Adirondack Innovation Initiative Announces Finalists for the ADK Launchpad Pitch Competition
Five local innovators compete for cash prize to accelerate their ventures
LAKE PLACID — Big ideas are taking off in the Adirondacks, and the region’s top entrepreneurial talent is getting ready for the spotlight. The Adirondack Innovation Initiative (A2i), a project of the Adirondack Community Foundation, is thrilled to announce the finalists for the upcoming ADK Launchpad Pitch Competition on Thursday, November 12, at Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake, N.Y.
These emerging startups and local innovators are competing for a cash prize of $1,000 to help accelerate their ventures. Beyond the initial funding, the competitors are pitching for a suite of resources designed to scale their businesses. These prizes include dedicated mentorship, targeted visibility with regional investor networks including Point Positive and Upstate Venture Connect, and extensive exposure across the North Country.
The finalists selected to present their innovative businesses and ideas include:
- Mabel – Hannah Riedel, Schroon Lake, N.Y.
- Happy Hermit Teas & Tonics – Kevin Litchfield and Amanda Zullo, Saranac Lake, N.Y.
- Hard Times Echo, LLC – Joshua Holmes, Malone, N.Y.
- Destination Work Hub – Joe Vacca, Jay, N.Y.
- AUSPEX Intelligence – Jenn Munsie, Wilmington, N.Y.
The ADK Launchpad Pitch Competition reflects an expanding regional network designed to help rural entrepreneurs thrive. A2i is actively connecting tech-enabled professionals and startup founders living throughout the greater Adirondacks, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and local investment.
To learn more about the pitch competition, register for upcoming events, or discover how A2i is supporting the North Country’s professional network, visit a2ihub.org/2026-adk-launchpad-pitch-day/
