Five innovative startups are set to compete for a share of a £100,000 prize fund in the final of Imperial College London’s prestigious entrepreneurial competition. The Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC) has named its finalists, who will present their groundbreaking ideas at the Science Museum on Thursday, 6 November.
The VCC, a flagship contest for Imperial students, alumni, and early career researchers, aims to propel emerging startups towards commercialization. Past participants have successfully launched thriving businesses, such as Notpla, a seaweed-packaging company that has partnered with Just Eat at major sporting events, and Breathe Battery, which collaborates with Volvo. FA Bio, another alumnus, has raised over £5 million in investment.
Spotlight on the Finalists
This year’s finalists are tackling critical issues across various sectors, including dental care, agriculture, heart disease, sexual health, and public safety. Each startup will pitch to a panel of experts and an audience of investors and industry stakeholders, vying for the Grand Prize of £20,000, with additional awards from the £100,000 prize fund for category winners and those pushing the boundaries of innovation.
AI & Robotics: Cardiovolt.ai
Sponsored by Terra, Cardiovolt.ai is addressing the challenge of late heart disease diagnosis. Co-founded by Cardiovascular Science PhD student Boroumand Zeidaabadi, the startup aims to revolutionize standard ECGs into an early-warning risk tool. Their AI platform is designed to detect hidden diseases and predict future conditions, potentially leading to more proactive interventions and improved decision-making.
Creative & Consumer: PHLYXR
PHLYXR, backed by Imperial, is co-founded by Clinical Medical Research PhD student Sophie Stephens and University of Leeds researcher James Warren. They are developing a non-hormonal lubricant to reduce STI transmission, addressing rising STI cases across Europe and issues like antibiotic resistance. The lubricant is pH-matched to the vaginal microbiome and may also serve as a contraceptive.
Digital & Finance: Reporti
Dojo sponsors Reporti, a platform founded by Global Innovation Design MSc graduate Gracie Broom. This browser-based tool allows live event attendees to report safety issues and share locations without needing mobile service or app downloads. The startup aims to enhance safety in public venues, addressing concerns about underreported violence and harassment.
Energy & Environment: Muju Earth
Muju Earth, sponsored by Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, tackles poor soil health—a problem exacerbated by climate change, heavy machinery, and chemical farming inputs. Co-founded by Innovation Design Engineering MSc graduates Lu Afolayan and Ocean Hu, their Aeropod product is a ‘nature-activated’ capsule that aerates and enriches soil, promoting sustainable farming practices.
Health & Wellbeing: Arcus Dental
Sponsored by Novartis, Arcus Dental addresses the global dental crisis, where one in five people in the UK and US struggle to access dental care. Co-founded by Design Engineering MEng graduates Rojeanne Stoffer and Thomas Kingan, their digital dental check-up device enables patients to monitor oral health at home, with remote dentist reviews aided by advanced algorithms.
Program and Sponsorship
The VCC program guides 25 teams through a rigorous three-month journey, featuring one-on-one coaching, expert consultations, workshops, and pitch training. This year’s competition is sponsored by Terra, Dojo, Novartis, and Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering innovation and societal impact.
Looking Ahead
The Grand Final promises to be a showcase of cutting-edge innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. As these startups prepare to present their visions, the event highlights the potential for academic research to address real-world challenges. The outcomes of the competition could shape future industry trends and inspire further collaboration between academia and industry.
The Grand Final will be held at the Science Museum on Thursday, 6 November. Interested parties can register to access a recording of the full event on Friday, 7 November, here.
