Five groundbreaking startups are set to compete for a share of a £100,000 prize fund in the final of Imperial College London’s prestigious Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC). The event, scheduled for Thursday, 6 November, at the Science Museum, will see these innovative teams pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts and an audience of investors and industry stakeholders.
The Venture Catalyst Challenge is a renowned competition designed to support Imperial students, alumni, and early career researchers in transforming their entrepreneurial ideas into viable commercial ventures. Previous participants have successfully launched businesses such as Notpla, which collaborates with Just Eat, Breathe Battery, a partner of Volvo, and FA Bio, which has secured over £5 million in investment.
The Finalists: A Diverse Range of Solutions
This year’s finalists are tackling critical issues across various sectors, including dental care, agriculture, heart disease, sexual health, and public safety. The startups have been categorized into five distinct groups, each sponsored by a leading organization.
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 transform standard ECGs into early-warning tools using an AI platform. This innovation seeks to improve early detection, reduce hospitalizations, and prevent avoidable deaths.
Creative & Consumer: PHLYXR
Sponsored by Imperial, PHLYXR is developing a non-hormonal lubricant designed to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Co-founded by Clinical Medical Research PhD student Sophie Stephens and University of Leeds researcher James Warren, the product is pH-matched to the vaginal microbiome and also functions as a contraceptive. The startup addresses rising STI cases in Europe, antibiotic resistance, and low HPV vaccination rates.
Digital & Finance: Reporti
Sponsored by Dojo, Reporti is a browser-based platform for live events, founded by Global Innovation Design MSc graduate Gracie Broom. The platform allows attendees to report safety issues and share locations without needing mobile service or app downloads. Reporti aims to enhance safety in public spaces by addressing underreported violence and harassment.
Energy & Environment: Muju Earth
Sponsored by Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, Muju Earth is tackling poor soil health, a problem exacerbated by climate change and industrial farming practices. Co-founded by Innovation Design Engineering MSc graduates Lu Afolayan and Ocean Hu, their product, Aeropod, is a nature-activated capsule that aerates and enriches soil, promoting sustainable farming.
Health & Wellbeing: Arcus Dental
Sponsored by Novartis, Arcus Dental, co-founded by Design Engineering MEng graduates Rojeanne Stoffer and Thomas Kingan, addresses the global dental crisis. Their digital dental check-up device allows users to capture images of their mouth at home, which dentists can review remotely, enhancing access to dental care.
Supporting Innovation and Societal Impact
The Venture Catalyst Challenge provides a robust three-month program that includes one-on-one coaching, expert meetings, workshops, and pitch training for 25 teams. The competition culminates in a Grand Prize of £20,000, with additional awards for category winners and teams demonstrating exceptional innovation and societal impact.
This year’s competition is backed by sponsors including Terra, Dojo, Novartis, and Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, highlighting the importance of industry support in fostering entrepreneurial talent.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the VCC
The announcement of the finalists underscores the ongoing commitment of Imperial College London to nurture innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges. As the competition draws to a close, the spotlight is on these startups to make a significant impact in their respective fields.
The Grand Final will be accessible online, with a recording available for those unable to attend in person. Interested parties can register for the event streaming on Friday, 7 November, here.
As the finalists prepare to present their groundbreaking ideas, the Venture Catalyst Challenge continues to be a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship, inspiring the next generation of leaders to push the boundaries of what is possible.
