Six Startups. One Stage. Countless Big Ideas. Lehigh University Brings Innovation to Musikfest with Live Pitches, Public Voting, and more than $26K in Prizes.
StartUp Lehigh Valley, presented by Lehigh University, is back with six standout startups ready to take the spotlight at its sixth annual pitch competition. Set for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Musikfest Café in South Bethlehem, the event unfolds during the region’s iconic Musikfest and will be broadcast live on 69 WFMZ tv.
Finalists will pitch their ventures live to a panel of expert judges, showcasing bold ideas in areas like clean energy, healthcare, agtech, and more. Whether you're an investor, founder, or simply curious about the future of innovation, this is your invitation to witness big ideas in action.
The Shark Tank-style competition highlights early-stage innovation and entrepreneurial talent, awarding more than $26,000 in prize money, including a $20,000 grand prize, with additional awards for runners-up and an Audience Choice Award determined by the live studio audience and viewers of the live broadcast.
2025 Finalists
Each contestant has demonstrated an interest in doing business in the region. Representing a wide range of industries—from health technology to cleantech and foodtech—the six startups selected for the live competition final round are:
- AcQumen Medical (HealthTech – Minneapolis, MN)
Non-invasive ultrasound-powered hemodynamic monitoring for pediatric and neonatal intensive care.
www.acqumenmedical.com
- BIRE Technologies Inc. (CleanTech – Bethlehem, PA)
Modular, fish-inspired hydro systems generating power from rivers and tides without dams or propellers.
www.biretechnologies.com
- Hydron Desalination (CleanTech – Allentown, PA)
A novel, low-cost method for treating and reusing produced water using proprietary liquid-liquid extraction.
www.hydrondesal.com
- KiposTech (AgTech – Lancaster, PA)
AI-driven, filterless air disinfection systems designed to enhance biosecurity and productivity on livestock farms.
www.kipostech.com
- Lectra (HealthTech – Camp Hill, PA)
AI-powered wearable platform for 24/7 rehab and recovery, integrating real-time biometrics and personalized programs.
www.lectra.tech
- Sylf (FoodTech – Scranton, PA)
Touchscreen, self-service alcohol dispensers built for high-volume hospitality environments.
www.sylfserve.com
Judging Panel
The 2024 judging panel brings together seasoned leaders across science, technology, entrepreneurship, and education:
- Stephen Tang, Ph.D.
Chairman of NOW Diagnostics Inc. and former CEO of OraSure Technologies. A longtime champion of innovation with four decades of experience in life sciences and public health.
- Emma Fleck, Ph.D.
Professor of Entrepreneurship at Susquehanna University and recognized leader in global startup development and entrepreneurship education.
- Kathryn Colonna Worrilow, Ph.D.
Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of LifeAire Systems. An Edison Award-winning reproductive physiologist and air purification pioneer with over 30 patents.
Event Format and Schedule
The finalists will present three-minute live pitches beginning at 6:30 PM, followed by Q&A with the judges. Audience members—both in-person and online—will vote to determine the recipient of the $1,000 Audience Choice Award.
Preceding the main event, attendees can explore a “Meet the Pitchers” Innovation Fair from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, where each startup will host a demo table to showcase their technologies and engage with the public.
Free and Open to the Public
StartUp Lehigh Valley is free to attend and open to all. The event will be held at:
Musikfest Café at SteelStacks & Broadcast Live on WFMZ
101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
Tuesday, August 5, 2024
Meet the Pitchers: 5:00–6:00 PM
Pitch Competition: 6:30 PM onward