Earth Systems Management, LLC, a company formed by a group of local college students and led by Joseph Betit, has won second place and $25,000 in the recent Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition in Salisbury, Md. The company’s presentation highlighted their capabilities in providing near-shore, shallow water environmental and bathymetric mapping services, producing hydro-drone systems, and conducting marine infrastructure inspections. This success story underscores the innovation and potential within Hampton Roads startups. As part of their prize, Earth Systems Management will receive a free office for six months in the Downtown Center for Entrepreneurship from January 2022, along with the support of two business mentors.
Shore Hatchery Competition Success
Pictured: From left are Salisbury University President Charles White, Jesse McCaleb, instructor Joe Betit, Lucas Antunes and University Provost Karen Olmstead. Unable to attend due to taking exams at college were Joslyn Herold, Dade Walker and Phillip Le.
Competition Overview
A group of local college students who have formed Earth Systems Management, LLC, led by Joseph Betit of Pungoteague, won second place and $25,000 in the recent Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition in Salisbury, Md.
Held in person for the first time since 2020 due to COVID-19, this semester’s competition also marked the opening of SU’s new Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship at SU Downtown. Some 13 applicants from throughout the Mid-Atlantic competed for their share of $100,000 in prize money.
Project Presentation
Jesse McCaleb made the presentation that demonstrated the firm’s capability to provide near-shore, shallow water environmental and bathymetric mapping services and production of hydro-drone systems, as well as marine infrastructure inspections, and change monitoring for environmental projects, aquaculture crops, and other areas. Also in attendance at the presentation were Lucas Antunes and Betit. Unable to attend due to taking exams at college were Joslyn Herold, Dade Walker, and Phillip Le.
“Everyone participated in putting the project together,” said Betit. “They are experienced at working together on-site or at a distance.”
The drone built by the team has the capability to measure the flow, salinity, and temperatures of the waterways it covers and would be of use to environmental scientists, aqua farmers, and marine engineers.
“We have developed our own hydro drone technology design with good GPS and sonar mapping performance plus 360-degree cameras but at a consumer cost point level” said Betit.
Prize and Support
As a winner in the Shore Hatchery competition Earth Systems Management, LLC will be provided with an assigned free office for 6 months in the Downtown Center for Entrepreneurship starting in January of 2022. Two business mentors have also been assigned.
The office includes the use of the meeting rooms and the presentation area, high-speed internet, and the use of the Makerspace containing 3D printers and CNC cutters.
About the Shore Hatchery Program
The Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery program was established with an initial $1 million contribution in 2013. In 2017, the Ratcliffe Foundation announced a second $1 million gift to continue the Shore Hatchery through Spring 2023. It is administered through SU’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business. Its goal: to fund entrepreneurs and have new businesses opening within six months, with the potential of employing three or more within three years.
Up to $200,000 annually is available for those applying for grants through the Shore Hatchery program. Its board of directors selects recipients based on presentations.
For more information call 410-546-4325 or visit the Ratcliffe Shore Hatchery website.
Question & Answer
1. What competition did Earth Systems Management, LLC participate in?
Earth Systems Management, LLC participated in the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition in Salisbury, Md.
2. What prize did Earth Systems Management, LLC win in the competition?
Earth Systems Management, LLC won second place and $25,000 in the competition.
3. What services does Earth Systems Management, LLC offer?
Earth Systems Management, LLC provides near-shore, shallow water environmental and bathymetric mapping services, produces hydro-drone systems, and conducts marine infrastructure inspections.
4. What support will Earth Systems Management, LLC receive as part of their prize?
As part of their prize, Earth Systems Management, LLC will receive a free office for six months in the Downtown Center for Entrepreneurship starting in January 2022, along with the support of two business mentors.
