PAST WINNERS

100 winners and counting

Since 2007, the challenge has awarded more than $1,000,000 in prizes to innovative Queens founders – many who have gone on to hire Queens employees, open local stores, expand production, and transform their communities.

Class of 2026

CONSUMER TECHCMPOAn app that organizes adult recreational sports leagues. — Erick Molina
ENTERPRISE TECHDwellci AIA real-estate feasibility platform. — Daniel Khalighinejad & Hesam Shams
SUSTAINABILITYOrbit ExchangeA marketplace for reclaimed construction materials. — Kelly Tigera
COMMUNITYHand in Hand Speech TherapyA mobile unit bringing polylingual pediatric speech therapy to kids. — Magdala Noel
FOODSivaro SnacksHand-crafted nuts and dried fruits, free of seed oils. — Rathan Kanagarajah

Class of 2025

CONSUMER TECHChipedinOnline gifting and wishlist platform made for creators. — Charles Medenilla
ENTERPRISE TECHWork OnwardMap-based job platform connecting immigrants to work. — Holly Oh
COMMUNITYMOVE. MAKE. BLOOM.Bayside dance and fitness studio for adult dancers. — Michelle Lauren Siegel
FOODMilène Jardine ChocolatierBespoke international chocolates crafted in Queens. — Milène Jardine

Class of 2024

CONSUMER TECHNeuemoon HealthSupport and care platform for fibroids and endometriosis. — Michelle
ENTERPRISE TECHTheraMotiveMobile high-tech physical therapy clinics on wheels. — Dr. Lola Omishore, DPT
COMMUNITYI Am Yogi StudiosQueens hot yoga studio built for women of color to thrive. — Lisa Robertson
FOODHuwaCold-pressed Palestinian olive oil from family farms. — Bilal Othman

Class of 2023

CONSUMER TECHBreakthruRewards youth with content for engaging with brands. — Alex Miles & Gean Martinez
ENTERPRISE TECHSales SlicerSoftware guiding salespeople to use CRM more effectively. — Jiahui Lu
URBAN TECHDalO SystemsSaaS platform improving waste management operations. — Cuthbert Onikute
COMMUNITYThe World's Borough BookshopJackson Heights bookshop celebrating authors of color. — Adrian Cepeda
FOODAuria's Malaysian KitchenAuthentic Malaysian sambals, sauces and spice blends. — Auria Abraham

Class of 2022

TECHNOLOGYPark WatchMobile app that helps drivers find free parking spots fast. — Courtney Stern
SUSTAINABILITYXing StudiosSustainable, responsibly made fashion rooted in heritage. — Nancy Uddin
COMMUNITYTikkun BBQSmoked meats with proceeds supporting local charities. — Eli Goldman
FOODDekkade FoodsAll-natural herb and spice blends founded in Queens. — Adelaide “Ade” Kelsick

... and select winners since 2006

2021 · TECHNOLOGYShe DesignsOnline UX/UI courses, mentoring and career coaching. — Sharae Gibbs
2021 · SUSTAINABILITYTerrart NYCSelf-sustaining, low-maintenance terrarium designs. — Charly Uzcategui
2020 · COMMUNITYCalm CityNYC’s first mobile meditation van and wellness studio. — Kristin Elizabeth Smith Westbrook
2019 · FOODBosuo Food GroupReimagines a classic West African herbal tea as a beverage. — Afua Felli
2019 · INNOVATIONYuzuPractice software helping health practitioners work smarter. — Samantha Rigoli

"We've gotten so much out of this process and we would highly encourage other startups to participate in this competition."

Tara Merdjanoff and Jeremy Bohen
Hannah Lokken and Ashley Canadas
ArtStrong · 2019 winner, Community

"My daughters were so excited when they heard my name announced as a winner! Now, with the funds provided, I am actively growing my business. I am extremely grateful."

Charly Uzcategui and Timothy Chu
Afua Ayisi
Bosuo Food Group · 2019 winner, Food

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