DURHAM, N.C. – If you’re interested in learning more about the results from four startups that recently tested their new technology with the City of Durham and Durham County governments, you’ll want to attend the 2024 Innovate Durham Demo Day next week. 

Demo Day is an interactive community event showcasing the progress of four startup companies that have participated in the Innovate Durham cohort. Innovate Durham is a partnership between the City of Durham and Durham County that allows startups and entrepreneurs to use local government as a lab to test out an idea, product, or service by getting access to local government staff, data, and facilities. Durham is the first community in North Carolina to start such a public-private innovation partnership program. 

This year’s event is set for Thursday, June 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. at the Hayti Heritage Center, located at 804 Fayetteville St. The event will include an open house with networking opportunities, with the program starting at approximately 6 p.m. 

The four 2024 Innovate Durham Demo Day participants are:

• Laughing Monitos offers speech and language developmental programs for children 0–4 years old. Designed with precision and care, their comprehensive approach to fostering communication skills delivers measurable results. Through a blend of structured activities, playful exercises, and one-on-one guidance, Laughing Monitos empowers children to unlock their linguistic potential. From enhancing vocabulary to refining articulation, their expert team employs evidence-based strategies to address each child's unique needs. Laughing Monitos partnered with the Durham County Department of Economic Development.

   

• Digital Brilliance Hour (DBH) uniquely blends science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, arts, and mathematics (STEEAM) with creativity and practical skills in culturally relevant programs. DBH emphasizes hands-on learning, professional mentorship, and community-based approaches. With flexible online and in-person options, it ensures that STEEAM education is inclusive and impactful for underrepresented youth. DBH partnered with the City of Durham Technology Solutions Department.

   

• SKLLD helps companies tap into a brand-new pipeline of talented and eager job seekers: the formerly incarcerated. They partner with stakeholders at every level to support returning citizens as they are released, bridge the skills gap with leading training providers, and transition to life changing careers in high-demand industries. Through advocacy, upskilling, and recruiting, SKLLD’s unique services power the success of both clients and candidates.SKLLD partnered with the City of Durham Innovation Team as well as the Durham County Department of Economic Development.

   

• MyMatR has created an AI-powered automatic sorting waste container designed for public spaces. MyMatR has deployed two devices in City buildings to test the functionality of both the devices and a cloud-based data platform. This initiative helps users gain insights into the waste stream for improved waste management practices. MyMatR partnered with the City of Durham General Services and Solid Waste Management departments. 

To register for this event, visit https://events.humanitix.com/innovate-durham-demo-day. 

For more information about 2024 Innovate Durham Demo Day, contact Durham County Economic Development Coordinator Sabria Futrell at 919-327-5420 or sfutrell@dconc.gov, or City of Durham Innovation Manager Lyndsay Gavin at 919-560-4111, ext. 20282 or Lyndsay.Gavin@DurhamNC.gov