TEDCO Announces Lumenate Medical as 2026 Future Founders: University Innovators Pitch Competition Winner

University Pitch Competition took place at the Entrepreneur Expo on October 27

COLUMBIA, Md., (November 4, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the winner for the Future Founders: University Innovators Pitch Competition (University Pitch Competition), Lumenate Medical, at the Entrepreneur Expo on October 27. The pitch competition, led by Sephora Saint-Armand, TEDCO’s equitech and ecosystem manager, and Shannon Collins, co-founder and director of Entrepreneurial Learning at Lightwork Enterprise, gave founders the chance to practice pitching, receive real-time feedback and an award of $10,000 towards their venture. This year, the announcement had a special appearance from Maryland House Speaker, Joseline Peña-Melnyk.

“The competition presented at this year’s Entrepreneur Expo was filled with ambition, inspiration and innovation,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “We are happy to host an event like this, exemplifying Maryland’s ranking as the second most educated state in the nation, and we are proud to offer an opportunity that not only furthers student growth but supports our overall entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Lumenate Medical is a startup seeking to enable non-urologist providers to perform bladder cancer screening to amplify patient support. The device in development aims to address the demand for urologic care – a demand that continues to climb as the workforce falls. 

“We were pleased to partner again with TEDCO for the 3rd annual University Pitch Competition, which highlighted some of the state's best and brightest student innovators. Student entrepreneurs across Maryland are eager for connections and opportunities, and we are grateful that the Entrepreneur Expo and the University Pitch Competition provided both," said Collins.

The University Pitch Competition was designed to celebrate bold ideas while strengthening Maryland’s growing innovation ecosystem, by connecting student founders with the resources, networks and recognition needed to bring their ventures to life. Finalists in the competition took the stage during the 2026 Entrepreneur Expo where they received valuable feedback, expanded visibility across the ecosystem, and connected with mentors, partners and potential supporters.

Other competitors in the 2026 University Pitch Competition included:

1. BlueHealer
2. Aida Health
3. Elevair
4. QUICKDx
5. ZenAir

“This year’s competition proved that Maryland is the place for innovators, no matter their age or stage in life,” said Graham Dodge, TEDCO’s vice president of Venture Development. “We were humbled by the response received for the competition and inspired by these up-an-coming entrepreneurs who are working to support everyday problems.”

For more information about TEDCO’s resources and opportunities, visit tedcomd.com.