VCD-Zero: Emma Jacquin ’29 (First Place)
VCD-Zero is a research-based, medical-grade wearable that utilizes precision-calibrated air resistance to provide immediate mechanical relief for patients suffering from Vocal Cord Dysfunction.
RicarGie: Anyi Aponza Carabali ’27 (Social Venture Winner)
A sustainable construction project that transforms recycled clothing and rubber waste into durable, modular building panels for affordable and environmentally friendly housing.
Apex Stride: Ahmed Sajidan Jarjis Rafsan ’27 (Second Place)
Apex Stride builds a climate-adaptive, low-cost prosthetic system with integrated care and workforce pathways, restoring mobility and income for working-class populations underserved by both high-cost clinics and one-time aid.
Banara: Puri Goyo ’28, Tine Museba ’28, & Glory Buntubwimana ’28 (Third Place)
Developing plant-based and sustainable hair extensions from banana fiber.
AlgaeCore: Sardar Qaidi ’26 (People’s Choice Award)
AlgaeCore is a compact photobioreactive system that uses microalgae to naturally respond to CO₂ and improve indoor environments.
Avelis: Chloe Valléau ’26
Avelis creates a biologically intelligent hydration powder that supports women’s hormonal cycles with one simple daily ritual.
DriveMate: Maroova Elkemary ’26 & Rania Abdul Hafiz ’26
DriveMate: a new ride-sharing method that could save countless lives
Gemify: Xiaoyang Hu ’26
Gemify is a wardrobe-first jewelry marketplace that helps Gen Z and Millennials overcome decision fatigue by making it easy to find jewelry that matches their outfits.
Step Forward: Roaya Ghuneim ’26
Step Forward is the first refugee-designed, women-centered social venture equipping young refugee and asylum-seeking women in London with an integrated curriculum of skills, mentorship, and community to move from stagnation to participation and from isolation to belonging.
Wandrers: Rafael Rashid ’27
Wandrers is a trust-based travel platform that connects people with verified local experiences and like-minded travelers to plan safe, affordable, and authentic group trips.
Judges
Chuck Densinger ’85
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Elicit, LLC
Mike Harvath P’27
President and CEO, Revenue Rocket Consulting Group
Prentice Keller
Partner, Groove Capital
Andrew Kemmetmueller ’96
Managing Director, Elevate Innovations
Jessica Landa ’16
Owner and Lead Designer, LANE Floral