Thirty academic women innovators pitched their innovations to experienced entrepreneurs and investors at the Equalize 2024 Pitch Competition and Symposium on June 20, 2024. The event was not only a celebration of innovative ideas but also a platform for supporting entrepreneurial women.
Equalize Startups is a unique organization dedicated to equalizing the pathway for academic women who aim to commercialize their innovations. Established in 2020, the program has mentored more than 90 entrepreneurs, helping them launch companies and secure funding.
The June 20 event kicked off with a keynote address by digital transformation and AI leader Sarah Fay. She spoke about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in startups, tactics to help women and other underrepresented populations pursue their entrepreneurial goals, and organizations that help affect change.
Kirsten Leute (upper left), Chris Garabedian (lower left), Sandhya Kortagere (upper right), and Breanna Hetland (lower right).After the pitches and while the judges were tallying their votes, a panel reviewed program achievements. “Equalize Impact After 5 Years” featured Sandhya Kortagere, Professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, Chris Garabedian, CEO of Xontogeny, and critical care nurse and entrepreneur Breanna Hetland.
Pitch Competition Winners
Medical Technologies
Overall Winner: Leila Daneshmandi, University of Connecticut
People’s Choice: Charlie Childs, University of Michigan
Physical Science
Overall Winner: Nili Persits, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
People’s Choice (Team): Alyson Santoro, University of California Santa Barbara and
AND
Melissa Omand, University of Rhode Island
Digital Tools
Overall Winner: Beth Stormshak, University of Oregon
People’s Choice: Sarah Ostadabbas, Northeastern University
Therapeutics
Overall Winner: Julie Saba, University of California, San Francisco
People’s Choice (Tie): Ashima Shukla, Northwestern University
AND
People’s Choice (Tie): Rebecca Keate, Northwestern University
Congratulations to the winners, participants, mentors, and judges, on a successful event.
Join our Community!
We are already making plans for #Equalize2025. The call for participants (aka Equalizers) will go out in September. Check our website for details, follow us on LinkedIn, and join our mailing list for the latest news from our community.
- Support and Celebrate Women Innovators: Witness the passion and ingenuity of women academic innovators as they present their groundbreaking ideas.
- Discover Exciting Startup Opportunities: Learn about emerging startups that are poised to make a significant impact in their respective fields.
- Network with Peers: Connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional network.
- Learn from Experts: Gain insights from investors and entrepreneurial experts.
- Get Involved: Help these innovators take their next steps by volunteering to be a mentor or judge.
Join us to be part of a movement that supports and uplifts women innovators.