clackamas county pitch - 2024
CareSpace Wins best overall
Clackamas County Pitch Competition, hosted by TiE Oregon, provided its first in the county Pitch Oregon competition, focusing solely on Clackamas County entrepreneurs. The third of the larger Pitch Oregon series, this event spotlighted local startups vying for funding and recognition. This year’s competition, held on November 20th, 2024, marked a major milestone for healthcare innovation, with CareSpace winning the top prize of $25,000 in equity.
About the Clackamas County Pitch Competition
Clackamas County Pitch is one of several county-specific events organized by TiE Oregon to spotlight entrepreneurship. This competition invites entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to a panel of expert judges. The program not only connects founders to potential investors but also offers pitch coaching and deck reviews to help finalists refine their presentations.
Five finalists were selected after a rigorous screening process, showcasing some of the most promising startups in the region.
CareSpace: Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI and Virtual Rehab
CareSpace emerged as the standout in the competition. Led by David Richards, the company aims to transform healthcare with its AI-powered mobility improvement and injury prevention platform. Designed as a 100% software-based solution, CareSpace offers virtual rehabilitation for musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, addressing a global market projected to grow from $186 billion in 2023 to $326 billion by 2032.
Key highlights of CareSpace’s platform include:
Reduced wait times for physical therapy by an average of 13 days.
Cost savings of up to 60%, making care more accessible.
Patient-centered technology, where users can self-enroll, undergo virtual evaluations, and receive AI-generated personalized care plans.
Strategic partnerships with providers and insurance companies, ensuring a seamless care experience.
The company has also carved out a unique first-to-market strategy by offering its platform within correctional facilities. By eliminating the $500 transportation costs of one prisoner for one appointment alone, this is one of many ways CareSpace is making healthcare more efficient and equitable—and this vertical is only the start.
Innovation Meets Virtual Reality
Beyond its impact in traditional healthcare, CareSpace is breaking new ground in virtual reality (VR). In partnership with Meta, the company has developed a mobility capture technology for the Quest 3 VR headset, enabling the entire body to serve as a controller. With $300,000 in R&D funding from Meta, this innovation positions CareSpace at the forefront of VR fitness, a field with lucrative potential. For example, Meta’s acquisition of Supernatural for $400 million underscores the value of this market.
FIRST RUNNER-UP: Alpha Speech was awarded $10,000 in equity and $3,000 in legal services.
In the high-stakes world of aviation, clear communication can mean the difference between a safe flight and a potential disaster. AlphaSpeech is an innovative app designed to tackle one of the industry's most pressing challenges: language barriers in the cockpit.
Founded by Dr. Katie Pierson, a speech language pathologist with extensive experience in aviation and aerospace, AlphaSpeech takes a unique approach to improving pilots' English proficiency. Unlike traditional language learning methods that rely on auditory feedback, AlphaSpeech uses visual cues to help pilots modify their speech patterns.
Dr. Pierson's inspiration came from her firsthand experience with the communication challenges faced by international pilots. Recognizing that accent-related misunderstandings contribute to a significant number of aviation incidents, she developed a patent-pending methodology that forms the core of the AlphaSpeech app. The app gamifies the learning process, allowing pilots to practice their English pronunciation by controlling a virtual aircraft with their voice. This innovative approach has garnered interest from major players in the aviation industry, including the NTSB, Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Administration.
With AlphaSpeech, Dr. Pierson aims to not only improve aviation safety but also to open doors for pilots whose careers have been limited by language barriers. As the demand for commercial pilots continues to grow, especially in regions where English is not the primary language, AlphaSpeech is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of aviation communication.
AUDIENCE CHOICE: FANWAGN was awarded $500 CASH
FANWAGN, founded by Lauren Teague, is revolutionizing the sports merchandise industry with its innovative approach to secondhand fan fashion. This fan-first marketplace addresses the growing concern of textile waste in sports apparel while celebrating the passion of sports enthusiasts. By creating a platform where fans can buy and sell used sports gear, FANWAGN not only promotes sustainability but also taps into the circular economy.
Building Clackamas County’s Startup Ecosystem
Clackamas County Pitch highlights TiE Oregon’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across the state. By providing a platform for startups, TiE Oregon strives to bridge the gap between founders and vital resources such as funding, mentorship, and exposure.
Congratulations to CareSpace and all the finalists for their achievements. Their work demonstrates the incredible potential of Oregon’s entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change in their industries and communities.
