Duquesne Names 2025 – 2026 New Venture Challenge Semifinalists

A three-stage competition, the DNVC showcases innovative startup ideas from aspiring entrepreneurs across the U.S. Nineteen states are represented in the entry pool with a record-breaking 153 entries representing a wide range of startup ideas and industries. Compared to the previous year, entries from Duquesne students and/or alumni increased by 25%, while entries from other universities increased by 23%.  
 
"The 2025–2026 DNVC applicants submitted very impressive and diverse ideas," said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. "It is especially gratifying to see so many Duquesne student teams, representing the School of Business and School of Science and Engineering, among this year's semi-finalists. Entrepreneurs have the power to improve our world, and these teams are advancing compelling, difference-making ventures."
 
During the first stage of the competition, entrants submitted a written business summary along with a one-minute video elevator pitch. Semifinalists were selected by a panel of expert judges who evaluated submissions based on the strength of the management team, problem or opportunity addressed, proposed solution, target market, implementation strategy, business model, financial outlook and potential exit pathways.
 
Three teams received cash prizes for Best Video Pitch:
 
1st Place – TrainingU*
Founded by an undergraduate major in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, TrainingU is a web-based marketplace where youth athletes can find and book one-on-one, personalized and affordable training sessions with NCAA athletes.
 
2nd Place – Supporta
A HIPAA-compliant, digital, collaborative whiteboard that therapists and clients use between and during sessions to preserve continuity, capture between-session work and start sessions faster.
 
3rd Place – NexAndo AI*
Social innovation platform designed to help college students feel less lonely and meet people with shared interests by using a friendly AI guide to create genuine connections, privacy and measurable student belonging.
 
* Denotes Duquesne School of Business-affiliated teams
 
"The quality and creativity of this year's DNVC entrants are exceptional," said Staci Offutt, director of the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. “The strength of their ideas and the thoughtful execution behind them speak to the growing visibility and impact of the DNVC's role as a development platform for entrepreneurs in the region and across the U.S."
 
The following entrants, listed in alphabetical order, have advanced to the semi-final round of the 2025-2026 Duquesne New Venture Challenge:  

• Accelowave Technologies, Inc. – Revolutionary solutions designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with swallowing disorders.
• Altera Vita* – A biotechnology and memorial service that turns loved ones' remains into medical-grade calcium phosphate.
• BridgeBite* – Dedicated to ensuring that no household goes hungry during interruptions or delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
• Equity Health Systems – Builds software for health care organizations that provides a unified hub for provider scheduling, support staff coordination and preceptorship management.
• ForSight Assistive Devices LLC – Pioneering products that deliver real-time spatial awareness and intelligent navigation assistance for people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Frostbyte** – Residual limb warmer for amputees with an adaptable fit designed to insulate and regulate heat with adjustable features specific to each user.
• GiftDrive – Platform helping nonprofits connect with new and younger donors while providing a personalized, story-driven experience for donors.
• HeadStrait Labs – Medical device company redefining how patients with suspected central nervous system injuries are stabilized and monitored during emergency.
• Launch AI – Business platform that provides an AI-powered, end-to-end platform guiding users from idea to launch in under 90 days.
• Peachy Day – Integrative migraine care app with AI-powered health tracking, wellness coaching and neurologist telehealth.
• Power 3D – Provides next-gen battery materials that improve capacity utilization and simplify cell architecture.
• SafeSock – Sensor-lined foot sleeve that continuously delivers haptic biofeedback for patients who have undergone lower-limb surgery.
• Skintuition – AI-enabled skincare coach that improves outcomes by driving consistency, fixing routine mistakes and keeping people engaged long enough to see results.
• Skunk Skin – Odorless sock technology weaves odor-neutralizing threading into sock threads, killing bacteria at the source rather than masking symptoms.
• TrainingU* – Web-based marketplace where youth athletes can find and book one-on-one, personalized and affordable training sessions with NCAA athletes.

 * Denotes Duquesne School of Business-affiliated teams
** Denotes Duquesne School of Science and Engineering-affiliated team
 
Each semifinalist team will receive six months of access to Palo Alto Software's LivePlan business planning platform. Semifinalist teams must submit an executive summary, short business plan and five-minute video pitch to advance in the competition. Once submitted, each semifinalist team will receive $1,000 in prize money.

Up to five finalist teams will be selected to advance to the third and final stage, competing for $41,000 in cash prizes, including a $20,000 first-place award and valuable professional services. Finalists will also gain access to DNVC partner resources, including Duquesne's Small Business Development Center, Thomas R. Kline School of Law and the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, as they prepare to scale their ventures.

Finalist presentations will take place in person at the Louis D. Mallet Entrepreneurship Zone in Rockwell Hall, with winners announced at an awards reception in April 2026.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of more than 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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