As part of the 1682 Conference this October, we’re thrilled to announce that submissions for the Venture Awards are now open! This event offers a platform for early-stage AI-driven startups to present their innovative solutions to an exclusive group of executives. The competition, open to Philadelphia-based companies with less than $500,000 in annual revenue, will select three standout startups to pitch their AI-powered solutions. The Venture Awards are a key highlight of the 1682 conference, providing startups with recognition, valuable insights, and the support needed to accelerate their growth.

A look back at the 2019 Venture Awards

Katherine Sizov, founder and CEO of Strella Biotechnology, was the winner of the 2019 Venture Awards at the previous 1682 Conference. Her startup addresses a critical issue in the fruit-packing industry—food waste due to spoilage. Strella’s innovative ethylene-detection technology helps reduce waste by alerting packing houses when fruit is nearing ripeness, enabling timely distribution to prevent spoilage. Since winning the Venture Awards, Strella has expanded its reach across the U.S., working with 85% of the market for apples and pears and saving millions of pounds of produce from going to waste. Now, with successful ventures in the apple industry, Strella is applying its cutting-edge technology to bananas and avocados, further cementing its role as a leader in the fight against food waste.

How to qualify

To qualify for the Venture Awards, your startup must meet the following criteria:

• AI component: your product or service must have a strong AI component.
• Revenue: your company must not exceed $500k in annual revenue.
• Location: you must be a Philadelphia-based company.

Why the Venture Awards is a game-changer

Participating in the Venture Awards offers a unique opportunity to gain recognition, resources, and network with industry innovators.

The winner of the Venture Awards will receive…

• A $5,000 one time prize
• For a duration of (1) year — the winner will receive mentorship from 2 mentors from Philadelphia’s investor ecosystem
• 20 hours of strategic go-to-market advice from O3 ($5,000 Value)

Apply for the Venture Awards 

The Venture Awards is a celebration of innovation and a catalyst for startups growth. We look forward to discovering and supporting the next wave of AI-driven startups.

If you have questions or would like to discuss opportunities to partner at 1682, connect with us.