WiNK Therapeutics, a Miramar, Florida-based biotechnology company, was announced as the Grand Prize winner of the inaugural Sloss.Tech/Ideas Pitch Competition, earning $50,000 in funding at the conclusion of the three-day Sloss Tech conference. The competition, funded by a grant from the Regions Foundation, featured 16 finalists from across the Southeast competing for a total of $75,000 in prizes.
Co-founded by Dr. Warren Marcus, WiNK Therapeutics is committed to transforming lives through the development of groundbreaking treatments for Type 1 Diabetes and solid tumors, powered by its novel RNA aptamer platform. The company was selected from a competitive field representing four key technology sectors: Agtech and Foodtech, Healthtech and Biotech, Mobility and Transportation Technology and Emerging Tech.
“WiNK Therapeutics exemplifies the kind of breakthrough innovation we’re seeing across the Southeast,” said Deon Gordon, president and CEO of TechBirmingham. “Their novel RNA aptamer platform represents exactly the type of transformative healthcare technology that can change lives while driving economic growth in our region.”
The judges were impressed by WiNK Therapeutics’ innovative approach to addressing critical healthcare challenges. The company’s RNA aptamer platform offers a promising new pathway for developing treatments for some of the most challenging medical conditions, including Type 1 Diabetes and various solid tumors.
“We’re thrilled to receive this recognition and support from the Sloss Tech community and the Regions Foundation,” said Dr. Warren Marcus, co-founder of WiNK Therapeutics. “This funding will accelerate our mission to bring life-changing treatments to patients who need them most. The platform provided by Sloss Tech has been invaluable in connecting us with investors, mentors, and the broader Southeast tech ecosystem.”
The Sloss Tech/Ideas Southeast Pitch Competition attracted applications from across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Each finalist company launched their product or service no earlier than January 2020, and has raised no more than $5 million in combined funding.
“WiNK Therapeutics represents the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that drives economic growth throughout our region,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “We’re excited to see how this company will use this platform and funding to accelerate their growth and potentially save lives through their groundbreaking work.”
In addition to the $50,000 Grand Prize awarded to WiNK Therapeutics, the competition recognized winners across multiple categories:
$10,000 People’s Choice Award: HERide (Atlanta), the women-first rideshare platform founded by Jillian Anderson that connects women riders with women drivers for a trusted, empowering experience.
$5,000 Category Winners:
- Agtech and Foodtech: Good Agriculture (Atlanta), founded by Alex Edquist, an AI-powered farm business management platform that helps farmers spend less time on back-office tasks and focus on farming and land stewardship.
- Healthtech and Biotech: WiNK Therapeutics (Miramar, Fla.), which also claimed the Grand Prize for their groundbreaking RNA aptamer platform.
- Mobility and Transportation Technology: HERide (Atlanta), earning recognition in both the category award and People’s Choice Award for their innovative approach to safe, women-focused transportation.
- Emerging Tech: Giggs (Nashville, Tenn.), founded by Nikki Sanz, a career platform for the live event industry that connects vetted backstage professionals with top companies.
All 16 presenting companies received comprehensive support, including complimentary Sloss Tech 2025 badges, travel stipends, pre-event and on-site coaching, and the opportunity to showcase their innovations during Sloss Tech’s Startup Showcase.
The expanded three-day Sloss Tech conference ran June 25-27, 2025, throughout Birmingham’s historic theatre district. After seven consecutive sold-out years, Sloss Tech has evolved into a comprehensive experience, establishing itself as one of the Southeast’s premier destinations for technology and innovation.
The Sloss Tech/Ideas Southeast Pitch Competition was made possible through financial support from the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank that supports programs focused on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, and financial wellness.
For more information about WiNK Therapeutics, visit www.winktx.com. For more information about Sloss Tech and future competitions, visit sloss.tech or contact TechBirmingham at [email protected].
