PROVIDENCE – FungEye, an image-based software product that would help indoor farmers detect mold on plants at an early state, has won the annual statewide Elevator Pitch Contest sponsored by the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition.
The idea was pitched by David Katzevich, a senior at Brown University.
Katzevich, along with nine other presentations, was awarded $1,000 in prize money. He developed his business plan after talking to local farmers and hydroponic shop owners.
Jay Khurana, also a Brown University student, placed second for his CrossCheck pitch, a technology validating the content of online news accounts.
The 90 second business pitches were judged on their clarity and persuasiveness. Thirty-four participants were involved in the competition this year, which was in its 12th year.
The event was held at Tech Collective, with nearly 100 people in attendance.
Other award recipients:
- Nathan Housberg, a Brown University student, pitched Mini-Washer-Dryer, an inexpensive laundry device for dorm rooms, small apartments and hotel/motel rooms.
- Roja Garimella and Rose Mangiarotti, students at Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School, pitched ReliaBra, a sticky bra featuring replaceable adhesives that last longer than products currently available.
- Marjorie Pickard, a University of Rhode Island student, who pitched Posture Monitoring Smart Shirt, a garment designed to reduce workplace injuries by analyzing the curvature of the spine and the shoulders, and providing feedback through a smartphone application.
- Daniel Klotz, a Brown University student, who pitched DNA Methylation for Immune Profiling, an analytical tool kit that will speed cancer screening in humans.
- Mindy Levine, of Sharon, Mass., presented The Party Elements, customizable science parties for audiences of all ages, from preschool-aged children to adults.
- Connor Lohman, a Brown University student, pitched Bandage Window, a patented bandaging device designed to sequester wounds while allowing vapor to reach the wound and preventing liquid or other contaminants from contacting the site, thereby enhancing wound recovery.
- Michelle Petersen, a Brown University student, pitched TextUp, a software product that will enable social workers to document their client meetings quickly.
- Linden Wyatt, a University of Rhode Island student, pitched Optera Diagnostics, an automated instrument that will provide surgeons and clinicians with real-time information about tissue from biopsy and surgery procedures.
The elevator pitch competition judges were:
- David Bedard, president, CompNet Insurance Solutions
- Jim Grace, president and CEO, InsureMyTrip
- Brent Ouellette, vice president of vendor operations, Envision Technology Advisors
- Cindy Reed, executive coach, International Center for Executive Options
- Barbara Schoenfeld, managing director, Saffron LLC
- Dan Sullivan, senior account executive, Salesforce
The Elevator Pitch Competition is a part of a year’s worth of events that culminate in May with the naming of the winners of the 2018 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition. Final applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 2, with final presentations done before judges on May 2.
Chris Bergenheim is PBN’s web editor.
