July 27, 2026 – STartUP Northshore has named IBEX the winner of their summer 2026 THE LAUNCHPAD pitch competition. The Slidell-based startup earned the top award after presenting alongside two other finalists before a live audience and panel of judges at the North Star Theatre and Cultural Center in Mandeville last night.
Michael Bishop, Founder of IBEX, received a $3,000 grant to support the continued development of his company. Drawing from firsthand experience working on steep-sloped roofs, Bishop is developing the S-RAD (Steep Roof Assist Device), an innovative platform that helps roofing contractors and insurance adjusters work more safely and efficiently by providing a stable, level surface on pitched roofs. The funding will help refine the company’s early prototype as it advances toward commercialization.