Morris Nguyen and Kody Roza of Predicate HPG were named the 2024 Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year at the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards on May 22nd.
The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards are sponsored by UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. This award recognizes the region’s up-and-coming ventures and established companies that continue to innovate.
Predicate HPG is a medical technology company that analyzes data from patients in real time to look for symptoms and signs of sepsis. If detected, Predicate HPG technology alerts healthcare professionals so patients can receive immediate treatment.
“Statistically, sepsis causes more deaths in the United States than overdoses, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined. Globally, that’s one in five deaths each year,” said Nguyen, Predicate HPG founder and CEO. “The challenge with sepsis is that it’s so confusing, so we’re doing the important work of sorting through the noise. There are so many healthcare shortages around the world. We need to help healthcare workers recognize it early.”
Nguyen is active within the UNCW CIE through his participation in events such as the Founders Roundtable. Additionally, Nguyen was a finalist in the NC Biotechnology Venture Challenge.
Businesses and nonprofit organizations in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties are eligible for the award.
Winners were recognized in 10 categories including biotechnology, startups, healthcare, internet-related, manufacturing and distribution, minority-owned, non-profit, professional services, retail and hospitality and technology.
2024 Award Recipients:
- Biotechnology: Portret Pharmaceuticals
- Startup: Clean Community Co., Ltd.
- Healthcare: Predicate HPG
- Internet related: Ham House Sports
- Manufactured and sold by: Greenfield Energy
- Ethnic-owned business: Queen Esther Teas
- Nonprofit organization: Safe Haven of Pender Inc.
- Retail/Hospitality: Shaka Taco
- Retail and Hospitality: Retro Meadery
- Professional Services: Reinventing HR
- Technology: Locally sourced
