2025 Business Plan Competition Finalists

ACADS

Parnian Semsar ‘27 (Computer Science)

ACADS is an AI- driven software, helping students make informed decisions about choosing their college majors.

AILIMU

Joshua Mburu ‘27 (Computer Science)

AiLimu is an innovative AI-powered educational assistant designed to bridge the learning gap in Kenya’ s primary and secondary education system. With a shortage of teachers and overcrowded classrooms limiting individualized attention, AiLimu provides personalized, AI-driven tutoring to enhance student engagement and academic success. Tailored for both urban and rural settings, it delivers scalable, curriculum- aligned learning solutions to ensure equitableaccess to quality education.

BERRY MARKETING CO.

Quincy Anderson ‘27 (Entrepreneurship)

Berry Marketing Co. is a social media agency dedicated to empowering small businesses with affordable, high- impact digital marketing. Led by college entrepreneurs, Berry provides the most budget- friendly content packages, making it easier than ever for small businesses to thrive in the social media landscape.

GREENGEAR

Noah MacDonald ‘26 (Financial Management & Economics)

Natalie Larson ‘26 (Financial Management & Economics)

Green Gear is a sustainable outdoor brand committed to eliminating textile waste by creating high- performance winter jackets made entirely from upcycled, post-consumer clothing. Unlike traditional outerwear brands that still rely on new material extraction, Green Gear repurposes discarded garments to craft durable, functional, and fully circular products.

GREENTHREADS AFRICA

Nadia Owens ‘27 (Entrepreneurship & Marketing)

Green Threads Africa is committed to combating the negative effects of fast fashion waste in Africa by connecting talented Kenyan artisans who upcycle fashion waste into unique, high- quality products with eco- conscious consumers globally. Our mission is to promote sustainability, ethical production, and cultural heritage, while supporting African communities and encouraging impactful, conscious fashion choices.

BOUNDLESS DENTAL BUS

Elayna Chambers ‘26 (Law)

Boundless Dental Bus is a mobile dental clinic staffed with University of Minnesota dental students that aims to bring adequate healthcare to Minnesota prisons.

MENYASTEM

Mellissa Ingabire ‘25 (MSC Mechanical Engineering)

Menya STEM is an innovative initiative in Rwanda that delivers accessible, hands- on STEM education through custom- developed STEM kits, empowering students with practical skills in robotics, coding, and engineering. Building on a successful pilot program that reached hundreds of students and community members, the initiative leverages community partnerships and strategically placed learning hubs in schools, libraries, and community centers to bring high- quality STEM experiences to both urban and rural areas.

PERSONIFY

Michael Rota ‘26 (Data Science)

Personify enables college professors to harness AI in their teaching, by easily deploying human- vetted, AI- assisted take- home assignments designed to promote student learning and mitigate AI- assisted cheating.

SUPERFAKE

Maria Johnson ‘24 (Entrepreneurship)

At Superfake, responsible fashion isn’t a sacrifice— it’s an opportunity to craft pieces you feel good about. Our collaborative studio spaces (with long- term plans to franchise) transform fashion into hands-on experiences, allowing customers to create personalized, upcycled handbags with second-hand and excess materials.

THE PURPOSED CARE

Peace Olowkere ‘22 (Neuroscience)

The Purposed Care is an app that uses a personalized matching system, similar to modern dating apps, to connect families with healthcare providers and professionals throughout the preconception to postpartum period. The app also features unfiltered user reviews, offering transparency and helping families make informed decisions during some of the most critical times.

ENGAGED SENIOR SCHEDULING APP

Laura Saba ’26 (Healthcare MBA) Denise Borgland ’26 (Healthcare MBA)

Engaged App is a startup addressing the critical issue of senior loneliness through an innovative, user- friendly mobile application. Our solution combines social interaction, mental health support, and physical activity in a simple, accessible platform designed specifically for seniors. The app features an intuitive interface, allowing users to engage with a single button push, making it ideal for those with l limited technological experience.

GREENGEAR

Noah MacDonald ‘26 (Financial Management & Economics)

Natalie Larson ‘26 (Financial Management & Economics)

Green Gear is a sustainable outdoor brand committed to eliminating textile waste by creating high- performance winter jackets made entirely from upcycled, post- consumer clothing. Unlike traditional outerwear brands that still rely on new material extraction, Green Gear repurposes discarded garments to craft durable, functional, and fully circular products.

GROW WITH FLORA LLC

Justina Palmer ‘24 (Entrepreneurship & Real Estate)

Payton Maas ‘24 (Entrepreneurship & Finance)

Grow with Flora is a period and puberty education app designed for girls ages 8-14. It's gamified content is created to be engaging and age-appropriate to help girls feel confident about the changes they are currently or will soon be going through.

NEURALUME

Sophia Pung ‘27 (Computer Engineering)

Neura Lume is an innovative assistive technology company dedicated to empowering individuals with motor disabilities through wearable, non- invasive neurotechnology. Our system of small, lightweight Beacons leverages EMG (muscle signals) and EEG (brainwave activity) to provide hands- free communication, control, and accessibility for individuals with ALS, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other neuromuscular disorders.

ON CALL HERO

Tyler Revoliniski ‘26 (Biology)

On Call Hero provides a highly scalable, tech- driven healthcare staffing solution that revolutionizes how medical facilities handle workforce shortages.