Meet the 10 Companies Competing at the 2026 Virginia Cup

Ten companies from across Virginia are headed to Virginia Beach on September 17. And this year, there is more than a title on the line.

For the first time, companies competing at Virginia Cup will compete for a $50,000 prize pool presented by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC).

The prize pool puts meaningful capital behind the companies taking the stage, with awards going to the top three finishers and the Audience Choice winner.

For Virginia Cup, it represents another step in the event’s growth. What began as an opportunity to identify one company to represent Virginia on a global stage now puts additional capital directly into the hands of multiple companies building across the Commonwealth.

“Having a $50,000 prize pool provides additional capital to some of the hottest companies in Virginia and puts Virginia Cup on another tier of events in the Commonwealth,” said Tim Ryan, Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads. “VIPC has been a tremendous partner in supporting Virginia’s innovation economy, and their investment makes this year’s opportunity even bigger for the companies taking the stage.”

And $50,000 isn’t the only thing at stake.

The Virginia Cup champion will earn the opportunity to represent Virginia at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where companies from around the world will compete for a $1 million investment prize.

Virginia has already shown it can compete there. In 2024, Virginia Cup winner ivWatch advanced to the global competition and finished third. Charlottesville-based Luminoah followed by capturing the Virginia title in 2025.

Now, ten new companies get their opportunity.

Meet the 2026 Virginia Cup Finalists

Absurd Snacks | Richmond
Grace Mittl, Founder & CEO
Absurd Snacks makes nutrient-rich snacks completely free from the top nine food allergens, making snacking together easier, safer and more delicious.

DreamerMade | Virginia Beach
Ryan Dean, Founder & CEO
DreamerMade is an AI-powered platform that helps entrepreneurs build and grow businesses with personalized roadmaps created in real time.

Hardshell | Charlottesville
Andrew Schoka, CEO & Co-Founder
Hardshell is a data-centric AI security platform that enables organizations to safely use their private data in the AI systems they build, buy and deploy.

KleerCard | Suffolk
Adam Alphin, Co-Founder & CEO
KleerCard is an expense management solution for nonprofits, giving organizations access to credit cards and spend controls without personal guarantees or expense reports.

Liquet Medical | Glen Allen
John Schindler, CEO & Co-Founder
Liquet Medical’s FDA-cleared Versus Catheter delivers clot-busting medication to treat blood clots in the lungs while giving physicians real-time feedback to personalize therapy.

MANLY | Virginia Beach
Denzel Murph, Founder
MANLY is an automatic tissue dispenser for men’s public restrooms that makes cleanup after using a urinal more hygienic while giving businesses a touchless solution with recurring refill revenue.

Octaris | Virginia Beach
Chris Blake, CEO & Matt Hart, Head of Product
Octaris operationalizes data through custom AI platforms and analytical services that help organizations move from data to decision.

Pod Farms | Christiansburg
Toni Sperry, CEO & Co-Founder
Pod Farms’ greenhouse-ready vertical system uses proven hydroponic principles to deliver higher yields in a limited footprint while simplifying production and remaining automation-ready.

VroomBrick | Hampton
Leland Remias, Co-Founder & CEO
VroomBrick uses technology to make buying and selling a home more affordable, equitable and accessible for everyday families.

Where2Wheel | Virginia Beach
Brittany Peregoff, COO & Founder
Where2Wheel is a marketplace connecting off-roaders with local landowners to expand access to places for Jeeps, trucks and other 4×4 vehicles.

One Night. $50,000. Ten Virginia Companies.

On September 17, all ten will take the stage at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.

The Virginia Cup experience begins with a pre-party at The HIVE from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by the main event at the Sandler Center from 5 to 8 p.m.

Virginia Cup is organized by Innovate Hampton Roads and presented by Virginia Beach Economic Development and The HIVE, bringing entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and community members from across the Commonwealth together to see what Virginia is building.

Ten companies will arrive with a shot at $50,000.

One will leave with the Virginia Cup and the opportunity to take Virginia to San Francisco.

September 17. Come see what Virginia is building.

Get your Virginia Cup tickets here.