Future startup founders shine bright at UC Startup Weekend
The University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub buzzed with energy last weekend as more than 120 students from various Ohio colleges gathered to bring their startup ideas to life. Hosted by the UC Center for Entrepreneurship, the third-annual UC Startup Weekend saw participants transform their business concepts into viable ventures in just three days, as reported by Local12.
Student teams huddle in rooms inside the 1819 Innovation Hub to work on their business plans and pitch decks. Photo/Mary Dwyer
Students arrived on Friday for an exciting kickoff event, where they had the opportunity to meet and network with one another. The momentum continued Saturday as they connected with mentors and participated in breakout sessions throughout the day. Fueled by coffee and energy drinks, teams worked feverishly to identify real-time problems to solve and conduct research in preparation for Sunday’s pitch competition.
Designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, over 20 mentors and entrepreneurs from companies and organizations such as Main Street Ventures, Queen City Angels, Zooky, Refinery Ventures and Fireroad were invited. Participating student teams gained exclusive access to 1819’s cutting-edge resources such as the Ground Floor Makerspace, equipping them with the tools and space to transform their ideas into reality.
Mentorship and networking
Students brainstorm with mentors who share insights on entrepreneurship. Photo/Mary Dwyer
The mentorship process plays a crucial role in sharpening pitch techniques and refining business development strategies, positioning students for success in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. As teams take shape, they receive invaluable guidance and feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and dedicated volunteers, ensuring they are well prepared to present their ventures.
The event culminated on Sunday with a high-stakes pitch competition where teams introduced their innovations to a panel of judges, vying for a share of $5,000 in cash prizes. The funds are earmarked to help students launch groundbreaking ideas, providing crucial financial support as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
“Beyond monetary rewards, students gained experience to apply to their business ideas, a potential game-changer for any startup when attracting partners and investors,” says Josie Dalton, associate director of the Center for Entrepreneurship. “We wanted to give students an immersive experience similar to what we provide would-be entrepreneurs through the Venture Lab’s pre-launch digital accelerator program. This competition is a platform for students to showcase their innovative concepts, propelling them into the spotlight and increasing their chances of success in the competitive business landscape.”
Full Gallery
Team winners stand proudly as the weekend concluded. Photo: Mary Dwyer
Delivering stellar pitches
Judges praised the students for their ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, ultimately awarding top honors to four standout teams:
1st place ($2,500): Send Noods
- Allergy-friendly late-night noodle delivery
- Team members: Paige Hedger, Sammi Jones and Varsha Lingam
Born from a long night of studying and a dream for a bowl of noodles after 9 p.m., Send Noods seeks to revolutionize late-night dining with an allergy-friendly, customizable noodle bowl delivery service. Operating from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., the startup caters to those with dietary restrictions while injecting humor into the experience with creatively named dishes.
2nd place ($1,500): Virasense
- Sensor for detecting viral load in the air
- Team members: Matthew Stocker, Mohammad Hasan Jamei and Robert Horvath
Virasense introduces a surface-mounted device capable of real-time air monitoring for infectious agents in hospitals, airports and public spaces. The sensor provides instant outbreak alerts using a red-yellow-green light system, offering hospitals and other institutions a crucial tool for 24/7 surveillance without the need for patient interaction — significantly reducing regulatory hurdles.
Tied for 3rd place ($500): Kea Tech
- AI architecture tool
- Team members: Ezra Wolf, Vishesh Anand, Alba Samsami, Khaled Oweis and Sahil Thakare
Kea Tech’s artificial intelligence accelerator addresses the challenge of increasing computer power in existing AI systems. By leveraging licensed technology, the team aims to deliver flexible and scalable AI and machine learning solutions for real-time decision-making in certain AI and Internet of Things devices, reducing dependency on cloud computing.
Tied for 3rd place ($500): Tri-Dry Print
- 3D-printed triathlon chamois cloth
- Team members: Andrew Lewis, Nikhil Shah and Donovan Rinderle
Tri-Dry Print offers an innovative solution to the common discomforts faced by triathletes, cyclists and runners. Using an advanced adhesion technique, the 3D-printed chamois solves problems like moisture retention, chafing and discomfort associated with traditional thin foam inserts.
Honorable mention: Sonic Eyesight
- AI-powered navigation for the visually impaired
- Team members: Reaan Fathima, Trey Reichert and Joey Davisson
Inspired by a personal story, founder Trey Reichert’s motivation stems from his father’s battle with vision loss due to drusen, a retinal disorder. Sonic Eyesight is dedicated to empowering blind individuals through AI-powered wearable technology. The product, featuring a 360-degree camera system with ultrasonic sensors, assists users with real-time navigation, enhancing independence and mobility.
UC Startup Weekend has solidified itself as a breeding ground for future entrepreneurs, providing students with a platform to turn bold ideas into reality. As the event wrapped up, participants acquired invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities and a newfound confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities. With another successful year in the books, the UC Center for Entrepreneurship continues to ignite an innovative spirit among students, ensuring that the next generation of startup leaders is ready to make their mark.
Featured image at top: UC students from Team Send Noods pitch to judges. Photo/Mary Dwyer
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