Duquesne University’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business announced the five finalists for the 2023–2024 Duquesne New Venture Challenge.
They are, listed alphabetically:
- Aquatonomy – applies robotics technologies to enable autonomous underwater safety inspections for infrastructure
- dashcam.bike – turns a smartphone into a high-quality bike camera to record rides and promote safety
- FlowCellutions – optimizes the longevity and efficiency of batteries through diagnostic solutions
- Revitalize Energy – creates energizing eye drops designed to alleviate eye strain and screen fatigue
- Velo AI – promotes situational awareness for cyclists using an audio and visual alert system.
Finalists will present their business plans to a panel of judges on April 14. Cash prizes totaling more than $40,000 will be awarded with the top three teams receiving additional benefits. Those include 10 hours of free legal education through the university's Thomas R. Kline School of Law and five hours of free consulting services from Duquesne’s Small Business Development Center.
The winner will be announced at a private awards reception next month.
The entrepreneurship competition, now in its fifth year, received more than 100 entries.
“Our 18 semifinalists showcased compelling and innovative business ideas, making it challenging for the judges to select five finalists,” Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, said in a prepared statement. "This year's finalists represent the best of a talented group of entrepreneurs who have developed difference-making new ventures."
As they complete their full business plans, all finalists will have access to Bob’s Launch Pad, a makerspace with prototyping equipment in Duquesne's Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship; 15 free hours of consultation with an assigned mentor tailored to their specific business needs; and free access to business plan software designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
