2024
Host University: Florida State University
Final Round: Wednesday, March 27
Judges
Sri Divakaruni, Vice President Of Global Business Development at Rhizome Network
Viv Goldstein, Managing Director, Growth and Product Innovation, Accenture Song
M. Cole Jones, Global Ecosystem Lead, VSP Global Innovation Center | Venture Catalyst
1st Place
Georgia Institute of Technology Team - NeuroChamp
People’s Choice voting text “GATech”
NeuroChamp is a daily wearable, concealed headband to continuously monitor pediatric seizures.
Half a million children nationwide suffer from epilepsy. Contrary to common stereotypes, many of these children experience daily, frequent seizures that cannot be detected by their parents, their teachers, or even themselves. These seizures interrupt children’s social and educational development, but there is no concealed and prescribed method to continuously monitor seizures that do not have corresponding large-scale movement. Current hospital and commercial electroencephalograms (EEGs), which read brain electrical activity to detect seizures, provide only a brief snapshot of a child’s disease, are uncomfortable, or exacerbate the social stigmas of pediatric epilepsy. NeuroChamp is a discrete headband that monitors generalized seizure activity in children by integrating dry EEG sensors into a comfortable comb design. The innovative headband design ensures strong sensor-scalp contact for effective brain readings and headband stability during children’s activities. The device can be worn as the basic comb headband or easily covered by a hat or fashionable personalized fabric band. Weekly summaries on seizure frequency and context will be sent to parents’ phones, while weekly raw and analyzed data will be sent to physicians. NeuroChamp sets itself apart from current EEG headsets with its truly concealed and practical design. With NeuroChamp, parents can better understand how their child’s seizures impede their development, and physicians can receive more data to support better informed treatment prescription. So, when children, parents, and doctors can’t monitor pediatric seizures, NeuroChamp can do it for them!
Student Entrepreneurs
Jacqui van Zyl
Mechanical Engineering
Meg Weaver
Biomedical Engineering
Caitlin van Zyl
Biomedical Engineering
2nd Place
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Team - WeyeZE
People’s Choice voting text “UNC”
Self correcting glasses kit to create accessible vision care for all.
WeyeZE is the solution to the most overlooked problem facing global health. We seek to eliminate the financial and geographic barrier that prevents over 1 billion people from getting a pair of corrective glasses. WeyeZE is a self-correcting glasses kit that enables the user to get a pair of glasses without needing to get to an optometrist's office or pay upwards of $400 for a pair of glasses without health insurance. WeyeZE is revolutionizing how humans see the world and giving everyone the gift of clear sight.
Student Entrepreneur
Sasha Surkin
Business Administration
People’s Choice
University of Notre Dame Team - Routora
In today's world of navigation and route planning, there's a common frustration that has lingered for too long. Despite their sophistication, most mainstream mapping apps don't technically optimize your multi-stop routes. If you enter stops A, B, C, D, and E–Google/Apple Maps/Waze will optimize your route based solely on the order in which you input your stops. However, a faster route could’ve been a different order such as A, C, B, D, and E, etc. etc. This leads to drivers with lots of daily stops wasting time on the road and money on gas. It's also a huge pain for them to try and manually reorder their stops over large, unfamiliar areas.
That’s why we built Routora: an AI-driven route planning app and website that generates faster, more cost-efficient multi-stop routes for Google/Apple Maps and Waze users by finding the fastest sequence of stops. With over 40,000 users from 90+ countries–Routora helps gig delivery drivers, small businesses, realtors, home and field service workers, insurance adjusters, sales reps, or anyone with lots of stops save time on the road and money on gas. In fact, our platform has collectively saved drivers over 3 million minutes, 2.1 million miles, $315k in fuel costs, and 940 tons of Co2 emissions during its beta launch. Ultimately, our mission is to empower drivers to navigate the world more efficiently while minimizing their carbon footprint.
People’s Choice voting text “ND”
Boston College Team - Hue
People’s Choice voting text “BC”
Hue is an accessible device that enables those with visual impairments to sort laundry by color.
The Campus School at Boston College supports students ages 3 to 22 with extensive support needs, including complex medical needs. Many of these students struggle with life skills, and we designed this device to make laundry more accessible for them — providing the students with a sense of independence. Seeing the results of our prototype was extremely rewarding, and we are looking to expand the Hue into other demographics, such as those with visual impairments and the elderly. Hue is a tool that assists with sorting laundry by color, using accessible switches and cost effective materials. It contains an RGB color sensor inset within a light-weight container, which is paired with both audio and visual outputs that correlate with the color of the item that Hue is scanning. The visual output is a small LED bulb that lights up brightly with the appropriate color in order to be clear to those with visual impairments. The audio output is concurrent to the visual output with a speaker that states the color of the item, and what temperature the clothes should be washed in.
Duke University Team - Aurganics
People’s Choice voting text “Duke”
Aurganics creates clean, plant-powered products targeted to revolutionize the skincare experience for melanin-rich skin.
The deeper one's complexion, the more prone they are to hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, after a breakout. Yet, most products are not formulated with melanin in mind – nearly 80% of dermatological clinical trial patients are White (JAAD, 2023). Aurganics creates clean, plant-powered products targeted to revolutionize the skincare experience for melanin-rich skin. Aurganics’ innovative solution is an anti-dark spot serum for an irritation-free glow. While other products exfoliate the skin’s outer surface, Aurganics’ custom formula works from the inside-out using the “Glowy Trinity”: alpha arbutin (bearberry-derived), kojic acid (mushroom-derived), and licorice root extract. These three clinically-proven ingredients are gentler on the skin, helping to even out skin tone without causing unnecessary irritation. Aurganics was created by Sarah Houston. As a Black woman with sensitive skin, Sarah has long felt the mental, emotional, and physical consequences of being silenced in the mainstream beauty industry. Her personal experience, background in psychology, and Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation fuel her passion for helping individuals of color feel comfortable and confident in their skincare ritual. Aurganics is actively supported by mentors experienced in building direct-to-consumer brands, the Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs Accelerator, and Duke’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. Aurganics is on a mission to revolutionize the skincare experience for melanin-rich skin worldwide – because your skin is worth more than gold (Au).
Student Entrepreneurs
Sarah Houston
Psychology Major, Music Major, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate
Sammy Bakare
Biomedical Engineering
Edwin Yu
Biophysics Major
Florida State University Team - Esperance Therapeutics
People’s Choice voting text “FSU”
Esperance Therapeutics is a synthetic biology startup leveraging innovative research techniques to develop cell-based therapeutic solutions, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from overlooked diseases such as the rare genetic disorder trimethylaminuria.
Fish Odor Syndrome, scientifically termed trimethylaminuria (TMAU), is a rare genetic disorder causing individuals to emit a distinct rotten fish odor. This devastating symptom of TMAU causes detrimental effects on patients’ personal and professional lives. Our groundbreaking cell-based therapeutic solution stands alone in effectively eliminating the odor associated with TMAU. Achieved through genetic isolation, integration, and expression, our designs oxidize odorous TMA (Trimethylamine) into non-odorous TMAO. At Esperance Therapeutics, we're not just pursuing science; we're driving social impact. We firmly believe in the power of science to serve humanity, and our project is a testament to that conviction. Our goal is clear: to improve the lives of those affected by TMAU, guided by a relentless dedication to real-world impact.
Student Entrepreneurs
Zachary Asarnow
STEM Entrepreneurship
Ava Polly
STEM Entrepreneurship & Exercise Physiology
University of Louisville Team - SmileFile
People’s Choice voting text “Louisville”
SmileFile is the MyChart of dental, the first digital experience connecting dentists and patients to improve patient education and access, financial results, and dental health outcomes.
SmileFile, the interactive MyChart for dental health, will redefine the patient experience and be the first patient-centered digital software to connect patients to their oral health information. Our mission is to deliver an integrated digital, portable platform that provides clear, credentialed, easily understandable information beyond the dental office. The problem is that dentists invest significant time, money, and energy into providing a high-tech digital experience for patients. However, after their appointment, they receive a single piece of PAPER, which should be helpful, but actually consists of unreadable dental codes and pricing. The patient leaves uninformed and confused. Ultimately, the digital investment is wasted, and care is compromised. SmileFile changes that, integrating the patients’ information into an easily digestible, user-friendly, digital, mobile experience where patients can access information, simulate procedures, and interact with a 5D model of their mouth. SmileFile’s benefits extend well beyond mere convenience. The dental practice saves valuable time, improves treatment plan adoption, and completes the patient experience. The patient better understands the reason and benefits of the plan, has real-time access to their information, and will improve their oral, and overall health. SmileFile is positioned to succeed, having validated the need and opportunity, and is supported by advisors with dental, software, and executive experience and extensive networks. SmileFile represents more than a digital portal—it's a catalyst for positive change in the dental industry. Harnessing the power of technology, we're empowering patients, enhancing communication, and revolutionizing the way dental care is delivered and experienced.
Student Entrepreneur
Eric Nelson
Finance
University of Miami Team - Starfish
People’s Choice voting text “Miami”
A digital marketplace platform that enables influencers to monetize their social media presence by selling advertising space.
Starfish is an innovative mobile application designed to streamline the process of buying and selling advertising space on social media. Specifically tailored for influencers or owners of social media pages with a significant following, Starfish offers a platform where these individuals can monetize their reach by selling ad space directly to interested businesses. This solution addresses the cumbersome task businesses often face of manually reaching out to influencers through emails and direct messages, by providing a centralized, efficient marketplace. Additionally, Starfish enhances the security and trust of transactions through its integrated escrow service, ensuring that both parties are protected from potential fraud, thereby facilitating a seamless and reliable exchange.
Student Entrepreneur
Thomas Rodberg
Economics
University of Pittsburgh Team - noVRel
People’s Choice voting text “Pitt”
noVRel is introducing AR into the OR.
Surgeons rely on various instruments, including lights, surgical loupes (surgical glasses with a magnifying lens), and fluoroscopy microscopes, in the OR. Furthermore, displays are scattered throughout the OR. To combat this, noVRel is developing a neurosurgical attachment for the Microsoft Hololens 2 to condense current surgical equipment and display information on one device. This is a prevalent issue as switching between devices increases surgical time, which may expose patients to complications and increase the likelihood of human error by surgeons. This can result in higher morbidity and mortality, prolonged length of stay, increased readmission, and higher healthcare expenditures.
Southern Methodist University- SteadiSpoon™
SteadiSpoon™ empowers the millions of people suffering debilitating hand tremors to regain agency, autonomy, and dignity in their lives.
Over 17 million people in the US suffer from debilitating hand tremors that prevent them from completing even simple, daily activities such as feeding thesmelves. The SteadiSpoon™ is a self-stabilizing eating device that empowers people with debilitating hand tremors to regain agency, autonomy, and dignity in their lives. SteadiSpoon™ is a consumer product consisting of a handheld device along with specially designed attachment heads (spoon, fork, knife, pen, tooth brush). The device is entirely mechanical—it has no motors, sensors, or chips—and works through tri-axal stabilization technology which utilizes proprietary mechanical mechanisms and systems to harmonically damp motion in each axis. In our human trials, the device has achieved 95% of the leading motorized device’s efficacy while being entirely mechanical and less than half the price (tested three times in a human motion lab).
People’s Choice voting text “SMU”
Student Entrepreneurs
Mason Morland
Accounting, Creative Writing
Raleigh Dewan
Marketing, Creative Writing
Syracuse University Team - Continual
People’s Choice voting text “Syracuse”
Continual is a groundbreaking relations, health, and safety application dedicated to revolutionize conversations about consent and intimacy.
Continual is a groundbreaking dating, health, and safety application committed to revolutionizing communication around consent, intimacy, and personal well-being. Designed with a customizable interface that facilitates shared profiles, instant messaging, and integrated safety features, Continual sets a new standard for communication, prioritizing health, education, and open dialogue. By providing a secure online platform offering a customizable interface for transparent communication, Continual addresses the crucial need for ongoing discussions on consent, health, and safety, filling a vital gap in the dating and relationship landscape. One of the prevailing challenges faced by young adults today is the reluctance to engage in conversations about intimacy, health, and consent within their relationships. These discussions, while potentially difficult, are vital to ensuring the well-being and safety of young adults. Continual steps in as a transformative solution, allowing users to customize their interface, fostering discussions about boundaries and consent while offering an array of resources for safety and health. The platform empowers users to share verified personal data, without compromising confidentiality, with customizable privacy and transparency. Users will have the ability to create customized profiles, engage in instant messaging with discussion prompt packs, and access features such as verified user screening, shareable profiles, scheduling and meetup tools with assigned emergency contacts, and an app-verified health upload system. This comprehensive approach empowers users to not only connect with others but also prioritize their safety, health, and open communication. By facilitating these crucial conversations, Continual provides a space for users to forge connections and navigate important discussions about their health and relationships, all while providing robust safety features and additional support resources. Continual empowers users and sets a new standard for healthy relationships in the digital age.
University of Virginia Team - Tofali Zetu
People’s Choice voting text “ UVA”
Tofali Zetu strives to provide affordable housing to rural Tanzanians through locally-built, durable, and mobile mechanical devices that compress soil and cement into interlocking earth bricks, fostering economic sociological, and environmental impact.
Tofali Zetu is determined to fight the affordable housing crisis in rural Tanzania by supporting and training local entrepreneurs and selling them locally-built devices to construct homes, and other buildings, using interlocking earth bricks (IEBs). Earth bricks are made by the compression of soil and a small portion of cement and then dried. The brick is molded with ridges and valleys allowing them to form connections with each other. The initial device we are manufacturing is manual and uses a lever to compress the bricks. TZ is innovative on three fronts: 1) the machine will be built locally, 2) the machine is durable, mobile, and affordable, and 3) our business support system increases the probability of implementation and successful use. TZ machines will be built within the local manufacturing economy. We purchase locally, hire locally, and sell locally. In doing so, we are not exploiting the community but rather augmenting it. This contrasts with global companies that currently produce IEB devices. In doing so, we can make a portable and high-quality machine that can be sold below the market price of other IEB machines. After-sale, we continue our relationship with customers through education to ensure that they are maximizing their purchases and gain feedback for improvement. Our machines can be moved from site to site with more ease and will be priced at 60% of the cost of competing machines produced in China and South Africa.
Student Entrepreneur
Andrew James Rummel
Economics
Virginia Tech Team - Cornucopia AI
People’s Choice voting text “VATech”
Cornucopia AI is a marketplace that connects consumers/businesses to the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence
Cornucopia AI is a platform that serves as a marketplace where both developers of custom-built AI tools/solutions and potential consumers of these products can connect. This platform will allow developers of AI tools to seamlessly market their products and also lead to them increasing their overall sales. On the other hand, Cornucopia AI will provide an opportunity for any consumer ranging from a student all the way to a business to explore trusted AI tools they can purchase in order to make their everyday tasks or processes more efficient. As the world of artificial intelligence becomes increasingly popular every single day, the main goal of Cornucopia AI is to provide a trusted community where anyone interested in exploring the limitless possibilities of AI can do so.
Wake Forest University Team - SAFErgy
People’s Choice voting text “WF”
SAFErgy reduces accidental food allergen reactions by allowing users to use our proprietary location aware AI scanning service that can assess the risk of a potential allergic reaction when eating a prepared meal.
In the United States, 33 million Americans suffer from food allergies which leads to 3.4 million ER visits and billions of dollars in expenses that strain the United States Healthcare system each year. While there have been many attempts to address these accidental allergic reactions, there are no solutions that address these problems holistically. Restaurants use non-standard methods for addressing food allergies, and consumer products are either ineffective or unused. SAFErgy is the only two-pronged approach to reduce accidental allergic reactions. Our first ever standardized restaurant allergen-safety protocol, will ensure that restaurants are following adequate safety precautions when working with people who have food allergies. We utilize “nudge” mechanics, such as proper cleaning techniques and cross-contamination prevention, through our restaurant-friendly interface. This will guide all employees in their service of catering to those with food allergies. We consolidate all collected data from restaurants and implement it into our consumer app. The SAFErgy consumer app features our proprietary location aware AI scanning service that allows users to assess the potential risk of consuming an accidental or undetected allergen in a prepared meal, simply by taking a picture of their food. By providing solutions to both sides of the food industry, we can ensure to keep everyone safe, and thus, out of emergency care. SAFErgy casts worry to the side by creating certainty for consumers and restaurants, allowing them to Worry Less, and Enjoy More.
