Wink Therapeutics Takes Grand Prize at Sloss.tech/Ideas Pitch Competition
Wink Therapeutics, a biotech company based in Miramar, Florida, has been named the grand prize winner of the inaugural Sloss.tech/ideas Pitch Competition, taking home $50,000 during the three-day Sloss Tech Conference. The competition, supported by grants from the Regional Foundation, featured 16 finalists from the Southeast, competing for a total of $75,000 in prizes.
Co-founded by Dr. Warren Marcus, Wink Therapeutics focuses on developing innovative treatments for type 1 diabetes and solid tumors, utilizing its unique RNA aptamer platform. The company emerged from a competitive field spanning four key technology sectors: AGTECH and FoodTech, HealthTech and Biotech, Mobility and Transportation Technology, and Emerging Tech.
Deon Gordon, president and CEO of TechBirmingham, remarked, “Wink Therapeutics showcases the kind of innovative thinking prevalent in the Southeast. Their RNA aptamer platform is a perfect example of medical technology that can transform lives and spur economic growth in our area.”
The judges praised Wink Therapeutics for its fresh approach to tackling serious healthcare issues. The company’s RNA aptamer platform opens promising avenues for developing treatments for challenging medical conditions, including type 1 diabetes and various solid tumors.
“We’ve put a lot of effort into making a difference,” Dr. Warren Marcus shared. “This funding will help us advance our mission to deliver life-altering treatments to those who need them most. The connections we’ve made through Slotech are invaluable, linking us to investors, mentors, and the larger tech ecosystem in the Southeast.”
The Sloss Tech/Ideas Southeast Pitch Competition attracted entries from multiple states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and more. Each finalist had launched their products or services by January 2020 and had secured less than $5 million in funding.
Marta Self, executive director of the Regional Foundation, said, “Wink Therapeutics embodies the entrepreneurship and innovation driving economic growth in our region. We’re eager to see how this company leverages its funding and platform to accelerate growth and improve lives through their pioneering work.”
Besides the $50,000 awarded to Wink Therapeutics, winners were also chosen in various categories.
$10,000 Choice Award: Herid (Atlanta), a women’s-focused ridesharing platform founded by Gillian Anderson, facilitates connections between female drivers and riders for a safe transportation experience.
Winners in the $5,000 category:
- Agtech and Foodtech: Good farming (Atlanta), founded by Alex Edquist, is a farm management platform that uses AI to help farmers reduce time spent on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on agriculture.
- HealthTech and Biotech: Wink Therapeutics, also the grand prize winner, recognized for its groundbreaking RNA aptamer platform.
- Mobility and Transportation Technology: Herid, lauded for its innovative approach to safe, women-centered transportation.
- Emerging technologies: Giggs, founded by Nicky Sants in Nashville, Tennessee, is a career platform for the live events sector, connecting verified backstage talent with leading companies.
All 16 participating companies received extensive support, including complimentary Slotech 2025 badges, travel scholarships, coaching, and the chance to showcase their innovations during the Slotech startup exhibition.
The expanded Sloss Tech Conference was held in Birmingham’s historic theater district from June 25-27, 2025. Having sold out for seven consecutive years, Sloss Tech has developed into an inclusive event, becoming a notable destination in the Southeast for technology and innovation.
The Sloss Tech/Ideas Southeast Pitch Competition was made possible through local foundation support, primarily funded by regional banks backing initiatives centered on economic development, education, and financial health.
