Each of the startups had four minutes to pitch their concepts to judges and the audience before another four minutes for Q&A. Here is a summary for each group and its pitch:

BeeHex: This group manufactures machines for commercial kitchens to automate food personalization, including the utilization of a NASA-funded 3D food printer.

MicroEra Power: This group focuses on developing on-site power systems to create a renewable-intensive grid. MicroEra Power utilizes cloud-based predictive/adaptive controls, which monitor, control and optimize its systems.

Hintech Ag: Focusing on splintering corn stalks, the Decimator (this group’s first product) mitigates tire damage on farm equipment, as well as enhancing the decomposition of corn stalk “stubble.” This product helps alleviate issues in creating seed-to-soil contact in the crops after, assisting in the germination process.

Nobo: Hydration is essential when doing outdoor activities (such as running, playing sports, etc.), so Nobo has created a product that monitors hydration levels. It accomplishes this by sending different wavelengths of light into the body and measuring how much light is absorbed.

ihologramLAB: For companies that want to utilize realistic-images in their hardware products, ihologramLAB is an imaging solution provider, which provides total solutions for real imaging effects. It uses optical parts and a 2D contents conversion service for what it calls “reality reinforcement.”

Neopenda: As a for-profit healthcare startup, Neopenda is developing a product, which wirelessly monitors vital signs for newborns in overcrowded, understaffed health facilities. This product is being validated through clinical trials in Uganda.

In the end, Neopenda was the winner of the Chicago Hardware Cup and received a 3-month membership to the Chicago Connectory.