Joseph Wright, who many in Norfolk might remember from his time running the JuiceBar on Granby Street, has traded smoothies for science—and the results are already making waves. After leaving the JuiceBar, Joseph enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering Technology this past May 2025, Cum Laude, and developed Loyalty Technologies, a company focused on cutting-edge energy storage and water purification solutions.
Joining him in this venture is Broderick Nelson, chief scientist and partner, who brought his expertise to help transform innovative concepts into tangible solutions. Broderick, attending UTA, working on his PhD in Chemistry, also signed the team up for the Maverick Business Pitch Competition at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Competing against a pool of talented innovators, Loyalty Technologies won 3rd place and $2,500 in the first round, and earned an additional $1,000 in the final round. Joseph reflected on the experience:
“Pitching at UTA gave me the chance to take something highly technical and make it real for people. It showed me that Loyalty Technologies has a story people connect with and that gave me confidence and momentum, says Wright.”
Looking ahead, Loyalty Technologies is moving from concept to reality. Joseph, Broderick, and the team are developing real prototypes for energy storage devices and water purification systems, and are actively seeking partners and funding to scale solutions grounded in proven laboratory work and now standing at a pivotal stage of development.
Hampton Roads provides the perfect backdrop for this next chapter. As a hub for water innovation and defense, the region offers mentorship, partnerships, and investment opportunities—exactly the support Loyalty Technologies is seeking to tackle global challenges locally.
A key innovation from Loyalty Technologies is replacing mined graphite with renewable carbon nanomaterials made from waste, creating cheaper, cleaner, and more resilient batteries and composites, built right here in Hampton Roads.
Joseph Wright’s journey from local business owner to tech innovator demonstrates the power of curiosity, community, and courage. With a winning pitch, a strong team, and a clear vision, Loyalty Technologies is poised to make a lasting impact both locally and globally. Wright is back to pitching, as he will present Loyalty Technologies at Start Peninsula’s 2025 Micro Pitch.
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