Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the winners of the 11th annual 43North startup competition, a New York State initiative that awards $5 million to promising startups. Five companies were each granted a $1 million investment during an event at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. The winners, which include firms from New York, Connecticut, Florida, and the United Kingdom, will relocate to Buffalo and operate from the 43North incubator at Seneca One.
The selected startups are: Cellsense from New York City, which produces compostable beads from algae and cellulose to address microplastics in fashion and cosmetics; Cosi Care from London, which has developed medical devices for instant itch relief for eczema sufferers; Floe from New Haven, Connecticut, offering an eco-friendly solution for roof ice and snow management; RadEmploy from New York City, a radiology staffing platform using conversational AI; and Tukki.ai from Miami, which uses AI to help immigrants and companies manage visas and green cards.
Governor Hochul said, “New York State is committed to helping innovative startups scale and hire — and 43North is a proven engine for that growth. Congratulations to this year’s five winners. We look forward to seeing you build in Western New York, create good-paying jobs, attract talent and capital and strengthen Buffalo’s standing as one of the nation’s fastest-growing startup cities.”
This year’s competition included companies from around the world. The five winners were chosen by a panel of judges: Felecia Hatcher, Kerry Hicks, Pocket Sun, Nasir C. Qadree, and Sameer Kenkare. In addition to funding, winners receive mentoring, office space, and access to investors.
Since its founding in 2014, 43North has invested in 74 companies. These firms have created over 3,000 jobs globally and raised more than $1 billion in capital. The competition aims to strengthen Buffalo’s startup ecosystem by attracting high-growth businesses to the region.
A $25,000 People’s Choice award, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, was also given to Cosi Care based on audience voting during the event.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated, “Empire State Development is proud to power 43North’s work to attract and scale high-quality startups in Buffalo. By connecting founders with capital, customers and community, this program helps companies choose New York, create good-paying jobs and build a durable startup ecosystem. Congratulations to this year’s winners — we’re ready to help you scale and add momentum to Western New York’s innovation economy.”
43North Chairman Pete Grum commented, “Tonight showed what’s possible when founders meet a community that’s ready to help them scale. Buffalo brings capital, customers and conviction — and 43North brings the platform. Congratulations to our five new winners. We’re excited to welcome you to Seneca One and get to work.”
43North President Colleen Heidinger added, “Our winners are building companies that solve real problems — and Buffalo is where they’ll grow. With access to mentorship, customers and an energized community, we’re positioning these founders to accelerate their momentum and scale their impact. We’re thrilled to welcome them to Buffalo and to the 43North family, and we can’t wait to see the mark they’ll leave on our city and beyond.”
43North is an accelerator program that invests $5 million annually in startups, offering them incubator space, mentorship, and access to business incentives. The program is supported by Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, the M&T Bank Foundation, and other sponsors. More information can be found at 43north.org.
