Twenty-Second RAP Cohort to Leverage Growing North Carolina Ecosystem Through New Partnership

WILSON, NC — March 26, 2026 — RIoT Labs, a technology-based economic development nonprofit empowering entrepreneurs, scaling innovation, and advancing high-tech industries to build a resilient, future-ready economy, alongside NC IDEA, a private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, announced today the selection of ten startups for the twenty-second cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP), following their recent joint venture. This milestone collaboration brings together two of North Carolina’s leading innovation-focused organizations, uniting their networks, resources, and expertise to give this class of emerging technology companies an unprecedented level of support as they work to scale their businesses and create lasting economic impact for the State.

Established in February 2026, the partnership between RIoT Labs and NC IDEA Foundation transitioned the RIoT Accelerator Program to NC IDEA. This strategic collaboration expands NC IDEA’s ability to deliver high-impact acceleration services to entrepreneurs across North Carolina, while leveraging the RIoT team’s deep expertise to support high-growth startups as they scale.

“NC IDEA is proud to continue to collaborate with RIoT Labs in bringing high-touch acceleration services to founders committed to building and growing in North Carolina,” said Thom Ruhe, President and CEO of NC IDEA. “Together, we are aligning our efforts to better serve entrepreneurs and foster a stronger, more inclusive innovation economy across the state.

“This cohort represents more than just another class of startups—it reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation and expanding opportunity across our region,” said Greg Dunko, Director of Strategy at RIoT Labs.

The newly selected cohort—RAP XXII—will run from March through June 2026. Workshops will be hosted at the Gig East Exchange in Wilson, NC, a collaborative hub that helps entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers grow. The program will culminate in a public demo day, where founders will showcase their progress to investors, partners, and the broader community.

“We’re excited to welcome this 22nd cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program—our 7th in Wilson, NC—and to do so as part of this new partnership with NC IDEA,” said Emily Wells, Greenlight Community & Engagement Manager. “Bringing our organizations together creates even greater momentum for supporting entrepreneurs, expanding access to resources, and strengthening innovation in eastern North Carolina.”

The selected companies span Energy Technology, HealthTech, and SafetyTech sectors, use technologies like IoT, AI, and data analytics as the backbone of their solutions, and were selected because they’re innovative, scalable, and tackling important real-world challenges.

The ten startups selected for the 22nd RIoT Accelerator cohort are:

Federant builds infrastructure that enables organizations to securely govern and trust physical AI systems at the edge as a sovereign operational capability.

GreySun Technologies developed a breathalyzer-integrated platform that combines alcohol education with real-time monitoring to promote safer decision-making.

ImLoopedIn is a mobile-first platform that connects people with relevant local communities, organizations, and events by organizing updates around the groups they follow, enabling seamless discovery, engagement, and community management without the noise.

Kinove Lab develops intelligent movement solutions to advance pain management and improve physical health outcomes.

Monza Tech uses advanced predictive software for the energy and utilities sector that simulates power grid behavior to forecast cascading failures while integrating data analytics and cryptographic verification to deliver secure, auditable mitigation insights.

NeuroFin Inc. has developed a platform, BizzOS, which is an AI-powered business operating system that unifies tools to streamline B2B discovery, boost retention, and optimize team productivity.

Nuream leverages AI at the intersection of SleepTech and NeuroHealth to enhance human well-being and improve quality of life at scale.

Pod Farms operates in the agriculture and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sectors, serving commercial growers, schools, and community organizations, and builds its solutions using vertical hydroponic systems, modular hardware design, and integrated automation, sensors, and crop monitoring technologies.

RoboLeanX delivers an AI-driven platform that enhances manufacturing through automated quality inspection, safety monitoring, and adaptive robotics.

Superior Love Forever, LLC creates human-centered relationship strategy, mediation, and safety solutions designed to strengthen communication, restore lives, and protect communities.

About RIoT Labs
RIoT Labs is a technology-based economic development organization that strengthens regional innovation by connecting startups, corporations, and communities through programs that accelerate company growth, drive collaboration, and expand access to emerging technologies. RIoT Labs operates under the umbrella of the Wireless Research Center of North Carolina (WRC), an independent nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between research and commercialization, bringing the next generation of wireless and dual-use technologies to market. Through its applied research, development, simulation, testing, and certification capabilities, WRC accelerates innovation across network infrastructure, connected devices, and sensors. Visit www.wrc-nc.org and www.riot.org.

About NC IDEA Foundation
NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to equitably empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential. Through a powerful combination of competitive grants and programs and a network of strategic partners, the organization helps entrepreneurs when they need it most. NC IDEA’s resources are highly competitive, enabling the Foundation to support North Carolina’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. NC IDEA believes entrepreneurs transform communities and views their work as a catalyst for positive change. Learn more at www.ncidea.org.

PRESS CONTACT:
Jen Morgan, Community Director
540.645.7046 – jennifer@riot.org

Andrea Cook, Senior Director
919.941.5600 • acook@ncidea.org