IEC launches Masters Innovation Challenge for student start-ups

the problem and developing a solution for it than it is about the product that they come up with.”

The Masters Innovation Challenge, organized by the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), is a project in which students are able to create innovations and start-ups they want to develop. According to IEC Director, John Chiodo, the focus is on identifying consequential problems and developing solutions for them, rather than solely on the product. “We look for students to uncover a consequential problem that needs solving. It's really [more] about

In the initial stage, 14 Upper School student teams submitted their proposals, and the results were announced in January, with fve teams as fnalists. The fnal pitch session took place on Thursday, Feb. 16, where a panel of judges, including school administrators and different entrepreneurs, evaluated the teams' presentations. “One of the people there was a venture capitalist. One of the other people there, I believe, is in Real Estate Investment and Development. Another one has owned a number of companies but currently owns a green energy company,” Chiodo said. During the fnalist pitch session, the students had to answer questions about their products, fnances, and long-term plans on the spot.

The winners of the competition were seniors Nataliia Kulieshove and Dayan Battulga, who created an app called Signisa that uses A.I. and machine-learning technology to teach people sign language. Sophomores Alice Fuller and Rebecca Troy came second with Nu Plastics, a biodegradable plastic, and third place was awarded to AJ Bagaria ‘25 and Bobby Callagy ‘24 for their alert system that prevents truck drivers from falling asleep at the wheel and causing accidents.