The countdown is on. On August 21, the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach will host one of the most high-energy, high-impact business events the Commonwealth has ever seen — the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional Finals.
After sifting through endless amounts of high-potential ventures, these are Virginia’s most exciting startups who have been selected to pitch live on stage in front of investors, innovation leaders, and a global audience. These companies are building the future across sectors like healthcare, AI, biotech, education, and digital infrastructure.
The 2025 Startup World Cup Virginia Finalists Are:
Ara Platforms
Ara is GitHub for Analytics – one workspace where data teams collaborate, ship insights, and stop repeat work. Analysts waste 50% of their time, costing $250M/year per Fortune 500. Ara makes insight delivery efficient, connected, and scalable.
AttorneyLive
Attorney Live is an award-winning app-based tele-law service revolutionizing the way people access legal counsel. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Attorney Live connects individuals with attorneys best suited to handle their legal needs, providing a seamless, on-demand solution. With attorneys just a tap away, Attorney Live puts the power of legal expertise at your fingertips.
Avant Genomics
Avant Genomics is revolutionizing blood-based cancer detection with an automated liquid biopsy sample preparation platform that accelerates turnaround times, enhances analytical performance, and reduces laboratory costs. Spun out of the University of Virginia, the company is unlocking broader access to precision oncology through high-efficiency, point-of-need molecular testing.
Crunchy Hydration
Crunchy Hydration is more than just a beverage—it’s a movement built on the belief that mental and physical health should be easy, accessible, and part of your everyday routine.
EdLogics
EdLogics is a digital health communications and consumer engagement company dedicated to transforming the way people learn about health. The EdLogics Platform is utilized by employers, healthcare organizations, academic institutions, and communities to improve health literacy, drive positive health behaviors, achieve better health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.
Luminoah
Luminoah is a Charlottesville, VA–based medical technology company developing the world’s first closed-loop personalized nutrition system for enteral care. The platform integrates a compact, data-enabled pump designed to improve mobility and deliver real-time insights to patients and providers. Founded on a personal mission, Luminoah is reimagining the enteral feeding experience shaped by firsthand challenges with outdated technology.
NGZ AI
NGZ AI is a veteran-led company delivering trustworthy AI solutions to enhance patient health within the DoD and VA healthcare systems. By combining deep federal contracting expertise with cutting-edge AI technology, NGZ transforms government healthcare through ethical, mission-driven innovation.
SalesE
As AI becomes more integral to business decisions, control and clarity are critical. SalesE optimizes complex sales operations in manufacturing and distribution through AI governed by customizable, transparent rules.
SurgicalEd VR
SurgicalEd VR is training the hands of surgeons you can trust leveraging haptic technology, virtual reality and AI coaching to prevent the need to practice on patients or rely on expensive cadaver labs even in complex “blind procedures” (ie those performed by feel). We are revolutionizing surgical training, with portable, hands-on real-feel training built from the hand motion of master surgeons to accelerate proficiency while reducing reliance on in-person faculty, boosting healthcare efficiency, and improving patient outcomes.
VroomBrick
VroomBrick’s mission is to make residential real estate more affordable, equitable, and accessible through technology. Our streamlined, step-by-step platform empowers homebuyers and sellers to take full control of their transaction without relying on agents or paying high commissions. Through a smart, user-friendly dashboard, individuals manage their entire journey with built-in guidance and human support when needed, including access to trusted closing attorneys, lenders, and concierge assistance. Built by a Navy veteran and seasoned real estate professionals, VroomBrick is the first tech-enabled alternative to the traditional model, delivering confidence, savings, and independence to everyday consumers.
These bold companies are competing for the chance to represent Virginia at the global Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco, where they’ll vie for the $1,000,000 grand prize.
Last year’s Virginia champion, ivWatch, didn’t just make it to the world stage — they placed third globally, showcasing the caliber of startups emerging from our region.
Tim Ryan, Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, reflects on the energy this event brings:
“Last year the roof blew off the building with excitement – so moving it across the street to an even larger venue, the Sandler Center, provides more opportunities for founders and local (Virginia) based businesses to be seen on a global scale. This year’s shindig will go down in the history books as the greatest business event in Virginia history.”
Don’t Miss It
The Startup World Cup isn’t just a pitch competition — it’s a celebration of entrepreneurship, bold thinking, and regional innovation. Whether you’re an investor, founder, creative, professional, ecosystem builder, or simply a fan of great ideas, this is the place to be on August 21.
Learn more and register: www.innovate757.org/startupworldcupva
