JUMPSTART 2024

ULaunch hosted a competition for students from select North Carolina high schools based on the TV show “Shark Tank” at Durham Academy Upper School, Durham, NC on August 24th, 2024.

Our Top Teams

Governor's Recognition

First

AI-enhanced breathalyzer technology

Second

Automated soil management

Third

Skin cancer detection

Audience Choice Award

All members of the audience, including team members chose 3 teams that they rank as 1st 2nd and 3rd. The team with the most points was awarded this prize.

Honorable Mentions

AI-powered customer verification

Biodegradable joint implants

Adaptive communication tools

Prosthetic movement tracking

Our Judges

Dr. Aleksandra Kaplon-Schilis

Dr. Schilis teaches Calculus and Data Science at Durham Academy’s upper school. Before DA, She taught mathematics, statistics, and physics at the secondary and college levels in New York City since 2003. Her teaching philosophy is that all students can learn and succeed in math and can do so with enjoyment. She has co-authored several papers and presented at several national and international conferences. 

Suresh Balu

Suresh Balu is the Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnership at the School of Medicine and Program Director for Duke Institute for Health Innovation (DIHI). His extensive experience spans academia, management consulting, venture capital, and private equity. He’s known for advising top companies, global sales channel establishment, and involvement in over 20 patents worldwide.

Dr. Evan Kharasch

Dr. Evan D. Kharasch is the Merel H. Harmel Distinguished Professor of Anesthesiology and Vice Chair for Innovation in the Department of Anesthesiology at Duke University. A practicing clinician and internationally recognized expert in perioperative pharmacology, Dr. Kharasch’s groundbreaking research has significantly advanced patient safety.

Lindsay Hinger

Ms. Lindsay Hinger is an entrepreneur, Air Force Veteran, and business counselor. She is a two-time small business owner, and works as a Business Launch Specialist with the Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) of UNC. Lindsay is also a Board member of NC Vet Biz, and is a mentor to military spouses and veterans through American Corporate Partners (ACP).

Judge Insights

It was a pleasure to be part of Jumpstart 2024 and to see the amazing ideas and innovations of the participants. I am impressed by the work that you and your team have done to organize and host this event. You have established a valuable platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to showcase their talents and  build local I & E network. I hope to see more of these events in the future and to continue supporting your mission.

– Suresh Balu

Our Volunteers

Keynote Address

Mr. Michael Ulku-Steiner

Head of School for Durham Academy

Event Agenda

Competition Format

Each competitor was given five minutes to pitch their product to “Sharks” (judges), using a required visual component and addressing utility, marketability and cost analyses.

Pitch Q&A

All applicants answered questions from our judge panel such as:

  1. Who is your primary target audience? What is the gap you are trying to fill with your idea?
  2. What are the challenges you are facing as you work on your idea and how will you overcome future challenges?
  3. Who are your competitors? Why will your idea work better?

Outcomes

Winners were provided with seed start funds and ongoing mentorship.

REgistration

Registration for the 2024 event is closed. Please join us for Jumpstart 2025!