2024-2025 DNVC Winners

  1. 1st place ($20,000): * is a pioneering cleantech startup to revolutionize how large-scale dining operations approach food waste. For the first time in the DNVC’s six-year history, the winning team consists entirely of Duquesne alumni and students: Nolan Sulpizio (B'24), Daniel Oldak (B'23s) and Diego Lopez (B'25). The idea for Clean Plate Innovations was conceived during the 2024 Techstars Startup Weekend, Pittsburgh, hosted by Duquesne's Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship.   pitch video. 
  2. 2nd place ($10,000): is a medical device for obtaining high-quality samples for sensitive diagnostic testing in point-of-care settings. PinPointDX's team consists of Milun Jain, Viraaj Reddi, Atharva Mulay and Duquesne affiliate Alexander McAloon. pitch video. 
  3. 3rd place ($5,000): EASI is surgical tool designed to be inserted into small blood vessels, ensuring precise and equidistant suturing, optimizing vessel alignment and preventing complications. EASI's team consists of Hilary Liu, Simon Cao and Duquesne affiliate Dr. Leda Klouda. pitch video.  
  4. 4th place ($3,000): is developing an automated and mobile recycling micro-factory that turns plastic waste directly into recycled products. Team members include Georgia Crowther, Thomas Lansing, Olivia Rangel and Duquesne affiliate Abby Kennedy. video pitch.  
  5. 5th place ($3,000): * is creating ocean wave energy harvesting technology to deliver sustainable, off-grid power to charge submersible systems at sea. Team members include Priscilla Prem and Duquesne alum Carlan Gray. video pitch. 

*Teams include Duquesne alumni and/or students

2023-24 DNVC Winners

  1. 1st place ($10,000): developed an autonomous robotic inspection solution for underwater applications. The technology expedites inspection and repair time, eliminates risks to humans, and ensures the safety of critical infrastructure. Team members include Dr. Michael Kaess, Dr. Xiaoyu Kaess, and Jane K. Joseph, a 2012 Ï㽶ÊÓƵ graduate. .
  2. 2nd place ($10,000):creates energizing eyedrops that relieve the effects of screen fatigue using a patented formulation of stimulants and amino acids. Team members include Kyle Guinness, Tammy Szijarto, and Duquesne student Jason Garland, who double majors in entrepreneurship and finance. .
  3. 3rd place, winning $5,000—promotes situational awareness for cyclists using an audio and visual alert system. Team members include Clark Haynes, Alison Treaster, and Duquesne MBA student Jani Pierre. .
  4. 4th place, winning $3,000—optimizes the longevity and efficiency of flow batteries through diagnostic solutions. Team members include Becca Segal, Dr. Chris Wilmer, and Duquesne student Lucas Mitchell, who is studying Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science. 
  5. 5th place, winning $3,000—turns a smartphone into a high-quality bike camera to record rides and promote safety. Team members include Armin Samii and Duquesne alumna Erin Potts. .

2022-23 DNVC Winners

  1. 1st Place ($15,000): - developers of technology to reduce energy costs and increase LED light efficiency within Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). . 
  2. 2nd Place ($8,000): - energizing eyedrops that relieve the effects of screen fatigue using a patented formulation of stimulants and amino acids. .
  3. 3rd Place ($6,000): - producers of raised, flexible bandages for packed wounds that reduce strain on patient skin and allow for fewer dressing changes. . 
  4. 4th Place ($3,000): - developers of valved urinary catheters that reduce incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. . 
  5. 5th Place ($3,000): - a mobile screening app for diabetic retinopathy that pairs with a phone-attached ophthalmoscope. . 
  6. 6th Place ($2,000): - a platform for audio professionals with tools, portfolio sharing, and real-time feedback. . 
  7. 7th Place ($2,000): - a space-saving breastmilk storage solution that systematically organizes, flash-freezes, and prevents contamination.  
  8. 8th Place (2,000): - a garage door alert and opening system for carbon monoxide poisoning prevention. . 

2021-22 DNVC Winners

  1. 1st Place ($15,000): - the first edible, water-soluble packaging made from all-natural ingredients - won the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business' 2021-2022 Duquesne New Venture Challenge (DNVC).  
  2. 2nd Place ($8,000):   - a biocompatible, flexible, implantable surgical sensor which electrically stimulates the auditory nerve to produce new electronic hearing. . 
  3. 3rd Place ($6,000): - a two-layered IV sleeve preventing the intended, or accidental, removal of peripheral intravenous catheters (IVs) by patients in healthcare settings. . 
  4. 4th Place ($3,000): - a combination of seven different cytokines used within a patient's blood sample to diagnose a cerebral aneurysm for early diagnosis and risk stratification. . 
  5. 5th Place ($3,000): - a monthly subscription package targeted towards physicians who want simulation-based training and need continuing medical education (CME) credits to maintain their licensures. . 

2020-21 DNVC Winners

  1. 1st Place ($12,500): SimpL- a computer vision and machine learning based software that analyzes biomechanics to give users real-time feedback about how they perform exercises-won the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business' 2020-2021 Duquesne New Venture Challenge (DNVC). . 
  2. 2nd Place ($7,500): - technology that pairs 3D brain maps with measures of a neurosurgery patient's behavioral performance, simulating surgical resection plans and predicting cognitive outcomes. . 
  3. 3rd Place ($5,000): -novel medical products designed to improve the quality, efficacy and diagnostic capabilities of electroencephalography (EEG) devices.  
  4. 4th Place ($2,500): CoinRead - a two-sided platform that provides readers with per article content access while allowing publishers to sell content without a recurring subscription.  
  5. 5th Place ($2,500): - a "remote studio" platform designed to help customers virtually conduct professional live-streaming, content recording or video conferencing.. 

2019-20 DNVC Winners

  1. 1st Place ($10,000): - an artificial intelligence (AI) smart coach training software that assists users with improving communication skills. . 
  2. 2nd Place ($7,000):   - wearable artificial intelligence (AI) wristbands that can help counselors track patient psychological behavior patterns to encourage those being treated for substance abuse to remain in treatment. . 
  3. 3rd Place ($4,000): - innovative medical equipment designed to improve access to healthcare in low-resource regions. . 
  4. 4th Place ($2,000):  - bedsheets designed to regulate moisture, temperature and friction to promote wellness during sleep. . 
  5. 5th Place ($2,000): Sparkwear - a wristwatch device used during networking events to help event attendees find other guests with similar interests. . 

2019-20 DNVC Video Finalists 

During Stage I, cash prizes were awarded for Best Video Pitch, based solely on the quality of the pitch itself.

  • 1st Place: $2,500
  • 2nd Place: $1,500
  • 3rd Place: $1,000