Since 1865, Lehigh University has called Bethlehem home. Founded by entrepreneur Asa Packer, Lehigh's ethos of engineering and innovation has helped shape the region's industrial legacy. Backing today's founders is simply a continuation of that same spirit.
The Startup Lehigh Valley competition itself got its start in 2019 as a Factory LLC production in Bethlehem, before founder Rich Thompson passed the torch to Lehigh in 2024.
It was a natural fit: supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the Greater Lehigh Valley is core to the University's identity.
Since taking over, Lehigh has grown the event further, moving it to the Musikfest Café in 2025 for a bigger stage, a bigger crowd, and an even bigger spotlight on the founders building here.
StartUp Lehigh Valley is bigger than any one organization; it's a regional bet on the people building what's next.
Here's who's won so far:
SULV Past Winners & Particpants
2025 StartUp Lehigh Valley Winners & Contestants Presented by Lehigh University @ Musikfest Cafe, Bethlehem, PA
- Grand Prize: $20,000 (Lehigh University)
AcQumen Medical Ultrasound-powered, non-invasive cardiac monitoring for pediatric critical care. Founder: Dori Jones. - First Runner Up: $3,000 (PSECU)
Lectra — Wearable platform integrating AI, rehab, and real-time biometrics for continuous recovery support. - Second Runner Up: $2,000 (Entrepreneurship at Lehigh University)
Hydron Desalination — Low-cost, proprietary method to treat and reuse produced water using liquid-liquid extraction. - Audience Choice Award: $1,000 (LVHN, part of Jefferson Health)
Sylf — Touchscreen alcohol dispensers designed for high-volume venues. - Lehigh Ventures Lab Award: 6 months of direct support
KiposTech — AI-powered, filterless air disinfection for livestock biosecurity. - Honorable mention:
BIRE Technologies Inc. — Modular, scalable, fish-inspired systems that turn rivers and tides into clean power.
Watch the full event broadcast online.
Winner - $20,000
George Awad
Aroi Mango
1st Runner Up - $3,000
Kady Meite
Veil Street
2nd Runner Up - $2,000
Jake Henry
Lectra LLC
Audience Choice Award - 1,000
George Awad
Aroi Mango
Ben Franklin Technology Partners - $5,000
Nadia Alicia
Spansih Immersion TV
LaunchBox Founders Award - $3,000
George Awad
Aroi Mango
LaunchBox Boost Awards - $500 each
Kady Meite
Veil Street
Dave Yeager
Showcase
Mariss Diehl
Symptom Detective
Lehigh Ventures Lab Award - 6 months support
Kady Meite
Veil Street
Winner - $20,000
Jonathan Maderic
JMad Creations
1st Runner Up - $3,000
Alexander Wesly
Arovia
2nd Runner Up - $2,000
Dulra Amolebge
Dot
Audience Choice Award - 1,000
April Schiel
Bedding Blocker
Ben Franklin Technology Partners - $5,000
Dulra Amolebge
Dot
LaunchBox Founders Award - $3,000
April Schiel
Bedding Blocker
LaunchBox Boost Awards - $500 each
Jonathan Maderic
JMad Creations
Dulra Amolebge
Dot
Aly Kenway
Voize Box
Lehigh Ventures Lab Award - 6 months support
Jonathan Maderic
JMad Creations
Grand Prize Winner
Giana Jarrah
With Meraki Co
1st Runner Up
Katy and Gwen
Beckon Ice Cream
2nd Runner Up
Sarah Beth Gleeson
Baleena
LaunchBox Boost Awards
Jake Deleon
Fila Manila
Sarah Beth Gleeson
Baleena
Steel City Motorsports
Kick Butt Award
Lehigh University
Ben Franklin Award
Giana Jarrah
With Meraki Co
Audience Choice Award
Sarah Beth Gleeson
Baleena
Winner
Nicole Chinnici
Organtick
1st Runner Up
Amberlee Veni
Pippy Sips
LaunchBox Boost Awards
Nicol Cancelmo
DN Organics
Jonathan Grossman
FuelCred
Kenneth Keitt
ParaPer4mance
Winner
Justin Gelwicks
WoodGoods Lacrosse
1st Runner Up
Jonathan Epstein
Salamander Reservoir
2nd Runner Up
Wesley Hart
Mantis 3D Printer