TechArb showcased some of the University of Michigan’s most ambitious student entrepreneurs during TechTrek last week.

Celebrating its 10th year, TechArb, the student venture accelerator at the University of Michigan, announced its 18th cohort of entrepreneurs to take part in the esteemed, semester-long training program.

The current cohort of TechArb includes five different ventures that were handpicked for the commitment and promise shown to their chosen cause.

During the course of the program the group will develop their products and work on refining their business models, as well as receive mentorship from veteran entrepreneurs and industry experts.

TechArb is a joint venture with the College of Engineering’s Center for Entrepreneurship and the Ross School of Business’s Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.

Meet the ventures:

BackPac

BackPac is a mobile app that makes volunteering convenient and efficient for both users and local community-based partners.

Members: Caio Brandao and Gaurav Dhir

 

Loan Sense

Loan Sense is a digital student loan advisor, offered as an innovative employee benefit.

Members: Catalina Kaiyoorawongs and Charlene Ni

 

 

NeoHealth

NeoHealth is developing a device called SpectroBlock, which attaches to a phone and detects counterfeit antimalarial medications.

Members: Sujai Arakali and Derrell Chapman

 

Perch

Perch is an online employment platform for researchers in academia and industry.

Members: Akira Nishii, Nolan Kataoka, Chenyang Lyu and Han Wang

 

 

Terry Lu Naturals

Terry Lu Naturals is a natural hair and skin care line designed to benefit both women and men, through all natural ingredients.

Member: Hunter Phelps

 

TechArb Student Venture Accelerator serves as the training round for University of Michigan students to become tomorrow’s leading entrepreneurs. Portfolio companies receive premier access to dedicated workspace, material support, tailored programming, expert mentors, and — perhaps most importantly — a community of like-minded, high-achieving peers. Sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Zell Lurie Institute, the University of Michigan Office of Research and Provost’s Office, the program connects participants to the resources and support of entrepreneurial partners across campus and beyond.