Robotics Startup Aquatonomy Wins 2023-2024 Duquesne New Venture Challenge

Aquatonomy’s autonomous solution for underwater inspections supports infrastructure safety and renewable energy efforts by automating hydropower dam inspections. Their technology aims to efficiently conduct underwater inspections while eliminating risks to divers, especially in dangerous water conditions with poor visibility. Aquatonomy's autonomous underwater vehicles collect data in complex submerged environments, generating high-resolution 3D models to help locate and expedite repairs to critical infrastructure.  
 
For finishing first in this annual, three-stage business plan competition, Aquatonomy receives $20,000, 10 hours of free legal education through Duquesne's Thomas R. Kline School of Law related to entrepreneurship, up to 15 hours of free consulting services from Duquesne's Small Business Development Center, and up to five hours of advisement with Palumbo-Donahue School of Business Entrepreneurship program leaders to discuss funding strategy and connect with regional funders.
 
Now in its fifth year, the DNVC offers cash and service prizes worth more than $100,000. Designed to support early-stage startups, the DNVC helps entrepreneurs refine their ideas and raise funding for new ventures. This year saw the largest pool of applicants, with more than 130 teams entering the competition.  
 
"We continue to be amazed by the exceptional entrepreneurs participating in the DNVC. With a record-setting number of applicants, five finalists emerged from our most competitive pool to demonstrate the power of their innovative ideas and their potential for global impact," said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. 
 
The following teams were finalists in the 2023-2024 Duquesne New Venture Challenge:
 
Second place, winning $10,000—Revitalize Energy creates energizing eyedrops that relieve the effects of screen fatigue using a patented formulation of stimulants and amino acids. Team members include Kyle Guinness, Tammy Szijarto and Duquesne student Jason Garland, who double majors in entrepreneurship and finance. 
 
Third place, winning $5,000—VELO.AI promotes situational awareness for cyclists using an audio and visual alert system. Team members include Clark Haynes, Alison Treaster and Duquesne MBA student Jani Pierre. 
 
Fourth place, winning $3,000—Flowcellutions optimizes the longevity and efficiency of flow batteries through diagnostic solutions. Team members include Becca Segal, Dr. Chris Wilmer and Duquesne student Lucas Mitchell, who is studying biomedical engineering and computer science. 
 
Fifth place, winning $3,000—dashcam.bike turns a smartphone into a high-quality bike camera to record rides and promote safety. Team members include Armin Samii and Duquesne alumna Erin Potts. 
 
First through third place teams win 10 hours of free legal education through Duquesne's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, up to 15 hours of free consulting services from Duquesne's Small Business Development Center, and up to five hours advisement with Palumbo-Donahue School of Business Entrepreneurship program leaders to discuss funding strategy and connect with regional funding sources including banks, economic development agencies, angel investors, angel investor groups and others.
 
“Getting to know these teams and their businesses throughout the competition is a privilege. Supporting their development and growth is a wonderful part of the DNVC,” said Staci Offutt, director of Duquesne’s Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. “I look forward to stewarding in the next group of innovators for the 2024-2025 DNVC.” 

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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