Five Startups Selected as Finalists for 2024 – 2025 Duquesne New Venture Challenge

Now in its sixth year, the DNVC has solidified its reputation as a catalyst for entrepreneurial success, providing emerging ventures with resources and recognition.
 
"The DNVC continues to reach new milestones, with the 2024-2025 cycle attracting a record-breaking 150+ entries. Not surprisingly, the 15 semi-finalists presented compelling and innovative business concepts, making the selection process for the final round particularly challenging," said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. "The School remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering and advancing early-stage entrepreneurial ventures. This year's five finalists exemplify the talent and ingenuity of emerging entrepreneurs, each developing difference-making ventures with significant potential for impact."
 
The finalist teams, listed alphabetically, along with brief company descriptions, are as follows. The teams that include Duquesne alumni and/or students are noted with an asterisk (*).  

• Clean Plate Innovations* – A machine-learning-enabled waste-stream solution that captures and aggregates data, cutting cafeteria food waste and saving money.
• EASI – A medical device used in microsurgery vessel repair that makes complex reconstruction a more accessible procedure. 
• PinPointDX – A medical lab device to collect, preprocess and test high-quality, standardized blood samples for improved point-of-care diagnostics.  
• Pittsburgh Coastal Energy* – Portable underwater charging solutions for unmanned underwater drones powered by ocean waves.   
• Reclamation Factory, Inc. – Plastics recycling micro-factories that directly produce high-quality, manufacture-ready source materials from hard-to-recycle plastic trash.  

All finalists will have access to the following resources as they complete their full business plans: 

• Bob's Launch Pad, a makerspace with prototyping equipment in Duquesne's Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
• 15 free hours of consultation with an assigned Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) mentor tailored to their specific business needs
• Free access to Palo Alto's LivePlan®, the world's leading business plan software designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

"Standing out among a record number of submissions is a remarkable achievement for these top teams," said Staci Offutt, director of the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. "The outstanding quality of their work demonstrates how a well-supported, competitive environment can drive innovation and fast-track business growth—exactly the kind of impact we aim for with the DNVC."
 
On April 12, 2025, DNVC finalists will present their business plans to a panel of distinguished judges, vying for cash prizes exceeding $40,000. Beyond financial support, the top three teams will receive additional benefits, including 10 hours of free legal education from Duquesne’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law and five hours of free consulting services from Duquesne's Small Business Development Center. The winner will be announced at a private awards reception in late April.  

About the DNVC

The DNVC is hosted annually by the Duquesne University Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. The three-stage business plan competition is open to companies nationwide that are less than four years old. It serves as a platform for early-stage startups to showcase their innovations, receive mentorship and compete for cash prizes and valuable resources.  

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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