Wolff New Venture Competition
The Wolff New Venture Competition features live pitches by the top startups coming out of UConn, and gives away over $70,000 in non-dilutive funding to the startups each year.
The legwork for the Wolff New Venture Competition begins in the spring, where 10 startups are hand selected by an independent panel to participate in the CCEI Summer Fellowship Accelerator. Here, CCEI works to strengthen the support for the university's top entrepreneurial teams and take them beyond business concepts and towards market readiness.
After this eight week accelerator, five of the ten startups are selected to compete in the Wolff New Venture Competition.
Pitch Competition
At the event, each startup will present a 7 minute pitch to a panel of judges who then decides which teams are worthy of the $70,000+ in award funding.
Startup Showcase
New this year, 25+ UConn startups, all of whom previously participated in CCEI's Summer Fellowship Accelerator will showcase their companies. Guests can learn about what they're building and purchase their products.
Agenda
5:30-6:00pm - Networking & CCEI Startup Showcase
Doors open at 5:30pm with appetizers and drinks available to all guests. Explore the CCEI Startup Showcase, featuring 25+ UConn startups that previously participated in CCEI's Summer Fellowship Accelerator.
6:00-7:30pm - Venture Pitches
Hear pitches from the 5 UConn startups vying for more than $70,000 in startup funding and the coveted Wolff Prize.
7:30-8:30pm - Awards, Networking & CCEI Startup Showcase
See which startups will win big! Explore the CCEI Startup Showcase, featuring 25+ UConn startups that previously participated in CCEI's Summer Fellowship Accelerator.
Pitch Competition Startups
Atlas
An all-natural edible coating from sustainably-farmed seaweed that reduces food loss in the supply chains of highly perishable commodities. The coating technology can double the shelf-life of perishable food by reducing shrinkage and spoilage using sustainable ingredients and processes.
Led by Anuj Purohit, Research Assistant, CAHNR; Andrew Carter, Undergraduate Student, BUS; Yidan Zhang, PhD Student, CAHNR; Matt Cleaver, Industry Mentor; Mingyu Qiao, Faculty, CAHNR
Happy Dinosaur
Inspiring creative, original thinking by encouraging children to join the ‘Happy DinoStory’ with unique, sustainable stuffed dinosaurs and accompanying products. Our mission is to inspire the spirit of happiness and adventure in the hearts of the next generation. happydinostore.com
Led by Lyla Andrick, Alumni, CAHNR
Soleia Biosciences
A pharmaceutical company that has developed a long-acting medication to manage pain related to surgery, injury, or chronic disease to improve a patient’s quality of life without the need for opioids.
Led by Lakshmi Nair, Faculty, UConn Health; Yusuf Khan, Faculty, UConn Health
Vamos
A corporate travel platform designed for distributed teams that streamlines group booking to bring people together. We use a unique machine-learning algorithm to recommend the perfect city, hotels, and activities tailored to company and individual preferences. As teams use the platform, it gathers data on users' preferences, enabling seamless trip planning and booking with a single click. govamos.io
Niko Zurita, Co-founder and CEO; Luciano Diaz, Co-founder and CPO
WheelPrice
A two-sided marketplace for car enthusiasts to buy and sell automotive parts on the second-hand market. wheelprice.com
Led by Wally Namane, Alumni, BUS; Kyle Mayers, Alumni, BUS; Kirk Vanderheijden, Alumni, SFA
Startup Showcase Participants
Happy Dinosaur, Encapsulate Inc., Nami Therapeutics Corp., SedMed, Growler Power, Sourcery, Phoenix Tailings, Particle-N, Feel Your Best Self, Therapeutic Bandage Products, Atlas, LambdaVision Inc., Andros Innovations Inc., Kona Brand, Zemi, Bastion Health, Mud Rat, Puure, Vamos, Patent Plus AI, Genesist, Swipestorm, Levo International, Opti-Moo, Soleia Biosciences, WheelPrice, onewith, Webquity
Judges
Jenn Burke, Principal, FTW Ventures
Peter Hicks, Managing Director, Webster Bank
Luke Steinberger, COO, Revyrie
Claire Zick, VP of Product, Crisis Text Line
Pitch Awards
$30,000 - Wolff New Venture Competition Prize
Sponsored by the Thomas John and Bette Wolff Family Fund in Strategic Entrepreneurship
$10,000 - 2nd Place Prize
Sponsored by Santander Bank
$7,500 - 3rd Place Prize
Sponsored by Prime Materials Recovery
$10,000 - Legal Services Award
Sponsored by wiggin(x)
$5,000 - Audience Choice Award
Sponsored by Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina (FML)
$5,000 - Innovation Award
Sponsored by Mark and Jamie Summers
$5,000 - Community Impact Award
Sponsored by Baystate Financial
Showcase Awards
$35,000 - Digital Product Development Award
Sponsored by Revyrie
$10,000 - Brand Consulting Award
Sponsored by Digital Surgeons
Additional prizes and sponsors will be announced leading up to the event.
Sponsors
About the Wolff New Venture Competition:
The Wolff Prize is endowed through the Thomas John and Bette Wolff Family Fund in Strategic Entrepreneurship, established to provide leadership for teaching and research in the field of strategic entrepreneurship. The Wolff family has a long tradition of business success, personal philanthropy, commitment to the University of Connecticut, the UConn Business School, and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We are grateful for the support of Thomas John (1928-2008) and Bette and their three children Greg, Gary, and Debi.
About the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI):
At CCEI, we aim to empower entrepreneurs and innovators, create a vibrant startup ecosystem, and contribute to economic development in Connecticut. We strive to provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and make a positive impact on society. To learn more visit: ccei.uconn.edu