TVLIC Fall 2025 Pitch Schedule of Events and Competitors

Agenda for the day of the TVL Investment Competition Fall 2025 on Friday, December 12th. Schedule of competitors will be added the week prior to the event.

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Semifinals in Rowling Hall classrooms

12:00 PM- 1:00PM

Lunch in RRH 5.210

12:45 PM

Announcement of Finalists RRH 5.210

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Innovation Power Hour: A Discovery to Impact IP Showcase in Crum Auditorium

The Discovery to Innovation Power Hour spotlights five cutting-edge technologies developed by researchers from UT Austin. Each presenter will share their innovations in a concise five-minute format, giving insight into their potential impact and market applications. Join us for this exclusive showcase bridging discovery and real-world impact.

Life Sciences Innovations

Aerosol-based RNA Medicine Delivery
PI: Rana Ghosh | DTI Lead: Kristin Falkenstein
What it is: A new way to safely deliver gene or RNA-based medicines directly into the lungs through a fine mist.
Why it matters: Could help treat diseases like cystic fibrosis, asthma, and lung cancer right where they start while lowering the risk of systemic side effects.
Why it’s exciting: Opens doors for partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies developing next-generation genetic medicines where delivery to the right target cells is critical.

Gentle Gel-based Brain Sensors

PI: Evan Wang | DTI Lead: Jake Grohman
What it is: Soft, gel-like materials that can gently read signals from the brain and body without surgery.
Why it matters: Could help detect strokes or map brain activity in a painless, non-invasive way.
Why it’s exciting: Merges wearable technology and neuroscience for the future of health monitoring.

Physical Sciences Innovations

Clean Water from the Air Using Natural Materials
PI: Guihua Yu | DTI Lead: Andrei Zorilescu
What it is: A new material made from plants that can capture clean water from humidity in the air.
Why it matters: Brings fresh water to dry or remote areas without electricity—ideal for off-grid or emergency use.
Why it’s exciting: A climate-friendly innovation with potential for sustainability and defense applications.

3D Printed Porous Supramolecular Polymer Sorbents
PI: Zak Page | DTI Lead: Andrei Zorilescu
What it is: 3D-printed porous polymer scaffolds containing a supramolecular receptor to bind and release critical materials (e.g. cobalt) from e-waste.
Why it matters: Helps to recover and re-use critical material from e-waste that would otherwise be disposed of.
Why it’s exciting: Could help U.S. meet critical mineral demand while reducing reliance on foreign countries

Reprogramming Chemical Warfare to Target Disease
PI: Ken Hsu | DTI Lead: Kristin Falkenstein
What it is: Using new chemistry to create therapeutics against targets that were previously difficult or impossible to treat.
Why it matters: Could lead to new drugs for previously untreatable or difficult to treat diseases.
Why it’s exciting: Many diseases do not have good therapeutics because the proteins that cause or contribute to the disease state can’t be easily targeted by drugs.  New chemistry makes it possible to effectively hit these protein targets and treat difficult diseases.

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Finals in Crum Auditorium

5:00 PM – 5:15 PM

Intermission

5:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Awards Ceremony

5:30 PM

Reception and Networking

Division I – RRH 3.406

ClaritywithSKYFor professionals and students facing chronic stress and collapsing attention, ClarityWithSky provides a quantified mental wellness solution. Our platform closes the data-solution gap by using AI to correlate wearable biometric data (HRV and sleep) with the profound, non-cognitive effects of SKY Breath Meditation, making mental resilience measurable and scalable. Apoorva Karra PhD candidate in Engineering ‘27
Owlview – Owlview gives Texas real estate developers instant, address‑specific answers to zoning feasibility questions. We pre‑index municipal codes and PDs, then let you ask plain‑English questions like “Can I build 20 townhomes of height X here?” Every response includes verbatim code excerpts, live citations back to source documents, and subdistrict awareness. Developers can thus move from listing discovery to actual feasibility analysis in minutes, with transparent, defensible results and dramatically fewer wasted site pursuits. Harish Batra M.S. Data Science ‘26
Tape SportsTape Sports is redefining the future of youth sports by combining multi-camera capture, AI-assisted editing, college recruiting tools, and a social network built for athletes. Effectively, transforming how players are seen, remembered, and discovered. Tape Sports relies on their tech optimization to deliver professional-quality highlight reels that every athlete can afford. Luke Zunamon MBA ‘26, Gabriel Patino MBA ‘26
Pinpoint Irrigation Co.Pinpoint Irrigation is a high-growth cleantech startup disrupting the multi billion global smart irrigation market. Our digital sprinkler head replaces multiple traditional units, achieving over 90% water uniformity and delivering >50% installation savings for commercial contractors. Pinpoint directly addresses the 9 billion gallons of water wasted daily in the US, establishing the company as the leader in sustainable water management. Stephen Herrera MBA ‘26
LarynTex – For adults with dysphagia and the clinicians who treat them, LarynTex delivers a soft, washable smart-textile neck collar that continuously tracks laryngeal movement to detect unsafe swallows and guide therapy. Our system combines patented knitted strain sensors, embedded electronics, and machine-learning analytics to transform subjective swallow checks into objective, continuous data, enabling earlier intervention, better outcomes, and scalable remote monitoring across clinics, long-term care, and home settings. David Zhang PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering ‘26 
TruRelo – TruRelo is an AI and blockchain-powered relocation marketplace built for international and first-generation movers facing unsafe listings, fragmented resources, and limited local support. We streamline relocation through AI-driven planning, verified vendors, secure payments, and meaningful community connections that help newcomers adapt faster. By replacing risk with transparency and guidance, TruRelo reduces fraud, improves outcomes, and scales across housing, services, and fintech. Move Confidently. Live Truly. Truly Long MSTC ‘26, Will Childers MSTC ‘26

Division II – RRH 3.414

AvidAvid makes automated indoor gardening systems to take the guesswork out of growing plants. 37% of gardeners kill their plants every year because gardening takes a lot of time and knowledge to be successful. By automating the most difficult aspects of gardening, we can help our customers more thoroughly enjoy the fun aspects that Avid gardeners have always loved. Fred Lindseth MBA ‘26
Kitzo Lab LLC – Kitzo Lab is making metal 3D printing portable and accessible to every lab and manufacturer. Our Directed Ultrasonic Sintering platform levitates and concentrates metal powder with ultrasound, then fuses it with a laser, eliminating bulky recoaters and complex optics. The result is a compact, high resolution system for terrestrial and microgravity use, powered by SmartSinter adaptive controls that cut waste, reduce failures, and ensure consistent part quality. Thom Pham M.S. Mechanical Engineering ‘26
Tacite AI – Tacite.AI helps research institutions and laboratories unlock the full value of their private data. For scientists and engineers struggling with fragmented experiments and inaccessible archives, Tacite.AI provides a secure, on-device AI platform that organizes and analyzes complex R&D data in seconds. Powered by local AI and AMD Edge integration, Tacite.AI transforms unstructured research knowledge into instantly usable insights. Vivi Deng MSTC ‘26, Andre Sandoval MSTC ‘26, Yuxuan Cao PhD candidate Physics ‘26
Chaskia – Chaskia is a traceable trade-logistics platform that turns exporters’ existing documents, PDFs, permits, photos, and bills of lading, into a one-page, scannable Shipment Passport buyers can review in under a minute. Each Passport delivers a stable link, QR code, and machine-readable data packet, enabling faster first-pass approvals, fewer re-asks, and auditable, consent-based visibility. Chaskia helps emerging-market exporters defend price, reduce delays, and meet rising global compliance standards. Jose Serrate MSTC ‘26, Felipe Arenas MSTC ‘26, Donovan Durgi MSTC ‘26
Mimi’s Savory Lentil Pancakes – For people who want a savory, protein-rich meal that feels real, not sugary shakes or processed bars, Mimi’s offers a Himalayan-inspired lentil pancake mix rooted in what Sherpas have eaten for generations. We solve the problem of limited savory protein options by transforming a traditional Sherpa-trusted, endurance-fueling recipe into a modern, ready-in-minutes mix. Our secret sauce is the combination of nutrient-dense lentils, authentic spices, and the time-tested nourishment that has powered Sherpas on some of the world’s toughest climbs. Sindhuj Thapa M.A. Economics ‘25
FaaS – FaaS helps families with children overcome the frustration and high failure rate of first-time fish ownership. We provide guided starter kits, a smart mobile app, and IoT water monitoring that simplify setup and keep fish alive. Using AI-driven diagnostics and gamified routines, we turn a historically confusing hobby into a reliable, educational, and recurring-revenue experience for families. Nikita Yasenkov MSTC ‘26, David Connolly MSTC ‘26, Stan Ni MSTC ‘26, Alex Anderson MSTC ‘26

Division III – RRH 5.402

Orchestrate Health – Orchestrate Health delivers a rules-based scheduling platform to clinics and hospitals that prevents violations of customizable clinic policies while maximizing fairness. We’ve worked closely with practicing physicians to develop the features they need in a deterministic rules based engine. Our approach delivers the error-free schedules clinics need in an intuitive format that we will continue to expand to support clinics throughout the United States. Andrew Chappo MBA ‘27
Tex-Aus Denim Co. – Worlds most sustainable Denims. 100% sourced Cotton from Texas and Australia. Global IP Portfolio. Pipeline of top 10 retailers in USA. David Connolly MSTC ‘26
Armida Corp. – AI adoption is accelerating, but organizations face new risks: data leakage, shadow AI, and compliance gaps. Current tools weren’t built for AI’s unique challenges. Armida secures enterprise AI use from end to end. We stop sensitive data from escaping, govern and monitor AI interactions, detect malicious model threats, and ensure compliance reporting. With AI-native security, Armida enables safe innovation and protects critical assets. Marc Crudgington MSTC ‘26, Edwin Tambi MSTC ‘26, Camila Nino MSTC ‘26, John Akinoku MSTC ‘26
Ki-Decoding your body’s data with medical precision – Ki develops a non-contact, radio frequency-bioimpedance sensing platform that enables continuous, beat-by-beat blood pressure and cardiovascular monitoring in real-world conditions. Our wearable technology overcomes the limitations of optical and electrode-based systems, delivering motion-robust, bias-free physiological insights for defense, clinical, and performance applications through a low-power, drop-in hardware architecture. Neelotpala Kumar PhD candidate in Engineering ‘26
Cocarbon – Cocarbon is a circular economy leader poised to tackle Texas’ water and waste challenges. We transform local agricultural waste, like pecan shells, into high-performance activated carbon for industries from water treatment to petrochemicals. Our proven, carbon-negative process is powered by 100% solar energy, slashing filtration costs by 50% and helping industries decarbonize. We are bringing this award-winning model to Austin to build a resilient local supply chain and ensure a sustainable future. Aldo Galli MBA ‘26
RezyData – Rezy is a AI-Native data-first real estate platform built to make off-market investing faster, clearer, and entirely MLS-free. We aggregate and enrich distressed and pre-market property data, then surface high-probability opportunities through our RezyEdge predictive models. Investors source, evaluate, and close deals inside our streamlined, MLS-independent marketplace; powered by automated title checks, comps, and contract workflows. Peter Scheuermann MBA ‘26

Division IV – RRH 5.408

CerebroSonic – CerebroSonic is a clinical-stage startup spinning out of The University of Texas at Austin, developing a brain imaging system that delivers first-of-its-kind, 4D scanning of brain structures and blood flow, right at the bedside. Our system enables continuous neuromonitoring in the ICU, filling critical gaps between 24 to 48-hour CT/MRI scans, and extends imaging to prehospital and post-acute care settings. Backed by clinical data from 2 U.S. academic centers, supported by a research award from the American Heart Association, and guided by a successful FDA pre-submission. Bharat Mathur PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering ‘26
Zeez – Zeez is building a compressible mattress that delivers real portable comfort for the home. We’re developing a full-size mattress that packs into a sleek, hard-shell case without sacrificing comfort. Designed for modern living—hosting guests, frequent moves, small spaces, travel—Zeez bridges the gap between cheap air mattresses and bulky sleeper sofas or guest beds. Our goal is simple: provide a truly uncompromising, high-quality sleep experience that lets you sleep anywhere. Wes Barlow MBA ‘26
Light Stack Technologies – We develop high-power 808 nm diode modules engineered for the cost and scale required by future fusion power plants. While today’s suppliers produce expensive, low-volume components for defense markets, we focus on driving down cost and scaling for mass production—addressing a unmet need in the fusion market projected to exceed $38B by 2035. Our technology roadmap delivers early cost reductions and a clear pathway to automated, gigawatt-scale diode manufacturing aligned with fusion pilot-plant timelines. Sophia Malko MBA ‘26, Nathan Shashoua MBA ‘26, Damla Celik MBA ‘26, Chloe Lins MBA ‘26
Elsa – Elsa is an AI voice receptionist for property managers and hospitality operators who lose revenue to missed calls and slow response times. We eliminate that friction by answering every call instantly, capturing leads, and handling routine guest requests with human-level accuracy. Powered by a proprietary conversation engine tailored for service businesses, Elsa boosts occupancy, increases retention, and ensures no opportunity is ever missed again. Jason Hadzikostas MSITM ‘26
Routora – Routora is transforming how field operations are planned and executed across cities. Our routing platform uses AI to automate the scheduling, assignment, and optimization of inspection and service routes, helping agencies save hours and millions of dollars annually. Built on nearly 90,000 users across gig drivers and small businesses, Routora is now a government-grade routing platform driving efficiency for North America’s largest city agencies. Tom Vazhekatt MSTC ‘26
RealCool – RealCooL delivers a precision warming system for the 85% of families who pump and store human milk. Conventional warmers degrade bioactive nutrients through slow and uneven heating. RealCooL warms milk to 37°C in 60 seconds using a controlled, sterile, single-use heat-exchange pod that prevents contamination and preserves nutritional integrity. Our technology protects infant health while simplifying workflows for families, NICUs, and donor milk banks. Mojan Esmaeillou PhD candidate Mechanical Engineering ‘30

Division V – RRH 5.420

Pulse – Pulse is a passive emotional wellness platform that helps individuals understand and manage their emotional states without requiring any active input. By analyzing HRV, sleep, and daily patterns from wearables, Pulse provides clear, predictive insights that support healthier self-awareness and regulation. Its unique advantage is an optional sharing layer, allowing users to selectively share emotional cues with trusted partners or family—strengthening connection while keeping personal wellness and privacy at the core. Nessie Chu-Heng Lu MSTC ‘26, Daniel Matthew MSTC ‘26
Crackin’ Coffee – Crackin’ Coffee empowers home and small-batch roasters to achieve high-end roasting results with one simple add-on. Our mobile app and acoustic sensor bring consistency and precise crack detection to any entry-level roaster at a fraction of the cost of commercial equipment. Using proprietary algorithms, we turn real-time acoustics into expert guidance and unlock a scalable path toward prosumer and commercial expansion. Tiffany Carra MSTC ‘26, Chris Benjamin MSTC ‘26, Ray Kirkpatrick MSTC ‘26, Ryan Webster MSTC ‘26
Timely logistics Solutions – TIMELY Logistics Solutions (TLS) provides an end-to-end logistics tracking and intelligence that transforms the Nigerian cold chain from a high-risk gamble into a data-driven, manageable process. Idaerefagha Charles Dan-Jumbo MSTC ‘26, Plinio Diouf MSTC ‘26, Ravi Kiraan Poolla MSTC ‘26
OpenClique – OpenClique is an AI-augmented community-as-a-service platform that matches people into small, curated squads and guides them through real-world quests. Our assistant handles coordination, roles, and follow-through, turning social intention into social action. For users, we make belonging effortless; for brands and cities, we deliver high-intent micro-communities and measurable engagement. Starting in Austin, OpenClique becomes the behavioral infrastructure for real-world connection. Andrew Poss MBA ‘26, Anthony Cami MBA ‘26
Braidiant – Braidiant is solving the time, cost, and physical strain of managing curly and coily hair. People with Type 3–4 hair spend over $1,200 and hundreds of hours annually on protective styles. Stylists face repetitive strain injuries from braiding for hours. Braidiant’s patent-pending automated braiding device reduces styling time from hours to minutes—empowering clients with faster access to protective styles and helping stylists protect their hands, earn more, and serve more clients. Chisom Okwor M.S. Artificial Intelligence ‘26

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *