Recap of the VenturePack Challenge 2024

In the recent 2024 VenturePack Challenge, we extend our congratulations to the winners who have demonstrated exceptional innovation and entrepreneurial skills at North Carolina State University.

Taking the top spot is Afuse, earning an honorable $9,000 prize for their efforts in simplifying college connections and roommates for a smooth transition.

The 2024 VenturePack Challenge showcased an impressive array of innovative ventures from North Carolina State University, each aiming to address diverse needs and challenges. Among the standout participants were:

• CardiaSight ($8,000): Introducing a wearable ECG device for convenient heart monitoring.
• NC Eclectic Esports ($5,000 and $1,000 Audience Choice): Welcoming gamers into a thriving community.
• AnyDroneRTK ($5,000): Offering precision drone attachments without the hefty price tag.
• Distress Signal Device (DSD) ($4,500): Providing a quick and easy solution for seeking help in emergencies.
• WaypointMap ($4,000): Streamlining drone data capture and modeling.
• Nature’s Throne ($3,000 and $1,000 Audience Choice): Emerging as the ultimate outdoor companion.
• Theory SEO ($3,000): Boosting sales, one search at a time.
• Exalyte ($2,000): Preventing osteoporosis with advanced monitoring.
• LOOM3D ($2,000): Creating seamless pants with zero waste.
• TutorSmith ($2,000): Providing affordable tutoring for every student.
• Project Textback ($1,000): Ensuring no call goes unanswered.
• DroneMedkit ($1,000): Delivering sensitive medicine to your doorstep.

The Daugherty Endowment track features ventures that have licensed NC State intellectual property in the past three years. The Daugherty Endowment has been a contributing partner of the VenturePack Challenge since 2016, with the primary goal of increasing the success of startup companies based on NC State IP.

• The 1st place winner ($25,000) is NC Solar Inverters, Doubling reliability, reducing lost energy, and cutting costs by 10%.
• The 2nd place winner ($15,000) is MithrilAI Corp, a semiconductor company that designs trusted AI/ML hardware for safety and security-critical applications.
• The 3rd place winner is Teen Health Research Inc ($10,000) an early-stage woman-owned startup empowering teens and families for healthier relationships through communication skills.

The Daugherty Endowment Track is made possible by The Richard L. and Marlene V. Daugherty Centennial Campus Entrepreneurialism Endowment (Daugherty Endowment) with funding partnership from the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science and collaboration with the NC State Office of Partnerships and Office of Research Commercialization.

Congratulations to all the winners and here’s to another year celebrating NC State’s entrepreneurial spirit!