We've traveled to Wilmington, Delaware, for the final round of the Startup302 competition and are excited to announce our success in securing a non-dilutive cash grant prize.

Annually organized by the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), Startup302 is a funding competition specifically designed for technology-enabled startups with high-growth potential and at least one founder from an underrepresented group –women, ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+.

In its third edition this year, Startup302 attracted 169 applications from the U.S. and beyond, with only fifteen startups, including Frontline Waste, invited to the final in-person pitching round at the Theatre N in downtown Wilmington. The competition spans five categories, and Frontline Waste specifically competed in the Clean, Green & Blue category, sponsored by Delmarva Power, DuPont, FMC Corp. and The Innovation Space.

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience, engaging with remarkable startups from all backgrounds and benefiting from DPP’s phenomenal hosting. Noah Olson, DPP Director of Innovation, personally facilitated a valuable connection with a local industrial contractor.

We thank DPP not only for the prize and the connections but also for its commitment to fostering a more balanced startup space by supporting underrepresented innovators. Despite constituting significant percentages of the overall U.S. population, these groups have historically received less investment in the startup world. According to data published by Startup302, women, representing 50.6% of the US population, make up only 9.2% in VC-backed businesses, while Latino and Black individuals, comprising 18.5% and 13.4% of the US population, account for only 2% and 1%, respectively. As a female founder, I can personally attest to the significant impact of this support. At the very least, it boosts confidence.