Six Businesses to Compete for $15,000 in Cash Prizes

Posted On: March 18, 2026

Step into the future of Volusia County and discover the next generation of businesses at the 2026 Volusia Innovation Challenge from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.

Attendees can watch the pitch competition, where six innovators will compete for cash prizes to help launch or scale their ventures. Prizes include $10,000 for first place and $5,000 for second place. Attendees can also explore the Innovation Showcase; meet over 25 entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators exhibiting the latest products, concepts, and creations; and cast their vote to determine winners for the "best of" awards.

The six finalists pitching their business ideas on the main stage before a panel of judges are:

• Nathan Browning and Killian Embler - developers of Embler Control Systems educational flight computers, which serve as powerful data recorders for model rockets
• Jacob Fleming, Ryan Flournoy, and Kevin Sullivan of JRK Supplements - developers of "Fruit Fuze," an energy-boosting snack food alternative to energy supplements and drinks
• Maryam Khazraee - founder and developer of Health Allied Exam Prep, a company that provides an end-to-end career support platform for allied health professionals
• Dr. Brenton Kinker - an ER doctor and inventor of Suture Gun, a mechanical suturing device that reduces procedure time and improves efficacy
• Steve Lofvers - inventor and founder of TarpBags, reusable water-fillable ballast bags designed to secure emergency roof tarps without nails or fasteners
• Arjun Menon - developer of Tracker, an automated inventory management system (toolbox) with an intuitive user interface providing real-time status and analytics

"Competing last year sky-rocketed our business," said Beyond Bounds Studios co-founder Lucas Cohen, who won last year's competition. "We would not be where we are today without the Volusia Innovation Challenge."

The public and media are asked to register for this free event before midnight March 24 at https://2026VolusiaInnovationChallenge.eventbrite.com. Registration is required to receive free parking in the Ocean Center's west or south parking lots.

The Volusia Innovation Challenge is an annual business pitch competition to encourage and assist Volusia County creators and aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to launch or grow their business.