By Tim Ryan

At Innovate Hampton Roads, we believe that fostering innovation is the key to creating a thriving, dynamic startup ecosystem. On October 9th, during Start Peninsula’s Micro Pitch #4, we witnessed the very essence of entrepreneurship and creativity that drives our region forward. The event, held virtually, brought together the brightest entrepreneurial minds from across Hampton Roads, reinforcing the role of Start Peninsula as a vital entry point into the local startup ecosystem.

Now in its 12th year, Start Peninsula remains the region’s longest-running pitch competition and continues to serve as a critical platform for validating aspiring entrepreneurs’ ideas. This event epitomizes the mission of Innovate Hampton Roads—to grow and guide the innovators of tomorrow.

Highlighting the Winners:

  • Archetype Braces | Voyage LLC (Joshua Miner) is revolutionizing the knee brace industry with its groundbreaking design that mimics natural movement. Their innovative product offers mobility solutions for individuals facing knee issues, enabling them to live more active lives. Archetype Braces exemplifies how local ingenuity can lead to life-changing technology—a core value that Innovate Hampton Roads seeks to promote.
  • Romulus Media (Walt Smithers) has taken collegiate marketing to new heights by leveraging a network of over 700 student marketers, content creators, and brand ambassadors. Their work connects prominent brands like Samsung and Tinder with students on campuses nationwide. Not only does Romulus Media create authentic marketing experiences for their clients, but they also provide valuable, paid work opportunities for students—directly aligning with our mission to build a talent pipeline in Hampton Roads.
  • Scribble (Torrey Butler) is a platform that connects authors, readers, and publishing resources, fostering a dynamic literary community. Scribble stands out for its commitment to giving undiscovered talent a platform, further emphasizing the importance of nurturing creativity in all its forms.

Guiding Innovation Through Expertise:

The event’s distinguished judges included experts who embody the spirit of innovation and leadership. Taylor Schaude, formerly of Neo.Tax and 500 Startups, brought his deep expertise in business development and venture capital. Dan Girouard, from the City of Hampton’s Office of Economic Development, provided critical insights into fostering local business growth. Dr. Michele King, a leader in esports and communication at William & Mary, brought a unique perspective on the convergence of technology and education.

As the winners advance to the Championship Pitch event on November 6th, we are proud to see these entrepreneurs take the next step in their journey. Their success not only reflects their hard work and vision but also represents the strength of Hampton Roads’ innovation ecosystem.

At Innovate Hampton Roads, we are committed to nurturing this ecosystem, and we encourage everyone to join us in supporting these incredible entrepreneurs. Register for the Championship Pitch event here and witness firsthand how Hampton Roads is leading the way in fostering the next generation of innovators.