a category for current students who are fostering great ideas while finishing their education.
From Charlotte, NC:
StealthX & Innovate Charlotte are partnering to host Product Jam, a full-day workshop experience to help start-ups in North Carolina define where to focus their energy to drive the most impact in their target market.
Hosted at the Do Greater Foundation on September 11, five North Carolina-based start-ups will be selected to participate. Applications for the upcoming Product Jam are being accepted until 5 p.m. EDT on September 1 at this link.
From Sylacauga, AL:
Nationally ranked venture capital firm gener8tor has announced the launch of its newest Alabama-based accelerator program, gALPHA earth, in partnership with the East Alabama Rural Innovation & Training Hub (earth) and the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce. Applications are now open for the free, four-week program designed to help idea-stage entrepreneurs turn concepts into real, viable businesses.
Set to kick off October 28, gALPHA earth marks gener8tor’s first-ever gALPHA program in Alabama that is open to all residents statewide, regardless of background, education level, or industry. The program, held at earth in Sylacauga, will be offered twice per year and is designed to reach aspiring Alabama founders.
Interested applicants must apply by October 19, using this application form. gener8tor is also recruiting for a director position to lead gALPHA earth, with plans to hire by September. Interested applicants can learn more about the role here.
“By opening the doors of gALPHA to anyone in Alabama, no matter where they are or what their background is, we’re taking real action to ensure innovation is accessible and inclusive,” said Rochelle Silveira, gener8tor gBETA Managing Director. “Alongside our recently announced Alabama Forestry Accelerator in Dothan, gALPHA earth is further proof of our commitment to building entrepreneurial ecosystems in communities that are often overlooked but full of potential.”
From Wilmington, NC:
Predicate AI Labs Inc., a pioneering healthcare technology company developing predictive artificial intelligence for critical illness, has announced an agreement with Mayo Clinic to advance early detection of sepsis, the highest mortality condition in the world.
The agreement enables Predicate to work with Mayo Clinic experts in predictive healthcare, combining clinical expertise and real-world insight to help accelerate the development and validation of AI-driven tools for earlier detection and intervention.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Mayo Clinic, whose legacy of clinical excellence supports our vision to make predictive healthcare more accessible and equitable,” said Morris Nguyen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Predicate. “Sepsis remains one of the deadliest and costliest conditions in healthcare, but when caught early, it’s far more treatable. This collaboration helps ensure that OpenDx™ can surface meaningful signals earlier, when clinical action has the greatest impact.”
Sepsis affects more than 49 million people globally, including 1.7 million annually in the U.S., and is a leading cause of hospital mortality and healthcare costs. Predicate’s OpenDx™ platform analyzes real-time physiological sensor data alongside continuous patient symptom reporting to identify hard-to-detect patterns that may signal sepsis risk before conventional symptoms appear. This enables faster decision-making and more timely treatment, especially in high-acuity or resource-limited settings.
From Pittsboro, NC:
RIoT has announced the launch of the 21st cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP XXI), hosted for the first time in Pittsboro. This milestone cohort welcomes 10 innovative start-ups to the program, continuing RIoT’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and grow the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected economy across North Carolina and beyond.
This cohort is made possible through a strategic partnership with Perch Coworking, the Town of Pittsboro, and funding from the NC IDEA Foundation, including a significant contribution from Wells Fargo to support rural innovation and economic development in the region.
“Each cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program brings together a diverse group of passionate entrepreneurs ready to solve meaningful challenges using cutting-edge technology,” said Tom Snyder, Executive Director of RIoT. “Hosting RAP XXI in Pittsboro is an exciting opportunity to showcase the growing innovation ecosystem in rural North Carolina and to provide startups with direct access to supportive local leadership, strategic partners, and new customer networks.”
The RAP XXI cohort includes start-ups working in sectors such as smart infrastructure, clean energy, and digital health. Over the 12-week program, founders will engage in intensive mentoring, business development, and technology validation — all aimed at accelerating their paths to market and long-term sustainability.
Click here to learn the names of Cohort 21.
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