The new year kicked off with a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship at the January Fuel Finals, highlighting the creativity and societal impact of emerging student ventures. Fuel is a unique, non-competitive funding program that directly supports student-led startups, helping them bring their ideas to life. This month, Fuel took a fresh approach by going “on the road,” hosting presentations at the School of Information’s Engagement Center.
The event started with 21 diverse applications, each tackling real-world challenges with innovative solutions. After a rigorous review process, 13 applications met the completion criteria and were evaluated in depth by a panel of expert judges. The anticipation built as participants received invaluable feedback to refine their proposals and business strategies. Ultimately, four standout teams were selected to pitch their ventures in person on January 28, demonstrating the versatility and impact of student-led enterprises.
Alivio Medical: Revolutionizing Pressure Ulcer Treatment
Alivio Medical, incubated in MHeal, impressed judges with its groundbreaking healthcare solution designed to combat pressure ulcers. The team arrived at the Fuel Finals with a fully functional prototype and was awarded $5,000 to develop their next iteration, MVP 2.0. Their device integrates pressure alternation with nurse-assisted turning, reducing nursing workloads while providing an affordable and effective solution for hospitals worldwide. With positive feedback from healthcare professionals in Guatemala, the team plans to conduct further trials in both the U.S. and Guatemala to refine and validate their technology.
Calorie Dense Nutrition (CDN): Elevating the Nutrition Bar Industry
A returning Fuel participant, Calorie Dense Nutrition (CDN) is redefining the nutrition bar industry with its nutrient-dense bars made from real, recognizable ingredients. Their flagship product, the “Peanut Date Burst,” has already gained traction with athletes, including Brendan LaFrenier, who fueled his 100-mile charity run with their bars. With the $5,000 Fuel funding, CDN plans to maximize exposure at the Arnold Sports Festival, engage with potential customers, and expand distribution across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. They are also developing new flavors to meet diverse dietary needs.
Wisdom Connect: Bridging the Digital Divide for Seniors
Wisdom Connect is focused on empowering older adults through digital literacy and fraud prevention. Their platform aims to provide real-time call analysis to detect fraud, offering seniors and their families peace of mind. Although still in the ideation stage and not awarded funding, their compelling presentation showcased their potential to address an urgent societal need. The team plans to further develop and test their concept to enhance digital safety and accessibility for seniors.
RoboTrail: Simplifying AI-Enabled Robotics Development
RoboTrail is creating a user-friendly, cloud-based platform that simplifies complex technical processes through a drag-and-drop interface. Their goal is to consolidate industry-standard tools into a seamless experience accessible to educators, researchers, and startups. While not awarded funding this round, RoboTrail captured attention with its vision of democratizing access to robotics technology. The team is working toward building a proof-of-concept by integrating simulation frameworks like Gazebo and Isaac Sim, aiming to lower entry barriers for robotics development.
The January Fuel Finals showcased the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive of all participating teams. Each finalist brought forward a compelling vision, demonstrating their potential to address pressing challenges and create meaningful impact. We congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to following their progress.
Fuel, a testament to the University of Michigan’s commitment to fostering innovation, continues to provide the resources, mentorship, and funding that empower student entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. Through CFE’s support, these ventures are driving change, solving real-world problems, and shaping the future of entrepreneurship.