On Friday, April 26, 2019, eight participants competed in the first U-Innovate Pitchfest competition.  The judges noted that all the ideas presented had merit.

The winners are:

1st place: Jonathan Vigh and Caspar Ammann (RAL) for a Climate Risk Portal.

2nd place: Nihanth Cherukuru (CISL) for "What's Around" - Augmented Reality (AR) application to make indoor space accessible for people who are blind/visually impaired.

3rd place: Daniel Ziskin (ACOM) for "Breathe" - an app that predicts air quality where you live.

Look for the next U-Innovate Pitchfest in 2020.  Before then, keep an eye out for a series of specialized Lunch & Learns designed specifically for researchers to learn about the technology commercialization process, how to pitch your technology to a business person, and how to protect your intellectual property.

With thanks to the panel of judges:

• Steve Berens - CEO, Clear Comfort, UCAR Exchange Board Chair
• Heather Bulk - CEO, Special Aerospace Services, UCAR Exchange
• Stephan Reckie - CEO, Angelus Funding, UCAR Exchange
• Sally Hatcher - Director, Venture Partners at CU Commercialization Academy
• Jennifer Ramsey - Consultant, recently Director at NREL's Innovation and Entrepreneur Center
• AND, Meg McClellan and the entire U-Innovate Team for a great event.