2025 Innovation Challenge!
More than a pitch competitiondevelop innovative solutions
to real-world problems and gain essential skills for today's workplace.
The 17勛圖 Innovation Lab and Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy & Professional Development invite All 17勛圖 Students, including both Undergraduate and Graduate Students from Any School, Program or Major to register. This is your chance to bring your idea to life! All ideas are welcome!
This years competition introduces exciting new features:
- Were thrilled to collaborate with Arieli Capital, bringing new opportunities and support to this years competition.
- For the first time, teams will compete for both first and second-place cash prizes, doubling the prize pool from last year.
- Participants will have access to Spark Rockets, an AI-powered tool designed to refine ideas and provide customized market research.
- This year were offering an enhanced learning experience, featuring expert-led workshops, guidance from industry mentors, and dedicated facilitator supportall culminating in a high-profile networking night and pitch competition.
Bring your innovative idea and join a team! During this session, teams will be selected for the competition. Participants will also receive pitch deck instructions and a demo of the Spark Rockets AI tool.
Join the Challenge to win a Cash Prize, gain Hands-On Experience, network with Industry Experts, and connect with Investors.
Registration is required. Please check out the important dates and steps below.
Questions? For questions, you can contact Natasha Srulowitz at natasha.srulowitz@yu.edu
Key Dates:
- Register by February 7th: Submit your idea and secure your spot in the challenge!
- Orientation: Tuesday, February 11 | 7:008:00 p.m., Wilf Campus, Furst Hall, Room 501
Bring your idea and join a team! During this session, teams will be selected for the competition, and participants will receive pitch deck instructions and AI tool tutorial. FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED. - Virtual Workshops & Mentorship Sessions: Tuesdays | 7:008:00 p.m.
Participants will be guided step-by-step by experts to refine their concepts and pitches. Teams will also have the opportunity to follow up with mentors for personalized support. At least one team member is required to attend each session. Zoom invites will be sent after Orientation. - Pitch Night: Tuesday, March 25 | 7:009:00 p.m., Beren Campus, Yagoda Commons
The grand finale! All students, faculty, and mentors are invited to attend and cheer on their favorite teams as they present their final pitches. FOOD AND TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED!
Pitch Night Speakers
Evan Renov '04SB
Evan Renov is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Arieli Group and a Partner at Beechwood Ventures, a New York-based Single-Family Office. He sits on the boards of RDC Rafael Development Corporation, Elron Ventures, SN, Moonbow Ventures, Zoomd Ltd, and Flow Aid. Evans prior roles include Managing Director at Paramount BioCapital and VP of Business Development for Paramount BioSciences. Evan holds a B.S. in Finance from 17勛圖 and an MBA from Tel Aviv University and the JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Evan Renov '04SB
Evan Renov is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Arieli Group and a Partner at Beechwood Ventures, a New York-based Single-Family Office. He sits on the boards of RDC Rafael Development Corporation, Elron Ventures, SN, Moonbow Ventures, Zoomd Ltd, and Flow Aid. Evans prior roles include Managing Director at Paramount BioCapital and VP of Business Development for Paramount BioSciences. Evan holds a B.S. in Finance from 17勛圖 and an MBA from Tel Aviv University and the JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Judges Panel
Mark Adams
Mark Adams is a Partner at Two Bear Capital, specializing in life sciences, AI, and cybersecurity investments. He previously served as COO and CTO at Adaptive Biotechnologies and held C-suite roles in multiple biotech companies. Mark also led AI and data science teams in finance at Bridgewater Associates and Leerink Partners and headed a consulting practice at Booz Allen Hamilton. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine and a BA in Biology and Computer Science from Oberlin College.
Tracy Harmon Blumenfeld
With over 25 years leading RapidTrials, Tracey has driven innovation in clinical trials by optimizing operations, leveraging technology, and enhancing participant engagement. Under Traceys leadership, RapidTrials became one of Philadelphias 100 fastest-growing companies. She also serves on the boards of NAMSA, AAHRPP, and various non-profits while advising PE firms, pharma services, and digital health/AI ventures. Based in Manhattan, Tracey has also is a past guest speaker at the Katz School of Science and Health at 17勛圖.
Or Haviv
Or Haviv is a Partner at The Arieli Group and leads Arieli Innovate, working with banks, global industries, governments, and academia to commercialize scientific breakthroughs. He builds innovation centers and ecosystems across Israel, the US, Europe, and China in fields like agriculture, ocean tech, climate tech, biotech, travel, and AI. Before joining Arieli, Or co-founded the Eilat Hub, driving innovation in Israels southernmost city. A decorated IDF Commander, he holds a BA in Electronic Business Management from Dominican University of California and an MA in Conflict Management and Resolution from Ben Gurion University.
Avi Rosenbaum, Ph.D. '02YC '03R
Avi Rosenbaum advises venture capital firms and startups developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools, and SaaS solutions for the biotech industry. Previously, he spent 7 years at Ion Torrent Systems (acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific) where his R&D team developed over ten products. Avi has a Ph.D. in Genetics from George Church at Harvard University and is a proud YU alumnus.
Mark Adams
Mark Adams is a Partner at Two Bear Capital, specializing in life sciences, AI, and cybersecurity investments. He previously served as COO and CTO at Adaptive Biotechnologies and held C-suite roles in multiple biotech companies. Mark also led AI and data science teams in finance at Bridgewater Associates and Leerink Partners and headed a consulting practice at Booz Allen Hamilton. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine and a BA in Biology and Computer Science from Oberlin College.
Tracy Harmon Blumenfeld
With over 25 years leading RapidTrials, Tracey has driven innovation in clinical trials by optimizing operations, leveraging technology, and enhancing participant engagement. Under Traceys leadership, RapidTrials became one of Philadelphias 100 fastest-growing companies. She also serves on the boards of NAMSA, AAHRPP, and various non-profits while advising PE firms, pharma services, and digital health/AI ventures. Based in Manhattan, Tracey has also is a past guest speaker at the Katz School of Science and Health at 17勛圖.
Or Haviv
Or Haviv is a Partner at The Arieli Group and leads Arieli Innovate, working with banks, global industries, governments, and academia to commercialize scientific breakthroughs. He builds innovation centers and ecosystems across Israel, the US, Europe, and China in fields like agriculture, ocean tech, climate tech, biotech, travel, and AI. Before joining Arieli, Or co-founded the Eilat Hub, driving innovation in Israels southernmost city. A decorated IDF Commander, he holds a BA in Electronic Business Management from Dominican University of California and an MA in Conflict Management and Resolution from Ben Gurion University.
Avi Rosenbaum, Ph.D. '02YC '03R
Avi Rosenbaum advises venture capital firms and startups developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools, and SaaS solutions for the biotech industry. Previously, he spent 7 years at Ion Torrent Systems (acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific) where his R&D team developed over ten products. Avi has a Ph.D. in Genetics from George Church at Harvard University and is a proud YU alumnus.
Team Mentors
Liz Hamburg
Liz Hamburg is the CEO of Candoo Tech, providing digital literacy training to help older adults navigate technology, improve health outcomes, and reduce social isolation. She partners with healthcare providers and senior livin communities to meet CMS digital health literacy requirements. Her team delivers personalized training and resources to enhance digital inclusion and patient satisfaction. Liz also teaches digital engagement and healthcare innovation as an Adjunct Professor at the Katz School of Science and Health.
Dov Shamir
Founding Head of Elementa Labs & Assistant Director, Entrepreneurship - Mount Sinai Innovation Partners
Dov Shamir
Dov Shamir is the Founding Head and Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship at Elementa Labs, Mount Sinai Innovation Partners, where he leads incubator programs for healthcare and biotech startups to improve patient outcomes. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in translating scientific discoveries into innovative solutions and supporting startup growth. Dov holds a PhD in Neuroscience and Physiology from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and certificates in Advanced Valuation and Corporate Finance from NYU Stern. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Katz School of Science and Health.
Deepak Patil
Deepak Patil is the Founder of Roxi-AI, driving AI-powered healthcare solutions to enhance patient outcomes and efficiency. With over a decade of experience in medical strategy and data analytics, he has held leadership roles at Aktana, IBM, and IQVIA. A former primary care physician in India, Deepak also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Moravian University, teaching healthcare innovation and data-driven decision-making.
Shelly O'Donovan
CEO - Authentic Influence Group; Lecturer - Wharton (Philadelphia-based remote)
Shelly O'Donovan
Shelly ODonovan is the CEO and Founder of Authentic Influence Group, specializing in enhancing communication and body language skills for leaders and teams. With over 20 years of experience in public policy and advocacy, she is certified by the Science of People and the Paul Ekman Group and developed the Tactical Performance Strategy to boost leadership performance. Shelly also lectures on persuasive speaking and advanced persuasion at the Wharton School, partnering with leaders across pharma, healthcare, education, and
technology.
Lisa Buettner
Founder, President & Senior Consultant - Anchor Consulting; Executive Education Instructional Designer; Startup Coach
Lisa Buettner
Lisa Buettner is the Founder, President, and Senior Consultant of Anchor Consulting, LLC, specializing in Learning & Development, Talent Management, and Sales Enablement for Fortune 100 companies. With over 30 years of experience and multiple industry awards, she has worked with clients like AT&T, SAP, and IBM to drive leadership and performance.
Jonathan Taub '21K
Business Development - Biobina; Adjunct and Entrepreneur in Education (New York-based)
Jonathan Taub '21K
Jonathan Taub is a Business Development professional at Biobina, specializing in strategic growth, investor relations, and market analysis in biotechnology. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, operations, and education, he holds an MS in Biotechnology Management from 17勛圖 and an MBA from Fordham. A YU alumnus, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor, Jonathan is dedicated to advancing innovation and education in NYC.
Natasha Shtraizent, Ph.D.
Founder, Chief Executive Officer - FREZENT Biological Solutions; Adjunct Professor
Natasha Shtraizent, Ph.D.
Natasha Shtrizent is the Founder and CEO of Frezent Biological Solutions, leading innovative biotech research to tackle healthcare challenges. With over 20 years of experience, she has co-founded ventures like Nest Catalyst Ventures and Senex Therapeutics and held scientist roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene. Natasha also serves as an Adjunct Professor at 17勛圖, specializing in biotechnology and life sciences.
Burdin Hickok
Adjunct Assistant Professor - Finance, Leadership & Management in a Global Economy
Burdin Hickok
Burdin Hickok is an educator, macro strategist, and advisor with expertise in financial services, economic development, and B2B business development. He has led reconstruction efforts in Iraq, advised top investment banks, and specializes in trading, risk management, and global markets. An adjunct faculty member at NYU, he teaches finance, macroeconomics, and global management.
Donny Zanger '07SB
Donny Zanger is a serial entrepreneur and marketing expert who has built five successful bootstrapped companies, generating millions in revenue. Now leading BuildWrks, he drives operations in Dallas, NYC, and Chicago, delivering high-quality leads for contractors through a cost-effective model. Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, he focuses on creating customer-driven solutions that maximize value and success
Liz Hamburg
Liz Hamburg is the CEO of Candoo Tech, providing digital literacy training to help older adults navigate technology, improve health outcomes, and reduce social isolation. She partners with healthcare providers and senior livin communities to meet CMS digital health literacy requirements. Her team delivers personalized training and resources to enhance digital inclusion and patient satisfaction. Liz also teaches digital engagement and healthcare innovation as an Adjunct Professor at the Katz School of Science and Health.
Dov Shamir
Founding Head of Elementa Labs & Assistant Director, Entrepreneurship - Mount Sinai Innovation Partners
Dov Shamir
Dov Shamir is the Founding Head and Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship at Elementa Labs, Mount Sinai Innovation Partners, where he leads incubator programs for healthcare and biotech startups to improve patient outcomes. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in translating scientific discoveries into innovative solutions and supporting startup growth. Dov holds a PhD in Neuroscience and Physiology from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and certificates in Advanced Valuation and Corporate Finance from NYU Stern. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Katz School of Science and Health.
Deepak Patil
Deepak Patil is the Founder of Roxi-AI, driving AI-powered healthcare solutions to enhance patient outcomes and efficiency. With over a decade of experience in medical strategy and data analytics, he has held leadership roles at Aktana, IBM, and IQVIA. A former primary care physician in India, Deepak also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Moravian University, teaching healthcare innovation and data-driven decision-making.
Shelly O'Donovan
CEO - Authentic Influence Group; Lecturer - Wharton (Philadelphia-based remote)
Shelly O'Donovan
Shelly ODonovan is the CEO and Founder of Authentic Influence Group, specializing in enhancing communication and body language skills for leaders and teams. With over 20 years of experience in public policy and advocacy, she is certified by the Science of People and the Paul Ekman Group and developed the Tactical Performance Strategy to boost leadership performance. Shelly also lectures on persuasive speaking and advanced persuasion at the Wharton School, partnering with leaders across pharma, healthcare, education, and
technology.
Lisa Buettner
Founder, President & Senior Consultant - Anchor Consulting; Executive Education Instructional Designer; Startup Coach
Lisa Buettner
Lisa Buettner is the Founder, President, and Senior Consultant of Anchor Consulting, LLC, specializing in Learning & Development, Talent Management, and Sales Enablement for Fortune 100 companies. With over 30 years of experience and multiple industry awards, she has worked with clients like AT&T, SAP, and IBM to drive leadership and performance.
Jonathan Taub '21K
Business Development - Biobina; Adjunct and Entrepreneur in Education (New York-based)
Jonathan Taub '21K
Jonathan Taub is a Business Development professional at Biobina, specializing in strategic growth, investor relations, and market analysis in biotechnology. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, operations, and education, he holds an MS in Biotechnology Management from 17勛圖 and an MBA from Fordham. A YU alumnus, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor, Jonathan is dedicated to advancing innovation and education in NYC.
Natasha Shtraizent, Ph.D.
Founder, Chief Executive Officer - FREZENT Biological Solutions; Adjunct Professor
Natasha Shtraizent, Ph.D.
Natasha Shtrizent is the Founder and CEO of Frezent Biological Solutions, leading innovative biotech research to tackle healthcare challenges. With over 20 years of experience, she has co-founded ventures like Nest Catalyst Ventures and Senex Therapeutics and held scientist roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene. Natasha also serves as an Adjunct Professor at 17勛圖, specializing in biotechnology and life sciences.
Burdin Hickok
Adjunct Assistant Professor - Finance, Leadership & Management in a Global Economy
Burdin Hickok
Burdin Hickok is an educator, macro strategist, and advisor with expertise in financial services, economic development, and B2B business development. He has led reconstruction efforts in Iraq, advised top investment banks, and specializes in trading, risk management, and global markets. An adjunct faculty member at NYU, he teaches finance, macroeconomics, and global management.
Donny Zanger '07SB
Donny Zanger is a serial entrepreneur and marketing expert who has built five successful bootstrapped companies, generating millions in revenue. Now leading BuildWrks, he drives operations in Dallas, NYC, and Chicago, delivering high-quality leads for contractors through a cost-effective model. Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, he focuses on creating customer-driven solutions that maximize value and success
Frequently Asked Questions
The YU Innovation Challenge is a campus-wide pitch competition designed to guide students through an entrepreneurial journey. Youll learn to turn your ideas into real-world ventures with support from industry experts, structured workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Whether you have a fully-formed idea or just a spark of inspiration, this program will equip you to innovate, collaborate with peers across different majors, and compete.
This competition is open to All 17勛圖 students regardless of major, program, school or academic level. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required. Bring your innovative ideas or skills to contribute to interdisciplinary teams.
A 6-week program that combines virtual workshops, guest speakers, mentorship, and team-based collaboration. You will gain hands-on experience in developing a business model and pitching your idea to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, who will provide valuable feedback. This is a learning opportunity designed to help you refine your ideas in the future, if you choose to, and build your skills with expert insights.
Orientation: February 11, 78 PM, Wilf Campus Furst Hall Room 501. Food will be served.
- Overview of the program, team formation, and an introduction to Spark Rockets, the AI tool for idea vetting and market validation.
- Please register your idea using the Registration button and also bring it to the Orientation.
Workshops: Tuesdays, 78 PM (Virtual: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18).
Workshop 1 (February 18): Design Thinking: An Innovative Approach to Understanding the Problem and Beginning to Find Solutions
Learn how to identify the problem from the user perspective and how to brainstorm solutions. Learn about the design thinking method.
Workshop 2 (February 25): Developing Your Business Case (Business Model Canvas) and Analyzing the Market
In this session you'll use the popular Business Model Canvas to start fleshing out your plan. You'll also learn how to research and present the 1) problem/opportunity; 2) size of your market and key trends; 3) competitors, substitutes, threat of new entrants; 4) value proposition for customers.
Workshop 3 (March 4): Customer Research
In this session we examine the often-missed opportunity to do high quality customer research, early in product development, to confirm need, design, market opportunity and importantly, prove that someone is willing to pay for or invest time in our innovation. Your research may take several different forms: surveys, small groups and one-to-one interviews.
Workshop 4 (March 11): Lean Entrepreneurship Assumptions: Developing Your MVP
The best way to find out if you have a solution that a customer wants to pay for is by translating your promising concept from an idea into a rudimentary design and then working form and getting customer feedback. In this session we explore how to prepare the MVP brief by defining what needs to be learned and from whom. In this session we look at how we get the MVP into customers hands.
Workshop 5 (March 18): Developing Your Investor Pitch
Whether youre pitching angel investors, VCs, Private Equity, strategic partners or business development at your company, there is a way to prepare any pitch for success. In this session, we examine pitch dos and donts, analyze great examples of pitches that went on to become funded projects and epic pitch failures.
Virtual Bonus Session: Financial Forecast
Between weeks 3 and 4, you'll have an opportunity to watch a video of a financial expert guest lecturer walk you through how to create your financial model. Learn about the different types of capital and how to access them. Review the draft budget you create during this session with your mentor.
Logistics Note: Once the teams are selected, we will send an invitation with Zoom details for all the sessions. While at least one team member is required to attend, we strongly recommend that all team members take advantage of this opportunity to gain these valuable insights and skills designed to enhance both personal and professional development
Practice Pitch: Week of 3/18 (exact date TBD)
- Opportunity to receive feedback on your presentation.
Pitch Competition: March 25, 7-9 PM, Beren Campus, Yagoda Commons. Food and Transportation will be provided.
Participants should allocate approximately 2 hours per week, including workshops and team meetings. At least one team member must attend the weekly workshops (recordings will be available). Teams will be assigned mentors and will work with them independently weekly, scheduled at mutually convenient times. Teams can divide the workload among members to meet deadlines and milestones effectively.
- Win Prize Money for the best pitches.
- Build practical skills in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
- Receive mentorship from industry leaders and venture professionals.
- Use a cutting edge AI tool to refine and develop your ideas.
- Network with peers, experts, and potential investors.
- Showcase your experience on your resume or in interviews.
Not at all! You can join with a rough idea or simply your skills and enthusiasm to contribute to a team.
Participants will use an advanced AI tool to:
- Analyze and enhance ideas.
- Identify innovative solutions.
- Validate concepts and strengthen pitches.
Additionally, teams are encouraged to incorporate emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, or others to align with current industry trends.
Yes, the program is competitive, and not all ideas or teams will advance to the pitching stage. However, even if your team isnt selected as a competitor, you can still:
- Continue learning valuable content by participating in the workshops.
- Join a selected team to contribute your skills and be part of the journey.
We encourage everyone to attend the final pitch event to observe and network.
Submit your idea using the provided form:
- .
- Attend the Orientation to get started. Bring your idea from the Registration Form to the Orientation.
The Innovation Challenge is a collaboration between Sy Syms, The YU Innovation Lab, and The Shevet Glaubach Center
For questions you can contact Natasha Srulowitz at natasha.srulowitz@yu.edu
Ready to start your journey?
Orientation
Orientation will be held on Tuesday, February 11 7-8pm at Furst Hall Room 501 on the Wilf Campus (500 W 185 St, New York, NY 10033)
Pitch Night
Pitch Night will be held on Tuesday, March 25 from 7-9pm at Yagoda Commons at Beren Campus (215 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016).
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE WILF CAMPUS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PITCH NIGHT.
You can get to either event using the university shuttle system. Learn more here.
