Eight Teams Advance to Duquesne New Venture Challenge Finals

Now in its fourth year, the competition features innovative and compelling start-up ideas from aspiring entrepreneurs from the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

“Our 2022-23 DNVC semi-finalists were the best yet, with many high-potential teams in the mix. They made it very challenging for our judges. Consequently, we decided to expand the finalist pool from 5 to 8 given the closeness of the semi-finalists vying for top spots,” says Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the School of Business. "This speaks volumes about the quality of the entrants that the DNVC, now in its fourth year, continues to attract.” 

Cash prizes for the 1^st through 5^th first place finalist teams will remain the same, with the addition of 6^th through 8^th place finalists winning $2,000 each. In total, $41,000 in cash prizes will be on the line for the finalists:

1^st Place:        $15,000                                 2^nd Place:         $8,000

3^rd Place:         $6,000                                 4^th Place:          $3,000

5^th Place:          $3,000                                 6^th Place:         $2,000

7^th Place:          $2,000                                 8^th Place:          $2,000

The eight 2022-23 DNVC finalist teams are (in alphabetical order): 

• Alert Lift (Garage door opening system for carbon monoxide poisoning prevention)
• Brella Health (Bandages that reduce skin damage & allow for fewer dressing changes)
• CAUTI-gone (Valved catheters that reduce risk of urinary tract infection) 
• Freshly (Breastmilk storage that organizes, flash-freezes, & prevents contamination)
• Leaficient (Agricultural light system that increases LED efficiency & reduces energy use)
• Mixroom Software (Software platform for audio professionals with real-time feedback) 
• Ocellux (Diabetic retinopathy screening app that pairs with cell-attached ophthalmoscope) 
• Revitalize Energy (Energizing eyedrops with patented mix of stimulants and amino acids)

Finalists will have access to the resources of Duquesne's Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, which includes Bob’s Launch Pad. They will also have 15 hours of consultation with an assigned mentor and free access to Palo Alto's LivePlan, the world's leading business planning software. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finalist teams will also receive 10 hours of free legal education services from the Thomas R. Klin School of Law of Duquesne University and 5 hours of free consulting services from Duquesne's Small Business Development Center.

Winners will be announced at the DNVC Awards Reception on Thursday, April 13^th 2023.

"The level of engagement and growth we have seen through the first two stages of this competition is inspiring," says Staci Offutt, Director of the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. "The DNVC provides meaningful resources for rapid startup development, and we are thrilled to facilitate the opportunity. I look forward to seeing the winning finalists!" 

For more information, visit www.duq.edu/nvc, or email Staci Offutt, offuttsFREEDUQUESNE.