The Fuel accelerator, a Pava Center program designed for student ventures working on their minimum viable products, launched its Spring 2025 cohort in February. Over 70 ventures applied and 12 were accepted. All teams who complete Fuel will earn a $5,000 grant. The program is virtual and culminates with an in-person Demo Day, with $20,000 in additional prize money.
“This is the largest cohort in Pava Center history because of the continued generosity of our alumni, the Singhal Family. From undergraduates to PhD students, we have ventures representing five of the ten schools and a diverse range of industries,” said Paul Davidson, Associate Director of the Pava Center. The two teams added this year are focused on software due to the combined efforts of the Singhal Family Software Entrepreneurship Award and the Computer Science department.
Anika Mistry, Whiting School of Engineering, completed the Fall 2024 Spark program with DevMinds, an AI-driven neurodiversity therapy support platform. She aims to continue the momentum in Fuel this semester.
“I am ready to take the next step with DevMinds and focus on its go-to-market strategy,” Mistry said. “Fuel offers the ideal supportive community and the monetary funding can accelerate product development, scale operations, and enhance market reach.”
Daniel Kuether, Carey Business School, of Electd, a digital campaign management platform, is looking forward to the program.
“Being accepted into Fuel is a big step forward for Electd,” said Kuether. “Engaging with a diverse network of mentors, investors, and leaders will provide invaluable perspectives that can help us strengthen Electd’s platform and expand its reach.”
Teams meet weekly with strategic advisors, who will offer guidance on pitches, business direction, and more.
Davidson has high hopes for the cohort. “Each of these teams is addressing significant challenges, and it is rewarding to guide them along their pathways, especially in these uncertain times,” he said. “This group of students represents future leaders in technology, healthcare, and more.”
Save the date for this semester’s demo day on Tuesday, April 22nd, and check out past demo day pitches here.
Full Spring 2025 Fuel Cohort:
- Alectra (Krieger School of Arts & Sciences): An AI-driven platform to help electricity companies optimize their trade strategies for stand-alone storage and generator-storage hybrid resources in electricity markets
- B9 Stimulus Technologies (Whiting School of Engineering): A startup developing the first non-harmful sensory stimulation device for use in determining ICU patient consciousness
- CortiSense (Whiting School of Engineering): A venture developing a microneedle-based wearable device that enables continuous, real-time tracking of the stress hormone cortisol
- Devminds (Carey Business School, Whiting School of Engineering): An AI-driven platform for neurodiversity therapeutic support providing personalized, accessible learning experiences
- Electd (Carey Business School): A digital campaign manager empowering progressive campaigns with actionable data and strategy
- Heisler Semiconductor (Whiting School of Engineering): A startup developing advanced semiconductor packaging and design for manufacturing
- Kaaraange Kids (Bloomberg School of Public Health): A child safety and wellbeing solution that combines smart wearable technology with a mobile application to allow parents to monitor their children’s location and well-being
- Modelus (Carey Business School, Whiting School of Engineering): An AI platform that accelerates lead optimization in pharmaceutical development by predicting how molecular modifications affect drug properties
- Pebl Health (Whiting School of Engineering, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences): A venture pioneering a pocket-sized device that measures pinch strength as an indicator of dexterity and overall health
- Salary Tea (Carey Business School): A startup empowering individuals and small businesses by simplifying financial management through user-friendly tools
- SinuStim (Whiting School of Engineering): An oral appliance that non-invasively regulates nasal nerves to provide nasal congestion relief
- Vive (Whiting School of Engineering): A startup developing a non-electronic, inexpensive, and disposable wearable for the prevention of opioid overdose