Ashburn, VA – Loudoun Economic Development is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Loudoun Innovation Challenge, which celebrated the county’s most forward-thinking entrepreneurs and businesses. The winners were revealed at an elegant awards gala held at Belmont Country Club on Thursday evening.
The Loudoun Innovation Challenge recognizes and supports groundbreaking ideas in categories such as Industry Transformation, Life Sciences Technology, Cyber Defense, Highly Specialized Manufacturing, and Clean Technology. Each winning company demonstrated exceptional ingenuity, problem-solving, and potential to positively impact Loudoun County and beyond.
Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of Loudoun Economic Development, commended the winners for their trailblazing efforts. “Loudoun County is a hub for innovation, and tonight’s winners exemplify what happens when bold ideas are supported by a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. By fostering creativity and entrepreneurship, Loudoun continues to lead as a model for economic development.”
Angela Wilson, Chair of the Loudoun Economic Development Authority, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the county’s commitment to innovation. “Loudoun is a place where big ideas can take flight. These companies represent the future of innovation, and we’re honored to celebrate their success. The Loudoun Economic Development Authority is proud to support these businesses as they drive transformative growth and opportunity in our community.”
Meet the 2024 Loudoun Innovation Challenge Winners:
- Emtel Energy – Clean Technology Innovation
- Measured Risk – Cyber and Defense Innovation
- SkyRFID – Highly Specialized Innovation
- noHack – Industry Transformation Innovation
- Vasc Risk – Life Sciences Technology
The popular People’s Choice Award, which provides the public the opportunity to vote for their favorite business idea, garnered over 1,700 votes this year. noHack was the overwhelming favorite and won the $10,000 prize.
In addition to financial support for the winners, all finalists of this year’s Loudoun Innovation Challenge will receive one year of free business coaching from local industry experts and access to a six-week growth program from Startups Ignite, further strengthening their capacity to scale and succeed.
The Loudoun Innovation Challenge is a cornerstone program demonstrating the county’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovative solutions. Each of this year’s winners will receive funding and resources to advance their projects and contribute to Loudoun County’s dynamic business landscape.
For more information about the Loudoun Innovation Challenge and this year’s winners, visit www.LoudounInnovationChallenge.com.
