Katherine Olives
If youve been following us this semester, you know that weve spent months collecting applications for our 2015-16 Competitions. This year we received 99 entries, and we were astounded by the quality and creativity of every idea. Overall, we received many entries that had a social entrepreneurship aspect, and we learned that CCNY students are invested in creating change both locally and globally.
Over the past few weeks, weve worked with outside judges to narrow down our entries. Zahn staff held personal interviews with the top 10 teams in each category, and then chose six semi-finalists and one alternate to create our biggest cohort yet. Were very excited to announce the 2015-16 Zahn Venture Competition cohort. Heres a sneak peek:
Kaylie Connected Hardware Prize
Upwalk – A smart walker that encourages better posture, helping seniors avoid pain and discomfort.
Migo – A smart closet that cleans, de-wrinkles, and stores your clothes.
The Notifier – A sleek, noninvasive security device that sends alerts to your phone in real time.
Applied Motions – A hand exercise device that combines biofeedback and gamification to increase strength and agility while rehabilitating and preventing injury.
PluginBlocks – Educational electronics kits to help high school and college students develop STEM knowledge.
On Pointe – A wearable device to prevent injuries and provide guidance for dancers.
Alternate: Powersol – A smarter solar umbrella that protects you from the sun and charges your electronic devices.
Standard Chartered WOMEN + TECH4NYC Prize
Gleam – An interactive, affordable online platform for New Yorkers overcoming depression.
EmoTrain – A revolutionary gaming experience working to redefine what it means to live with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
#BallotMatters – An issue-focused guide to local NYC elections allowing users to vote confidently.
StreetScan – A smarter system for NYCs roads, allowing the DOT to make faster and more efficient repairs.
Share – A platform that makes hyper-local charitable giving easier than ever.
Sensei – An application that helps K-12 teachers find, plan, and organize curated school trips in NYC.
Alternate: Duck Soup – An application helping ESL learners memorize new vocabulary through gamification.
Zahn Social Impact Prize
VeriPAD – A technology for low and middle income countries that determines if medications are counterfeit.
Modular Lattice Wave Energy Converter – A new type of green energy designed that captures the constant motion of waves.
CareTV – A media resource to help people with dementia remain safe in their homes.
Handy NYC – A nonprofit organization that provides middle and high school STEM education while connecting New Yorkers to give amputees a helping hand.
Building-Integrated Screen – A sustainable screen designed to revitalize and improve the quality of life for people in hot/arid climates.
EZ Adapt Ramps – Adaptive equipment to improve independence for people with disabilities.
Alternate: EZ Chimney – An inexpensive, portable ventilating system to solve indoor pollution in developing countries.
Zahn Technology Prize
Hybridia – A tool to reinvent the way laparoscopic surgery is performed.
TutorX Technologies – An app to find your perfect tutor, anytime, anywhere.
The Sous Chef – An app that turns your phone into your personal sous chef.
Squad Out – An app that allows friends to connect with each other for spontaneous social connectivity.
Komb – A scheduling app and web-platform connecting clients with barbers and hairstylists instantaneously.
C~Flow – A revolutionary class planning and course management software that will streamline all aspects of your college experience.
Alternate: Favor – An app that turns the world into your personal assistant.
We cant wait to begin an entrepreneurial journey with these fantastic teams. In late January we will kick off our Bootcamp, and well share updates of each teams progress throughout the semester. Youll get to know them as their ideas evolve. Join us in congratulating the 2015-2016 Cohort!
In this picture: The StreetScan team meets each other for the first time and creates their idea at October's Idea Jam 4NYC.