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Innovative MedTech Honored at Coastal Entrepreneur Awards 

UNCW CIE and Greater Wilmington Business Journal celebrate top coastal entrepreneurs.

The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards are hosted by UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the Greater Wilmington Business Journal.
The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards are hosted by UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the Greater Wilmington Business Journal.
Courtesy: Madeline Grey

Morris Nguyen and Kody Roza with Predicate HPG were named the 2024 Coastal Entrepreneurs of the Year at the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards on May 22. 

The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards are hosted by UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. The awards recognize up-and-coming ventures in the region and established companies that keep innovating. 

Predicate HPG is a medical technology company that analyzes data from patients in real time to look for symptoms and signs of sepsis. If detected, Predicate HPG technology will alert the healthcare provider so the patient can be treated immediately. 

“Statistically, in the United States, sepsis claims more lives than overdoses, breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Globally, that is one in five people that die every year,” said Nguyen, Predicate HPG founder and CEO. “The challenge with sepsis is it is very confusing, so that is why we are doing the important work of sorting through the noise. There are so many healthcare shortages around the world. We need to help our healthcare providers be able to recognize it early.” 

Nguyen is active within UNCW CIE through participation in events such as Founders Roundtable. Additionally, Nguyen is a finalist in the NC Biotechnology Venture Challenge. 

Companies and nonprofits in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties are eligible for the awards. 

Award recipients were recognized in 10 categories including biotechnology, emerging company, health care, internet-related, manufacturing & distribution, minority-owned, nonprofit, professional services, retail & hospitality and technology. 

2024 Winners:  

  • Biotechnology: Portrett Pharmaceuticals 
  • Emerging Company: Clean Community Inc.  
  • Health Care: Predicate HPG 
  • Internet Related: Ham House Sports 
  • Manufacturing & Distribution: Greenfield Energy 
  • Minority-Owned Business: Queen Esther Teas 
  • Nonprofit: Safe Haven of Pender Inc.  
  • Retail & Hospitality: Shaka Taco 
  • Retail & Hospitality: Retro Meadery 
  • Professional Services: ReEngineering HR 
  • Technology: Local Catch 
     

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