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Mentors
Adam Silverman is a legal professional with extensive experience advising mature and emerging growth companies on various corporate matters, including venture capital and debt financing, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial transactions. He is currently a Co-Founder at Wiggin (x), a firm established to support high-growth companies and their investors, and serves as a Partner at…
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Judges
AiLun is the VP of Community and Capacity at the EGF Accelerator, a Leadership Fellow with the Heckscher Foundation for Children, and a Senior Strategic Advisor to NationSwell. She previously served as president and CEO of The Opportunity Network, supporting first-generation college students and young people of color in pursuing education and career opportunities to…
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Finalists
AIMIGO is the first AI on top of all AIs. Whatever you want to do, tell AIMIGO, and it will recommend the best AI tool(s) for you. The best part? You don’t have to pay all those subscriptions – buy tokens on our platform and spend as you go.
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Finalists
AL YUSUR is an equity crowdfunding platform connecting global investors with vetted entrepreneurs in emerging markets, starting with Syria, Lebanon, and the UAE. It enables investments in high-growth ventures, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios while providing startups with crucial capital, fostering economic resilience, and driving innovation in underdeveloped regions.
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Speakers
Dr. Alana Ackerson is a technology entrepreneur, venture investor, and the author of Creative Humans: How Technology is Transforming Human Nature and Future Possibility. She has founded and led multi-billion-dollar technology ventures and asset management firms and, as the former CEO of the Thiel Foundation, championed early-stage investments in groundbreaking science and technology projects. Dr….
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Mentors
Allison Gallaspy is a skilled researcher with a strong background in library services, particularly in Management, Economics, and Entrepreneurship. She has been the Management, Economics, and Entrepreneurship Librarian at Yale University since February 2022, where she provides research support to affiliates involved in various projects. Before her role at Yale, Allison worked as a Business…
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Judges
Amir has over a decade of experience in private equity, reverse merger, and project finance transactions in clean energy across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, having raised in excess of $1B in direct equity capital commitments for solar, wind, and electric vehicle charging companies. Amir previously led all M&A and developer partnerships…
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Mentors
Anna Cerilli is an experienced professional with a strong background in healthcare and entrepreneurship. She is currently the President, Founder, and CEO of SAYS WHO., a Public Benefit Corporation focused on increasing mobility options for children with special needs. Since October 2018, she has been dedicated to reducing disparities in access to mobility across socioeconomic…
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Mentors
Anthony D. Sabatelli is a seasoned patent counsel with extensive experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Since February 2019, he has served as Patent Counsel at Wiggin and Dana LLP in the Greater New York City Area, where he focuses on developing business-oriented patent strategies and navigating complex legal issues at the intersection of…
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Finalists
Aroomy is an AI-powered 3D design software that addresses global housing inequality by making home design and rebuilding simple and affordable, especially during times of crisis, fires, and wars. Our software is the first to enable seamless 2D-to-3D transitions using the latest WebGL technology, allowing amateurs to design and rebuild their spaces at less than…
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Judges
Arthur W. Thomas III received his Bachelor’s in Industrial & Labor Relations from Cornell University. Upon graduation, he worked in finance for many years while preparing for the transition to investing in real estate and community development. Once transitioned, Arthur focused on residential rehabilitation and acquisition for both his personal investment company and in a…
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Speakers
Ben (SOM ’16) is from Washington, D.C. and went to Swarthmore College. After graduating, Ben joined Teach for America where he taught high school math for 5 years in West Philadelphia and Providence, RI. After teaching, Ben went to Yale School of Management, where he co-founded Hugo & Hoby during the first year of his…
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Speakers
Ben, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and TEDx speaker, is the CEO and Co-founder of Cambium, a climate-tech start-up backed by Joe Tsai, Steve Case, and others. Cambium is revolutionizing the lumber industry by turning local wood waste into Carbon Smart Wood™, a sustainable, high-quality building material, while their proprietary Traece™ platform provides a…
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Judges
Bennett Khurana Byerley works at the intersection of climate policy and finance to advance the clean energy transition and equitable economic development. He is the Director of Finance & Business Operations at S2 Strategies, a climate policy firm focused on maximizing the positive on-the-ground impacts of national, state, and local climate-related policies and investments. Previously,…
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Mentors
Beverly Jurenko is an experienced Executive and Leadership Coach certified by the International Coaching Federation as an Associate Certified Coach. She specializes in fostering positive impact and personal growth through her ontological coaching training, educational background, and extensive international experience across corporate, startup, and non-profit sectors. Beverly is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, and inclusion…
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Mentors
William Schnoor is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience representing companies of all sizes, from startups to established public firms. He strongly focuses on addressing business needs through practical and cost-effective legal advice. Since relocating to London in September 2018, he has been actively involved in the tech markets of the U.K., continental Europe,…
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Finalists
Black Obsidian Healing (BOH) generates more holistic participation in community and civic life by deploying traditional and innovative healing modalities in a group format among Black men. BOH addresses the crises of isolation, illness, and mental health exacerbated by the pandemic, generating more confident, socially engaged, and connected residents.
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Mentors
Bradford Galiette is a seasoned Product Manager currently serving as the Founder of New Venture in Connecticut since October 2021. He has extensive experience at Google, where he held various roles, including Lead Product Manager for Google’s Display and Video Ads products from July 2020 to September 2021 and previously for Brand Ads Measurement from…
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Judges
Brandon Blaesser is a Vice President at the Ecosystem Integrity Fund. His responsibilities include sector research, pipeline development and tracking, investment due diligence, and portfolio company support. Brandon sits on the Yale Club of New York’s Board. He received a BA in Economics and a BA in Environmental Studies from Yale University and holds a LEED…
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Finalists
Calmware provides tools that integrate tactile stimulation and guided breathing into everyday objects like keychains and mugs to help manage stress and anxiety in real-time. Since 2024 we’ve reached 300 paying customers and we’re now expanding distribution; developing custom vending machines that bring engaging support to high-stress environments.
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Mentors
Chad Tillman is a seasoned patent attorney with over 25 years of experience in patent prosecution, focusing on electrical and mechanical innovations, including software and consumer products. He is currently the Managing Partner and Patent Attorney at Tillman Wright, PLLC, where he has worked since April 2004, developing strategies for protecting clients’ intellectual property. In…
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Mentors
Claudia Meng holds a B.A. in Ethics, Politics, and Economics, graduating magna cum laude from Yale University, and has completed advanced coursework in Data Science. She is fluent in English, Chinese, and French. In her recent experiences, Claudia served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary at the USDA from October 2023 to October 2024…
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Judges
Daniel Kellogg, the current President of Young Concert Artists (YCA), brings a profound blend of artistic and leadership skills honed both as an alumnus and former YCA Composer-in-Residence. His tenure at YCA has been marked by a commitment to nurturing the next generation of concert soloists and artistic leaders, building on the organization’s legacy of…
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Judges
David Femi currently serves as M&T Bank’s Regional Manager for Business & Professional Banking for Fairfield County and Southern Connecticut. From January 2020 to January 2024, he built the framework and infrastructure as the Head of M&T Bank’s Multicultural Banking & Diverse Market Strategy. David is well sought after nationally and internationally as a diverse…
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Mentors
David S. Rose is a prominent entrepreneur and angel investor, often referred to as “New York’s Archangel.” He is the Founder and CEO of US Real Estate Market and the Founder & Executive Chairman of Gust, a global SaaS platform for startups and investors. He has also recently taken on roles as Chairman of Thinkable…
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Judges
David Thomas, Co-founder and Senior Partner of Court Square Capital, has been a member of the Court Square Investment Team since 1980. David received degrees in finance and accounting from the University of Akron. He is currently a director of Advanced Diabetes Supply, Data Axle, The Evans Network of Companies, Golden State Medical Supply, Momentum…
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Judges
Deborah is the Global Head of Nature Finance for Conservation International, where she leads CI’s work in financing nature-based solutions for climate and biodiversity, developing investment partnerships, building its portfolio of carbon projects, and launching innovative financial instruments. Title: Global Head Organization: Nature Finance for Conservation International LinkedIn | Website
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Judges, Mentors
Eason Yang is a designer, speaker, educator, creative director, and social innovator. After overcoming cancer and rebuilding his life, he has become the face of professional comebacks, inspiring others to realize their full potential despite life’s interruptions and adversity. Eason’s career struggles are often humorously compared to Steve Jobs’ return to Apple, Robert Downey Jr.’s…
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Finalists
Eloquia transforms speech therapy through an innovative analytics platform that makes communication improvement visible and measurable, bridging the gap between therapy sessions with continuous feedback and detailed progress tracking while serving both therapy professionals and their clients.
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Judges
Emily Zhang is a senior at Yale University from Massachusetts majoring in Ethics, Politics, and Economics. She served for two years as co-coordinator of Dwight Hall’s student executive committee. She also enjoys riding bikes and playing the marimba. Title: Student Organization: Yale University LinkedIn
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Finalists
In India, learning to speak English unlocks vast economic opportunities. Our mission is to democratize access to high-quality English-language instruction and thereby spur upward economic mobility in low-income communities. EnglishSeekho is a nonprofit app that provides a free and pedagogically efficient spoken English education to Hindi speakers.
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Finalists
Enrich Health will establish holistic maternity health and wellness centers across America with a mission to eliminate disparities in perinatal health and ensure that every mother is served with equitable, compassionate and quality care. Group visit will be core to our solution which will facilitate extensive education and community support.
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Finalists
The Ensemble Éclat is an instrumental ensemble focused on supporting emerging composers who work with computer-assisted composition.
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Mentors
Erick Rios is a seasoned product designer with 16 years of experience, currently serving as the Director of Engineering at Big Bang since August 2003. He has led diverse teams in solving various product development challenges for a wide range of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies and emerging startups, resulting in the successful market launch…
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Speakers
Erika Hairston (YC ’18) studied CS & African American Studies at Yale. As co-founder & CEO of Edlyft, a Y Combinator startup that raised ~$2M and helped thousands launch tech careers, she built an AI-powered tutor ultimately acquired by Google. Previously, she was a PM at LinkedIn and built an app featured as Apple’s App…
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Mentors, Speakers
Erin Ollila is a seasoned conversion copywriter and copy coach with over 15 years of publishing experience and an MFA in Creative Writing. She is the Founder and Copy Chief at EO Copy Co., where she collaborates with both small businesses and large brands like ADP and Oracle to enhance their copy and content strategies….
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Mentors
Erlinda Arriola is a venture capital investor focusing on early and growth-stage startups in real estate, construction, and fintech sectors. She is an Investor at JLL Spark, investing in early-stage startups at the intersection of commercial real estate and technology. Prior to this, she served as an Investment Director at Fitch Ventures, where she was…
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Mentors
Esther Zirbel is an experienced academic coach and former astrophysicist with a strong background in higher education. Currently serving as the CEO and Education Director at Learning Ledgers Foundation since May 2020, she focuses on developing online and in-person courses to empower educators and students for the 21st-century workforce. Prior to this role, she was…
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Mentors
Ethnie Xu is a dynamic architectural designer and entrepreneur with a rich business and architecture background. Currently based in New York City, she works as a Designer at Hart Howerton, where the team is known for designing complete environments – exceptional buildings, communities, and places that require innovative solutions due to their unique historical or…
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Mentors
Eva Chalioti is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Chair in the Department of Economics at Yale University, where she has been since July 2017 and June 2016, respectively. She was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics at Yale from September 2014 to July 2017. Before her tenure at Yale, she was a Visiting Assistant Professor…
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Mentors
Feli Oikonomopoulou is a former financial services lawyer turned entrepreneur, currently serving as the Founder & CEO of WealthMeUp since March 2024. WealthMeUp focuses on creating innovative financial products that integrate investments into everyday spending, promoting financial literacy through a gamified rewards-based platform. In addition to her role at WealthMeUp, she is also the Director…
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Finalists
FrameShare is the first digital platform designed specifically for art therapists, enabling secure virtual sessions, progress tracking, and creative collaboration. By bridging technology and creative expression, FrameShare expands access to art therapy and education, enhances therapist-client engagement, and provides a scalable, HIPAA-compliant solution for educators and mental health professionals alike.
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Mentors
Laura Colagrande has been an Enterprise Partnerships professional at Bloomreach since September 2023, focusing on B2B sales and strategic planning. She is also an Associate Member of Pavilion since June 2023. Prior to her current roles, Laura held a position at Cart.com as Lead for Go-to-Market Strategy and Marketing from November 2022 to September 2023,…
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Finalists
FulcrumCare is a tech-enabled dental care organization focused on improving oral health for individuals with complex needs, particularly those dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid.
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Judges
Genevive Goubourn-Walker was raised in New Haven, Connecticut, where she attended the Educational Center for the Arts and studied theater. After graduating from Wilbur Cross High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia. Genevive later received her MA in Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in New…
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Finalists
Harness is an AI-driven platform connecting underserved renewable energy developers in West Africa with investors through a financing marketplace and capacity-building tools.
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Finalists
Helix is a circular fashion marketplace that connects local clothing and care services, making buying, selling, renting, and repairing easy. We trace garments’ journeys, turning fashion into living archives, and our infinite commission model lets users earn passive income from ongoing exchanges.
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Judges
Herrana Addisu is a multi-disciplinary artist and social impact strategist. Her family’s journey to the United States and her personal experience growing up in Ethiopia and immigrating to the U.S. have shaped her career in human rights. She works to uplift marginalized communities through advocacy initiatives, research, and programming. She incorporates her expertise in various…
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Finalists
Originally conceived as a theater production venture at Yale University in 2021, Hillhouse is a film and theatre company which produces high-quality entertainment of mass appeal reaching an audience of primarily young people.
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Judges
Hope Chávez (she/her) is a creative producer, facilitator, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, & Co-Chair of the Board for The New Haven Pride Center. Hope’s calling is to help people find joy & curiosity in shifting systems of power toward justice. Title: Executive Director Organization: Arts Council of Greater New…
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Judges
Hyuk-Jeen Suh is the General Partner of SkyRiver Ventures, an early-stage deep-tech-focused VC fund. He co-founded ven^x, a collaborative deep tech VC hub in Boston that brings like-minded VCs together to syndicate deals and support the startup ecosystem. Title: Venture Capitalist and Startup Advisor Organization: SkyRiver Ventures LinkedIn
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Mentors
J’HEALEE is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as the Founder & Principal of Truth In Motion, LLC in New York. They specialize in helping purpose-driven professionals and leaders innovate from within to achieve sustainable success. J’HEALEE’s background includes a PhD in engineering from Yale and experience in business with…
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Mentors
Jacopo Lazzarin has been a Co-Founder at Replica AI, based in Boston, Massachusetts, since August 2024. Prior to this role, he completed several internships, including an Associate Consultant Intern at Bain & Company in Paris from March to July 2023 and a Consultant internship at Capgemini Invent in the same city from October 2022 to…
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Mentors
Jeehyang Leung is an experienced marketer with a strong passion for consumer-centric business growth. With a diverse background across industries such as CPG, Financial Services, and Healthcare, Jeehyang has held various marketing roles that emphasize product marketing, brand strategy, and consumer research. Currently, as the Global Head of Brand and Product Marketing at Sendwave since…
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Mentors
Jenn Burka is a Principal at FTW Ventures, where she focuses on seed and pre-seed investments in food and agtech startups that prioritize benefits for people, the planet, and profit. Her interests include climate tech, supply chain tech, personalized nutrition, sustainable packaging, and restaurant/retail tech. Jenn has a rich background in the food industry, having…
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Mentors
Jennifer Peterson is a seasoned Marketing and Communications strategy consultant with 14 years of experience. She currently works at IBM as a Senior Manager in Analyst Relations for Data and AI, focusing on generative AI and related technologies. She has previously held roles at IBM, where she managed analyst relations for Sustainability Software, Corporate Social…
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Mentors
Jennifer Zoga is an experienced business strategist and educator with a strong focus on innovative growth strategies and socially-responsible business models. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Professional Women In Construction – Philadelphia Chapter, where she promotes diversity and supports women in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Additionally, she is the…
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Mentors
John Casano is an accomplished technology leader with over 11 years of experience in start-ups, hedge funds, and agile innovation. He currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Troika Solutions, leading the development of secure software solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense and the intelligence community. His role focuses on driving innovation, ensuring…
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Judges, Mentors
Jonas is a partner at Elm Street Ventures where he invests in early-stage technology companies, many of which are spinouts from research out of Yale. Prior to Elm Street he taught entrepreneurship at Brown University and he holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management. Title: Partner Organization: Elm Street Ventures LinkedIn | Website
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Mentors
Jonathan Shakes is an experienced professional with a diverse background in product management, education, and leadership roles. Currently, he serves as the Trustee and Vice-Chair at the Population Council since January 2017, and he is also the Co-Founder and President of Caz Northwest, an annual art and creativity camp, since November 2023. Additionally, he has…
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Speakers
Josh Steinberg is a startup go-to-market specialist who has extensive experience working in the tech field across partnerships, sales, and strategy. Josh’s specialty is building Partner Programs and other Business Development activities at B2B SaaS companies, especially those with product-led growth sales motions. Title: Director, Partnerships Organization: Hive LinkedIn
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Judges
Justine is the CEO of ClimateHaven, a climate tech incubator. She is an active early-stage venture investor and advisor focused on sustainable transportation and the energy transition. From 2019-2022, Justine was a partner and Chief Operating Officer of 25madison Ventures, where she invested in and advised early-stage technology companies across fintech, sustainability, and health tech….
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Speakers
Justine Levin-Allerhand, PhD, is Executive Partner, Origination and Corporate Development at Flagship Pioneering, responsible for maximizing the impact of Flagship’s company creation, cultivating partnerships, and overseeing Flagship’s Enabling Technologies Initiative. Title: Executive Partner Organization: Flagship Pioneering LinkedIn
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Judges
Co-founder & CEO of Posh AI, a conversational AI platform for financial services. Previously earned SB and MEng degrees from MIT, and was a natural language processing + speech recognition researcher at MIT AI Lab. Title: Co-founder & CEO Organization: Posh AI, LinkedIn
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Judges
Kelsey is an independent consultant focused on social and economic justice. She helps organizations scale their impact through partnerships, capacity building, and capital deployment. Currently, she works with Brocade Studio on the firm’s business development, strategic planning, and business planning verticals. Previously, as Senior Director of Business Development and Program Design at Possibility Labs, she…
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Mentors
Kevin Lee is a seasoned digital marketing expert and the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Didit, a prominent digital marketing and technology firm established in 1996. He has a strong background in SEM, SEO, PPC, and online advertising, and has been instrumental in transforming Didit into a full-service marketing agency through multiple acquisitions. Kevin is…
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Judges
Kaakpema, who goes by “KP,” is a global entrepreneur and public health practitioner with experience working across the public and private sectors in the United States, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Caribbean. He is a Senior Fellow and Lecturer at the Yale School of Public Health and the Faculty Director for InnovateHealth Yale. Kaakpema Co-Founded InOn…
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Mentors
Laura Colagrande has been working as an Enterprise Partnerships professional at Bloomreach since September 2023, focusing on B2B sales and strategic planning. She is also an Associate Member of Pavilion since June 2023. Prior to her current roles, Laura held a position at Cart.com as Lead for Go-to-Market Strategy and Marketing from November 2022 to…
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Mentors, Speakers
Lauren E. Graham is a social entrepreneur, environmentalist, and educator with an eclectic background in environment and sustainability, social innovation and entrepreneurship, and creative media for public engagement. She is the founder of Velvet Frame, a social impact strategy and communications consultancy. She works with mission-driven organizations and individuals across the environmental-social impact spectrum on…
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Mentors
LeRoy Cole is a career coach specializing in helping Directors and Senior Directors in the tech and financial services sectors overcome career plateaus and uncertainties to achieve growth. With over 10 years of experience in strategic roles across product, business development, and relationship management in various countries, he has a strong background in the corporate…
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Judges
Dr. Asanga is a pharmacist and an entrepreneur with 10+ years of healthcare and entrepreneurship experience. He is the founder and CEO of Pills2Me (an on-demand prescription delivery service), which was launched at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also the co-founder and CEO of UrPharm (an easy way to search, find, and…
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Judges
Lindsay Greene is the president and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Previously, Lindsay was chief strategy officer at the New York City Economic Development Corporation and for Economic Development and Housing in the New York City mayor’s office. She started her career by shaping policy decisions at food startups and in finance…
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Judges
Luis is a New Haven native who believes that civic innovations strengthen communities. Luis has facilitated civic innovations throughout his career as an AmeriCorps Service member, Co-creator of New Haven’s Cultural Equity Plan, and non-profit board member supporting New Haven’s food system. Since 2016 Luis has worked at the New Haven Free Public Library and…
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Speakers
Lydia Bowers is an HR leader with extensive experience in building and scaling teams within fast-growing, tech-enabled companies. She holds a graduate degree in Human Resources from Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. As the former Head of People at Spyce, she was instrumental in shaping the company’s culture and talent strategy, guiding the…
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Mentors
Madeline Ravich is a creative and results-driven nonprofit executive with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit organization management, specializing in fundraising, communications, and marketing. Currently, she serves as the Principal at Madeline Ravich Strategic Consulting, LLC, where she helps organizations develop strategies to grow their donor base and diversify revenue streams. Recently, she held…
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Finalists
Makerstate teaches creators entrepreneurship. By demystifying the business of cultural production with an AI-powered platform offering personalized venture building education, tailored career and artistic goal setting, and tools for independent production at scale, creators take ownership of their creative careers!
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Judges
Margaret Yates Thorne is the managing partner of Sociable Weavers, which provides seed investing to transformational start-ups in education and healthcare. Margie is also the owner of Niknats, a personalized needlepoint gift business. She has worked for the last thirty years with various non-profits, supporting start-up management, fundraising, and finance. Margie has chaired the boards…
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Mentors
Maria Kadison is the President and CEO of EdwardsCo., a strategic communications company focused exclusively on educational and education-related non-profits, including prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Massachusetts General Hospital. She has held this position since March 2012, leveraging her extensive background in marketing and strategic communications to support senior leadership in higher education and…
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Judges
Mariama Kabia is Worldwide Lead, Digital Equity Accelerator at HP. In this role, she manages HP Social Impact’s signature program that helps scaling nonprofits bridge the digital divide. For their global digital equity work, Mariama and her team were named TIME magazine’s first-ever Team of the Year in 2023. Mariama comes to HP as Co-founder…
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Mentors
Mario Ruiz is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Infinity Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund focused on fintech and commerce, where he has been since May 2021. He also serves as a Board Member at Mayple Global and Mendel, both roles he has held since August 2023 and November 2021, respectively. Prior to his…
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Judges
Matt leads the Healthcare/Bioscience team at Connecticut Innovations, Connecticut’s strategic venture arm. He builds on his extensive experience in the healthcare sector by leading many of CI’s deals in the digital health sector. Title: Senior Managing Director Organization: Connecticut Innovations LinkedIn
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Mentors
Matthew DiVenere is a seasoned Managing Director at DiVenere Capital Partners, a boutique merchant bank specializing in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic advisory services for growth-oriented enterprises. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked across various industries, including specialty retail, consumer products, luxury goods, media, and entertainment, primarily in North America…
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Judges
Megha H. Unhelkar is an entrepreneur, investor, and scientist passionate about transforming healthcare. She currently works at Flagship Pioneering, developing novel therapies across various therapeutic areas. Megha was a 2021 Blavatnik Fellow, leveraging her biotech innovation and investment expertise. Previously, she was a Life Sciences Strategy Consultant at Charles River Associates, guiding early-stage product feasibility…
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Judges
Dr. Melissa Davis is an Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine, where she also serves as Vice Chair for Medical Informatics in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging. She completed her BA in Chemistry and Psychology at Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA. In 2009, she received her medical degree from the Medical University…
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Speakers
Michael Farid is the co-founder of Spyce and currently serves as the Vice President of Automation at Sweetgreen, where he is focused on scaling robotics and automation to enhance the dining experience. Michael co-founded Spyce while pursuing his graduate studies at MIT, combining his passion for robotics and culinary arts to develop a first-of-its-kind automated…
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Mentors
Milton Sussberg is a seasoned venture consultant and university professor with over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurial ventures. He owns Sussberg & Co., Inc., a pioneering consulting firm specializing in start-up entrepreneurship, where he has advised numerous small and medium-sized businesses, contributing to sales exceeding $3 billion. Additionally, he serves as the Adjunct Professor…
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Finalists
Mudder AI is an AI-powered disaster management platform optimizing emergency response through predictive analytics, real-time geospatial data, and automated coordination. By integrating machine learning with climate risk modeling, it enhances disaster readiness, evacuation planning, and resource allocation, ensuring faster, data-driven decision-making for governments, NGOs, and communities in crisis.
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Mentors
Nikole Allen is an experienced program manager and director with a strong background in global health, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the US. She is currently serving as the Program Director at the Yale School of Public Health since February 2024. She has been a Health Policy and Management Lecturer at the same institution…
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Finalists
Numanac is an AI-powered digital almanac that transforms casual conversation into structured farm data using proprietary taxonomies and knowledge graphs. By simplifying operational logging and integrating public and private data, we deliver personalized agronomic advice, optimize input costs, facilitate financing, and prepare farmers for the imminent age of AI.
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Speakers
From a young age, Olga has been driven to transform ideas into tangible ventures. Her father was an inventor in the field of electrical engines, holding 12 patents that never moved beyond his cherished folders. Witnessing his unbuilt inventions inspired her to focus on turning ideas into reality—building, launching, and making them real. Throughout her…
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Mentors
Paige MacLean is an independent philanthropic advisor with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She collaborates with individuals and families to develop impactful philanthropic strategies, leveraging her extensive philanthropy and nonprofit organization networks. Since July 2021, she has been self-employed as a Philanthropic Advisor, providing strategic guidance to clients addressing pressing social…
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Finalists
Through Palette to Purpose, we hope to encourage a global conversation that amplifies the urgency for climate action through art and music. This immersive audiovisual gallery brings together artists and composers, blending two creative mediums to inspire reflection about the environmental challenges we face and the future of our planet.
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Finalists
Patience is an in-progress, one-character, multimedia opera written for mezzo-soprano Christina Herresthal. Its goal is to represent previously-silenced disabled femme voices and elevate public awareness of the effects of medical gaslighting and other forms of (often sexist, racist, and profit-based) body trauma and violence inflicted today in medical settings.
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Mentors
Philip Stanger is an experienced entrepreneur and leader in the technology sector. He is currently the Founder and CEO of Olyns, a position he has held since September 2019. In addition, he serves as an Entrepreneur In Residence at Vanedge Capital, focusing on high-growth software and technology-enabled companies since January 2019. Previously, Philip worked at…
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Finalists
Picksy.Quest is an AI-powered buddy that helps kids aged 6-11 develop healthy eating habits through gamification and personalized experiences. By integrating play, peer influence, and family participation, it creates lasting behavior change. Unlike traditional methods, Picksy intervenes early to reduce chronic diseases, addressing a $2.6b market of parents seeking alternatives.
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Mentors
Preeti Adhikary is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in venture capital, community building, and marketing. She is currently the General Partner at Momo VC, an early-stage venture capital fund focused on supporting underrepresented founders, a role she has held since July 2024. Additionally, she is the Founder of The Great Nepali Diaspora, a thriving…
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Mentors
Preeti Sinha is an accomplished investment banker and development financier with over 30 years of experience in leading capital mobilization efforts across various global institutions. Most recently, she served as the Executive Secretary for the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) from February 2021 to February 2024, where she focused on creating capital pathways for…
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Finalists
ShinnKuu creates innovative wine and food preservation solutions that minimize waste and maximize freshness. Our technology keeps opened wine fresh for up to two months and food up to 5x longer. Unlike manual pump or costly gas injection systems, ShinnKuu is hands-free, cost-effective, and built for sustainability.
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Finalists
At PreVision, we empower designers and directors to work at the speed of creativity. Our revolutionary VR software places creatives in their venue months before moving in, allowing them to develop complex show sequences together, in scale, in real time, from anywhere in the world.
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Finalists
Project Hope aims to leverage the lived experiences of past transplant recipients to help current/future pediatric transplant patients navigate the journey through a unique but shared experiential lens. The project aims to promote mental wellness, empower youth, and improve patient quality of life through longitudinal 1-1 mentorship and support. Project Hope aims to leverage the…
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Mentors
Rachel Hua has a diverse background in product strategy, consulting, and research within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Most recently, she served as a Product Strategy Manager at 4D Bios Inc. in Hangzhou, China, from January 2024 to August 2024. Prior to that, she worked as a Consultant at the same company for nearly five…
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Speakers
Dr. Rachel Naa-Du Laryea (GRD ’22) is a thought leader specializing in race and money, ethical entrepreneurship, and social good. After cutting her teeth on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs, Laryea received her dual Ph.D. in African American Studies and Sociocultural Anthropology at Yale University. Her ethnographic research aims to understand nuanced forms of Black…
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Judges
Rashmi Pendse is Director of North America Social Impact at Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth, where she focuses on grantmaking and investments related to small business, impact data science, and racial equity. Previously, she was a founding principal of the Citi Impact Fund, where she originated and executed venture capital investments in U.S.-based double bottom…
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Finalists
Respond Crisis Translation mobilizes to provide language access support in frontline crisis contexts for millions of refugees each year.
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Mentors
Rhys Hamilton-Davies is an experienced entrepreneur and product manager currently serving as a Co-Founder at Replica AI since August 2024, where he focuses on revolutionizing online shopping through AI avatars. Prior to this, he co-founded Opportunify, a mentoring platform aimed at helping students enter the finance sector from April 2023 to November 2023. He has…
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Mentors
Rob Thompson is a seasoned sports, media, and family entertainment innovator with over 30 years of experience. He is currently the Founder of CTSports Innovations, a center aimed at nurturing the next generation of sports and media innovators, where he has been involved in various projects since October 2024. Additionally, he is the Founder of…
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Mentors
Roshan Singh Sambhi is a Singaporean creative based in New York City, of Malaysian-Indian descent, and is recognized as a leading independent audio fiction creator from Asia. He is the founder of Andas Productions, a multimedia company specializing in audio shows and video games. Currently, he serves as the Lead Producer at Realm since November…
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Mentors
Sam Samdani is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in the chemical and advanced materials industries, particularly in consulting and strategic leadership roles. Most recently, he took on the role of interim CEO at QuantumCT in November 2024, following his tenure as the inaugural executive director at the same company from June to October 2024….
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Judges, Mentors
Santiago is a serial entrepreneur who founded and exited two FinTech/AI startups. He is currently an Associate professor of AI at Columbia University, leads the Generative AI initiative at Mapfre Insurance, and mentors startups at MIT and Techstars. Title: Associate Professor of AI Organization: Columbia University LinkedIn
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Mentors
improving lives through innovative projects. She is the Founder and CEO of Empowered Together, where she has been since 2021, concentrating on product-market fit and accessible business strategies. Previously, she served as the Senior Director of Development & Engagement at Love146 from 2020 to 2021, successfully leading fundraising efforts for an organization with a $4.3…
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Judges
Seunghee Lee is a Grammy®-nominated clarinetist, recording artist, TEDx speaker, and music entrepreneur based in New York City. Her recent album, Aspire, recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, earned international acclaim, showcasing her artistry and versatility. With a career spanning performance, entrepreneurship, and arts leadership, she brings a dynamic blend of musicianship and business acumen…
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Finalists
ShellVive repurposes discarded oyster shells into high-performance, eco-friendly filtration media. Our solution reduces costs by 50-75%, outperforms traditional activated carbon filtration materials, and supports a circular economy by diverting waste from landfills while replacing synthetic and mined alternatives in global water filtration markets.
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Mentors
Simran Dua is an experienced entrepreneur and mentor based in New York, currently serving as the Founder of Meet The Otter since September 2022. She has a strong background in product development and startup mentorship, exemplified by her role as a Guest Lecturer at the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale (Tsai CITY) from…
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Mentors
Skye Blanks is an experienced leader with a strong background in project management, team building, event planning, and customer relationship management. Currently, Skye serves as the Chief Operations Officer at the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) since June 2023, where they focus on leadership, research, business development, and management. Prior to this role, Skye…
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Judges
Sola Fadiran is a Nigerian-American multihyphenate artist. As an actor, he has appeared on Broadway in Sam Gold’s Romeo and Juliet and Aaron Sorkin’s Camelot. As a singer, he has performed in concerts internationally and in houses across the country. He is a co-founder of Midnight Oil Collective. Title: Artist and Co-founder Organization: Midnight Oil…
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Mentors
Stephen Blum is an experienced professional with a strong background in mentorship, community-building, and financial literacy. He has been serving as the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Yale University since August 2011, where he develops programmatic strategies and supports key initiatives for the Yale Alumni Association. In addition to his role at Yale, he…
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Finalists
SummerStore provides college students with a full-service summer storage solution, offering free packing supplies, affordable tiered pricing, and flexible moving options. Students can choose to drop off their belongings themselves at on-campus drop off locations or hire our movers for assistance. We handle move-out, supplies, secure storage, and move-in.
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Judges
Susan Schofer is a partner at SOSV global venture capital firm and serves as chief science officer at HAX, the world’s premier venture program that accelerates early-stage hard tech startups. She works with new startups via early-stage investment, defining key milestones and go-to-market strategies, and is responsible for scientific oversight and building capabilities to support…
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Mentors
Susana Yepes has a diverse professional background with significant experience in leadership and business development. Most recently, she worked in Business Development at Verne from June 2023 to August 2023. Prior to that, she held various roles at Compartamos con Colombia, including Executive Director from March 2019 to July 2022, Co Executive Director from 2017…
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Mentors
Talia Kennedy is an experienced professional with a diverse background in product management, marketing, and investment. She has served on the Board of Directors for the UC Berkeley Library since 2024 and has been an active angel investor since 2021, with notable investments in companies like Reforge and Attain. Previously, Talia worked as a Senior…
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Mentors
Tiffany Hsu is a clinical operations leader with a strong background in public health and emergency nursing. She has recently served as the COVID-19 Operations Supervisor at Yale University, where she managed a team of over 25 nurses in a remote task force dedicated to COVID-19 case management, vaccine clinics, and providing guidance to a…
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Finalists
TranscribeGlass is the world’s first AI-powered smart glasses for hearing loss, providing real-time subtitles with 95%+ accuracy. After testing seven iterations with 500+ users, we’ve secured 15,000+ pre-orders, early customers, and partnerships with audiologists and universities. At $389, TranscribeGlass is affordable, discreet, lightweight (38g), and delivers captions in 300ms.
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Finalists
Unboxed Musicians makes contemporary classical music more accessible through interdisciplinary projects, exploring new mediums for artistic expression and providing unique concert experiences for the audience. Currently, we seek funding for “Mini Music Box” project, Unboxed Musicians’ first self-sustaining financial model, as well as general fund for the organization.
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Mentors
Urvi Talaty is a Life Cycle Assessment Practitioner at SCS Global Services, where she has been working since July 2024. Prior to this role, she held positions at SCS Global Services as a Life Cycle Assessment II from July 2023 to August 2024 and as a Life Cycle Assessment Associate from July 2022 to July…
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Mentors
Vasu Dev Rao Aitharaju is a seasoned product executive with over two decades of experience transforming business challenges into strategic growth opportunities across various industries. Currently, he serves as the Head of Product Management at Constrafor, where he is focused on revolutionizing the construction industry through an AI-powered SaaS platform, enhancing financial growth and resilience…
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Finalists
Vault is a fit-tech startup redefining the way humans interact with the ground using proprietary force-sensitive flooring.
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Finalists
Verustruct (f/k/a Imapct3D) is developing a construction 3D printing technology that creates sustainable, affordable housing for those experiencing housing insecurity. Our patent-pending tech eliminates the need for a support gantry, routes electrical harnessing, insulation, and plumbing within load-bearing walls created, and uses upcycled materials in our cementitious material base.
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Mentors
Walter Lindop is currently the Lead Innovation Consultant at Yale New Haven Health, a position he has held since April 2024. In this role, he focuses on innovation management, agile methodologies, and technology leadership. Prior to this, he served as a Senior Innovation Consultant at the same organization from December 2021 to April 2024, and…
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Finalists
Wealth Beacon Group Foundation provides affordable housing paired with wraparound services like financial literacy, mental health support, and GED programs. Our “Housing with a Purpose” model empowers families to transition from homelessness to stability and homeownership, fostering long-term self-sufficiency and building resilient communities in New Haven.
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Finalists
WealthMeUp is a lifestyle-first fintech app with a bold vision to push the boundaries of financial independence by seamlessly integrating investing into everyday life.
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Finalists
Whiskey Bravo improves the lives of military families while teaching youth leadership and service. Students participate in our monthly curriculum including: sending packages to troops deployed, hosting gold star children, and teaching formerly homeless veterans computer literacy. We’re building the leaders of tomorrow by honoring the heroes of today.
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Finalists
whyMED is an AI-powered voice assistant that answers patient questions about prescription medications, personalized based on their prescriptions and social determinants of health. It encourages patients to ask important medication-related questions, provides educational walk-throughs (ex: inhaler use), tracks adherence, sends reminders, and schedules pharmacist consultations for complex issues.
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Finalists
The Wings of Change Entrepreneurship Fellowship empowers Ghanaian youth with entrepreneurial skills through workshops, company visits, and mentorship. Participants learn finance, marketing, proposal writing, and hands-on vocational trades, enabling them to start and sustain businesses to fight poverty and promote self-sustainability.
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Speakers
Xuefei Gao, MBA, MPH ’23, is the co-founder and COO of Ascent Bio, a Yale spin-out focused on AI-driven biomolecule design. While at Yale, Xuefei was a Blavatnik Associate, VP of Nucleate New Haven, and worked with AtlasXomics and Arvinas. Title: Co-founder and COO Organization: Ascent Bio LinkedIn
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Mentors
Yari Ijeh is the Chief Business Development Officer at Clifford Beers Community Health Partners, where they have been leading strategic planning and execution of initiatives to provide holistic and trauma-informed care to children and families in Connecticut since November 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the social work field, Yari has a strong…
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Mentors
Zeynep Ilgaz is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a strong background in building and scaling successful businesses. She is currently a General Partner at Cross Ocean Ventures, where she invests in innovative technology companies and collaborates with founders to secure funding and refine growth strategies. Additionally, she serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Yale Ventures,…
