Semi-Finalists Named for Duquesne New Venture Challenge

Now in its fourth year, the three-stage competition showcases dynamic and innovative start-up ideas from aspiring entrepreneurs from Pittsburgh and beyond. All types of business plans were eligible for entry.

"Our 2022-2023 group of DNVC semi-finalists submitted very impressive and diverse ideas," said Palumbo-Donahue School of Business Dean Dr. Dean McFarlin. "Moreover, it is immensely gratifying that teams of Duquesne students are among this year’s semi-finalists.  Entrepreneurs can help improve our world, and these semi-finalists have some compelling, difference-making ventures they want to bring to life. We look forward to seeing them compete to advance to the finalist stage of the competition.”

During the first stage of the Duquesne New Venture Challenge, entrants submitted written summaries of their ideas with a one-minute "elevator pitch" video. The top three entrants who received cash prizes for the Best Video Pitch are: Brella Health, Ocellux, and CAUTI-gone.

The semi-finalists were selected by a panel of judges that considered entrants' summaries, management team, problem/opportunity addressed, proposed solution/product, target market, implementation approach, business model and financial projections, and potential exit avenues.

The following entrants, listed in alphabetical order, have advanced to the semi-final round of the 2022-2023 Duquesne New Venture Challenge:

• Alert Lift
• Brella Health
• CAUTI-gone
• Freshly
• Glacier Scalp Cooling
• Green Bean
• KEVO
• Leaficient
• Madeasy
• MeetSmart
• Mixroom Software
• Ocellux
• Piximo Robotics
• Plaze
• recruitHQ
• Revitalize Energy
• The Sift
• Underdog
• YNST Magazine
• YoBandz

Four of the semi-finalist teams include Duquesne alumni or current students.

Each semi-finalist will receive $1,000 for participating-assuming they submit the required materials on time-and access to Palo Alto Software's highly regarded LivePlan business planning software. Semi-finalist teams must submit an executive summary, a short business plan, and a five-minute video pitch.

Up to five finalist teams will be selected to advance to the third stage of the competition, which offers $35,000 in cash as well as service prizes worth an estimated $50,000. Finalists will have access to the resources of DNVC’s sponsors, including Duquesne’s Small Business Development Center, Thomas R. Kline School of Law, and Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship.