The 2021 Skandalaris Venture Competition at WashU named 16 semifinalists, all students and recent alumni-led ventures vying for up to $22,500.
The semifinalists are:
ClosetSwitch is an online clothing trading platform made for college and high school students. Chiara Munzi (LA ’23)
Dabbler is an online platform and booking marketplace that connects skilled hobbyists with those that are just starting out and learning. This improves how every-day people learn hobbies by connecting them with the masters of their craft. Kyle Collier (MBA ’21)
Easy Speak is a software solution that advances upon current dictation technology from speech to text, to speech to action in the medical chart. More specifically, they aim to use dictation-based automation to increase the efficiency of time-consuming, repetitive, click-intensive tasks. Kai Skallerud (MD/MBA ’23), Maxwell Popper (LA ’22), Chris Callan (MBA ’22), Quan Khuc (EN ’23), Afam Obioha (BU ’22), Mitchell Sampson (EN ’25), Adam Mofid (BU ’23).
Free Dynamics designs miniature electronic devices that are dynamic in nature but operate without any external batteries for months. Darshit Mehta (PhD ’20) and Kenji Aono (PhD ’18)
General Symbol aims to provide companies with an annotation, revision, and visual playback system that takes the hardware development process and turns each component, model and module into a visual, commendable, data tree. Daniil Andreev (EN ’22) and Joseph Douglas
Mama & Sprout is a plant-based protein and fiber rich shake that provides fourth trimester nutrition for mother and baby. It helps women get the nutrients they need while providing satiety and fullness. Rhonda Smythe (MBA ’22)
Mozi is an app that brings value in creating a stronger community and increased student happiness. Moreover, it brings value to small businesses by promoting the usage of local businesses for these in person activities. Minju Lee (EN ’22)
Nuri Alarm is an app where simply friends can share compliments to one another. Matthew Kim (LA ’23)
Octavo is a blockchain-based platform for sending and receiving academic credential. Ian Welsh (BU ’22), Zack Meyer (LA ’22)
Oystar is a platform where students and universities can finally connect meaningfully and effectively for higher education opportunities. Using a university fit algorithm and data analytics, they are improving traditional university recruiting strategies, and how students find educational opportunities. Lungile Tshuma (MBA ‘21)
SpanAbility seeks to address limitations by designing and creating an accessible phone application that is simple to use and combines cognitive rehabilitation specific skills and exercises in one place. Ricky Illindala (EN ’23)
StickerScanner is a device used to recover personal belongings if they are lost. Vinayak Nair (LA ’25)
UpSkilr is helping build a more efficient and equitable labor market by closing the skills gap for good. Our web-based application will connect job-seekers and employers through upskilling programs in local labor markets. Sydney Nagorsky (EN ’23) and Jonathan Oshinsky (LA ’23)
VertiGreen aims to build a network of scalable hydroponic, vertical farms using freight shipping container technology to localize the food supply chain. Dave Kanoff (MBA ’22)
Vulvopedia is a mobile application that uses daily lifestyle information and vaginal changes to detect the lifestyle decisions contributing to vulvovaginal yeast and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Najjuwah Walden (SW ’23)
XChanger is a financial social media app where users can connect with other investors and follow their investment ventures while posting about their own. The app sports a “dating app” style interface where users can be matched with investments that fit their needs & actions while also buying into investing challenges with the investors obtaining the most returns winning money from the collective pot. Raj Thaker (EN ’24)
On October 20, 2021, the semifinalists will compete in a pitch competition for a chance to make it to the finals and win funding.
