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LymeAlert Takes First Place at the 2026 Outside Ignite Pitch Competition
LymeAlert Takes First Place at the 2026 Outside Ignite Pitch Competition
LymeAlert took home first place at the Outside Ignite startup pitch competition. Held on May 28 at the Auraria Campus in Denver, Colorado, the event brought together eight finalists redefining the outdoor, health, and wellness industries. Standing on stage in front of a live audience and an esteemed panel of judges, we pitched our mission to crush Lyme disease one tick at a time—and walked away with the grand prize and the incredible support of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Path to Outside Ignite
Winning first place out of nearly 200 initial applicants required advancing through a highly rigorous, multi-month evaluation process. Our team had to prove ourselves across multiple rounds before standing on the final stage. Once in Denver, our live performance was evaluated by a panel of top-tier business leaders and industry icons.
The Pitch: Protecting Outdoor Enthusiasts Everywhere
For anyone who loves to hike, bike, camp, or explore, ticks are a constant concern. Traditional Lyme disease testing requires waiting and inaccuracies. CEO, Erin Dawicki, pitched LymeAlert’s at-home tick test to share how this groundbreaking technology changes the game.
We are building the first-ever at-home rapid test kit featuring our proprietary Tick Crusher™. It identifies the pathogen that causes Lyme disease directly within a removed tick in 15 minutes. Winning this competition is an important step for outdoor safety, giving people control and clarity right when a bite happens.
The Judging Criteria
The Outside Ignite winner had to offer a unique solution to a massive, real-world issue impacting the outdoor and active lifestyle space. Judges also looked at the presenter’s ability to captivate a live audience and a demonstrate a deep understanding of their industry. Startups were evaluated on their path to scaling, operational feasibility, and long-term financial sustainability.
Ultimately, LymeAlert’s balance of a highly scalable biotech solution, clear business model, and mission focused on outdoor safety won the judges over.
The Future of Outdoor Safety is Here
We want to express our gratitude to Outside Magazine, the judges, and everyone who cheered us on. This milestone brings us one step closer to a world where you can explore the backcountry with peace of mind.
Our rapid results at-home tick test kit is currently available for preorder. Secure your kit today to protect your next adventure.
Don’t wait for symptoms.
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