UPDATE: The results are in, and NovaBuild is the Spring 2024 TVLIC Texas Champion!
Click HERE for the full results from the competition.
Thirty companies have been selected to compete at the Spring 2024 Texas Venture Labs Investment Competition Semifinals on Friday, December 8 starting at 9 AM. The times and room numbers where each team will be presenting are included below.
Division I – RRH 5.402
9:00 AM: BiharEdTech
Bihar’s schools, particularly in rural areas, face a critical shortage of qualified teachers. Currently, teachers need to teach subjects they have no expertise in or be overloaded when facing larger class size. The lack of qualified teachers hinders students’ rights to receive quality education. BiharEdTech Solutions proposes a comprehensive online learning platform that provides virtual teachers teaching live. Mayank Tibrewal, MSC in Information Technology and Management, McCombs School of Business, 2024; Yuan-Chih (Wendee) Hsu, MSIS, School of Information, 2024
9:35 AM: Bromigo
Bromigo tackles the growing issue of male loneliness among men aged 25-35 by facilitating genuine friendships through community-driven, alcohol-free, outdoor activities. Our subscription-based platform fosters the organic development of relationships by focusing on face-to-face interactions, away from the ad-driven models of digital platforms. This approach ensures that connections made through Bromigo are meaningful and enduring, directly countering the social isolation intensified by digital technologies. Michael Madigan, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025
10:10 AM: Cacao.tax
For the millions of international travelers shopping in the USA running into obstacles (difficulty receiving packages and paying excessive taxes), cacao.tax provides a comprehensive eCommerce solution that technologically integrates international commerce and taxation regulation into an efficient solution. Jose Maria Yrigoyen MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2024
10:45 AM: Predictive Pixels
Predictive Pixels is revolutionizing video advertising effectiveness with an innovative analytical platform capable of forecasting the sales impact of video advertisements before they are launched. At the heart of our technology is the proprietary Product Engagement Score (PE-score), a unique metric that quantifies how engaging a product is within a video. This groundbreaking innovation provides advertisers and creators with unprecedented insights during the video creative development process, answering a critical question that has remained unaddressed until now: “How effective will my video creative be in driving marketing metrics before any budget is allocated to media spend?” This predictive capability allows for strategic adjustments and optimization, ensuring maximum effectiveness of advertising dollars from the outset. Allie Shapiro, MSTC, McCombs School of Business, 2024; Brendan Crouch, MSTC, McCombs School of Business, 2024
11:20 AM: Early Bird Hard Lemonade
Early Bird is the world’s first alcoholic beverage to be infused with DHM, a scientifically tested and widely accepted anti-hangover remedy. Marion Krueger, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025
11:55 AM: OmniSense Surgical
Mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN) impacts over 15% of the 151,000 annual mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries in the U.S., costing $2.29 billion annually. We aim to reduce MSFN by adding a pressure sensor and camera to retractors for real-time surgical guidance. Our goal is not only to prevent MSFN but also to create a platform for smart surgical tools applicable to various surgeries facing similar issues, saving lives and healthcare costs. Celeste Marsan, PhD Chemical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2024; Jiaqi Xue, Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2024; Alexis Dimanche, PhD Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2024
Division II – RRH 5.408
9:00 AM: Verified Carbon
Verified Carbon is a startup formed by a student and faculty member at The University of Texas, that specializes in project development of Direct Air Capture facilities in the Permian Basin and Gulf Coast. Our mission is to efficiently capture atmospheric CO2, enabling businesses to innovate sustainably. Coleman White, MSTC, McCombs School of Business, 2024
9:35 AM: ilui
For people with attention difficulties or anxiety who experience trouble feeling connected and productive, our product, Zely, can help them communicate quietly and discreetly with a loved one, promoting connection, support, and mindfulness. We built a device to convey emotion through simple gestures, taps, and squeezes using IoT, including sensors, haptics, eSim, and AI. Jackson Blacklock, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2024; Carl Ford, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2024
10:10 AM: Cuibble
We are creating the marketing channel built for the restaurant business model, while simultaneously creating a user experience that makes deciding where and what to eat easy, fun, social, and rewarding for users. Our app implements three key components: an AI-powered recommendation engine based on image search, a review aggregation mechanism combining receipt-scanning with the review format of rideshare apps, and a reward engine creating user-tailored coupons that optimize customer value to our restaurant network. Thomas Plaxton, MS in Computer Science, College of Natural Science, 2024
10:45 AM: Quickmo
For hospitals that have patients that suffer from in-hospital cardiac arrests, our company provides a medical device that increases the likelihood of survival and reduces the risk of neurological damage due to “low-flow” conditions. Quickmo accomplishes this by reducing the time it takes to place a patient on a heart lung machine, using a device that can automatically cannulate vessels and simplify the procedure for surgeons. Alaukik Gupta, Masters of Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2024; Marc Abdallah, Masters of Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2024; Arjun Bellamkonda, Masters of Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2024; Nneka Ede, PhD, Dell Medical School, 2025; Gilmar Ortega, PhD, Dell Medical School, 2025
11:20 AM: Brrrista Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee takes up a lot of volume in limited refrigerator in cafes. Shop owners often must balance brewing the minimal acceptable amount for the day with the maximum potential ordered that day, which can be a difficult and costly problem. Our patented machine reduces uncertainty with a 90% faster brew time, 20% higher extraction, and an easier cleaning experience. All while maintaining the taste of traditional cold brew. Samuel Stein, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025
11:55 AM: Salesy LLC
For sales professionals and managers experiencing low productivity, missed quotas, and high turnover, Salesy LLC provides solutions that streamline call review and coaching. Our company accomplishes this by using AI-powered speech analysis to grade sales calls in seconds, tailored to specific industries and methodologies, with a customizable framework for feedback. Casey Thornton, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025
Division III – 3.310
9:00 AM: EV-BEX
For Electric Vehicle manufacturers who are experiencing EV consumers’ concern on idle time during battery charging as well as Battery return process, we provide solution that is easy for battery replacement or return by using our EV Battery lifecycle management solution. Rongxing Tang, PhD Chandra Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2026; Ji Chen, MSTC, McCombs School of Business, 2024; Linling Shen, PhD, Department of Special Education, College of Education, 2026
9:35 AM: STEM Muse
STEM Muse patches the leaky pipeline for women in STEM higher education to the workforce by providing individualized support and a direct route to careers through our network and individualized mentorship program. We connect women with professionals more advanced in their careers to enhance the recruitment, retention, and ultimately, the success of women in STEM. We provide universities with a comprehensive support-and-launch system for their students and companies with direct access to underrepresented talent. Sophie Sanchez, Phd Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, 2024
10:10 AM: Knitted Sensing Wearable
For people with dysphagia who struggle with traditional clinical evaluations, our company offers a wearable fabric sensing collar that brings a fusion of sensitivity and continuous monitoring to swallow assessment. We accomplish this through a unique construction of knitted strain sensors, made from a blend of durable and flexible materials, which can detect the nuances of the swallowing process and transmit data in real time to a GUI. Utilizing a proprietary blend of nylon, spandex, and silver-coated yarn, our device ensures comfortable integration with clothing and adapts to various body movements, all while offering the capability to archive and analyze swallowing patterns over time. Our innovative approach combines textile expertise with real-time data analytics to offer clinicians and caregivers a powerful tool for proactive health management. David Zhang, Phd in Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2026
10:45 AM: Flux
For people with ADHD, using traditional organization apps can be difficult, because those apps are not built with them in mind. By leveraging AI to ease user set-up and schedule maintenance, Flux will provide people with ADHD a holistic solution for time management tailored to their needs. Megan Taylor, MBA McCombs School of Business, 2025
11:20 AM: Papyrus Fragrance Inc.
Papyrus is a visionary fragrance brand revolutionizing the industry by offering luxurious scents at attainable prices. Inspired by timeless elegance and modern sensibilities, we craft exquisite perfumes that captivate the senses and empower individuals to indulge in sophistication without compromise. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and accessibility, Papyrus embodies the essence of luxury redefined for the discerning consumer of today. Sudeep Lalka, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025; Michael Oliveros, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025
11:55 AM: NovaBuild
America’s manufacturing industry is plagued by inefficiencies and stagnated innovation, leading to billions wasted every year and fragile economic stability. NovaBuild offers a way for robotics solutions startups and the nation’s largest factories to collaborate and reshape the future of advanced robotics in manufacturing. NovaBuild’s software platform, powered by computer vision and deep learning, enables robotic arms to transform into versatile, dynamic tools with capabilities ranging from advanced R&D to optimized production at scale. Anuj Swaminathan, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2025
Division IV – 3.414
9:00 AM: IntroFit
For individuals who struggle to meet exercise guidelines and face barriers such as time constraints, lack of support, and fear of injury, IntroFit offers a transformative solution. Our company provides a 24/7 health and fitness assistant right in your pocket, removing the guesswork from your fitness journey. IntroFit achieves this by leveraging advanced Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to deliver AI-curated, personalized fitness plans and smart fitness equipment. Our unique blend of cutting-edge AI for tailored workout plans, IoT for precise health tracking, and a strong community focus through local and virtual workshops, fosters a supportive and inclusive fitness journey. Christian Enciso, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025; Javier Angel, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025
9:35 AM: AirMax
Grocery stores and big box retailers are spending up to $170k per store, per year, on commercial cooling costs. Further, these companies are looking for ways to reduce ongoing expenses and meet lofty sustainability goals. AirMax is designing an HVAC hardware retrofit system that improves energy efficiency of existing air conditioning systems by up to 42%. Our non-invasive and proprietary technology aims to help end-users save money, while saving the planet. Max Meeks, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2024
10:10 AM: Terra Technology Innovations
For agricultural enterprises in arid regions struggling with water scarcity, Terra Technology Innovations offers Terra Gel, a soil additive that pulls moisture directly from the air and releases water into the soil directly to plant roots. Through advanced material science, Terra Gel reduces dependence on unpredictable rainfall and traditional irrigation, aligning with global sustainability efforts. Focused initially on the Southwest U.S., Terra Technology aims to revolutionize water-efficient agricultural practices globally. Darian Jones, MSTC McCombs School of Business, 2024
10:45AM: NearbyNext
For people navigating their way in a new city and looking for things to do that fit their interests, NearbyNext provides a real-time map of events happening right now around you, so you can find something fun quickly and easily. Nicole Nichols, MSTC, McCombs School of Business, 2024
11:20 AM: Radish Testing
Software engineers spend up to 60% of their time doing QA instead of writing new code. For companies experiencing this burden in production delays, we provide a specialized AI tool to generate those tests in minutes. Development will be performed by a former AI engineer for Twitter and Google in conjunction with a UT professor specializing in software QA. Bruce Boville, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025
11:55 AM: Clotwatch Innovations
For patients at high-risk of clotting, we provide an at-home monitoring system to mitigate clot formation. Our Clotwatch device utilizes minimally invasive sensor technology in the form of a sleek patch to continuously monitor, analyze, and predict the risk of clot formation for patients, keeping them out of the hospital and in their homes. Arpan Patel, MD/MSE, Dell Medical School, 2025; Katelyn Dockery, BS/MSE, Cockrell School of Engineering, 2024; Aasim Hussain, PhD, Cockrell School of Engineering; Grace Bechtel, PhD, Cockrell School of Engineering
Division V – RRH 3.406
9:00 AM: Arnovate
A kitchen renovation can be a nightmare. First-time buyers with limited budgets and no renovation experience are the first victims. Arnovate is the easiest (affordable) way to renovate your kitchen without suffering the unexpected. Arnovate’s AR design platform makes designing easy for anyone, regardless of their renovation experience. By standardizing processes and limiting contractors’ roles only to construction, Arnovate makes the operations risk-free. Justo Echazarreta, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2024
9:35 AM: AlphaEdge Data Terminal
AlphaEdge empowers small-to-medium-sized hedge funds to harness alternative data for faster, more accurate investment decisions. Our AI-driven platform rapidly integrates with existing systems, transforming complex datasets like satellite imagery and social media into actionable insights. By reducing dependency on manual processes and enhancing data usability, AlphaEdge levels the playing field, enabling these funds to compete effectively against larger firms in a highly competitive market. Tom Schmidt, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2024; Rajat Narang, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2024
10:10 AM: Innowind
Our product is a non-intrusive active flow control device, the “adaptable vortex generator”, meticulously crafted to increase the lifespan and Annual Energy Production (AEP) of large-scale wind turbines. The root cause of high turbine O&M costs, lower than expected lifespan and reduced performance is often due to unsteady wind conditions leading to “flow separation” on the blades. Our product is a blade add-on for large scale wind turbines that can be fitted using adhesives to mitigate the flow separation effect on the blades. One of our Co-Founders at Innowind Energy is a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering (University of Waterloo, Canada), with a thesis focusing on the aerodynamics of wind turbine blades which gives our engineering team an in-depth know-how into this engineering this solution. Furthermore, we have an IP moat of three key patents that encompass different features and functionality of our novel vortex generator which is currently pending. Hasan Kazmi, MSTC, McCombs School of Business, 2024
10:45AM: Trinity Tube
Infants born extremely prematurely present significant clinical and population health challenges. Advances in clinical vital sign monitoring can potentially drive improvements in survival and long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population. Our company provides a multifunction feeding tube that includes wireless vital sign monitoring and quantified metrics of work of breathing by sensors embedded in a feeding tube indwelling inside the esophagus and stomach instead of using irritant skin-mounted sensors. Iman Salafian, PhD Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering 2025
11:20 AM: Cabin Pets
Cabin Pets helps pet-friendly hospitality companies improve their marketability and customer experience through sustainable, American made, and tech-enabled pet travel solutions. Our flagship product, the Murphy Crate, is sustainability produced and folds into a stylish furniture piece similar to a “murphy bed,” enabling hotels to offer luxury experiences for dog owners without compromising on space or design. Barrett Ann Pearce, MSTC, McCombs School of Business, 2024; Drake Perez, MSTC, McCombs School of Business, 2024
11:55 AM: Be Nice Beverage Co.
Be Nice Kombucha, a new Beverage Brand Operation based in San Antonio, Texas, is dedicated to producing and distributing high-quality, small-batch sweetened by raw honey Kombucha. Our unique and delicious flavor combinations cater to health-conscious consumers in the local area. We prioritize sustainable practices throughout our production process, ensuring our products are as good for the planet as they are for our customers. Our strong brand identity resonates with our health-oriented target market, positioning us as a trusted provider of wholesome, flavorful beverages. Sofia Angeles, MBA, McCombs School of Business, 2025