06-04-2025
Hundreds of UI students present new business ideas, innovative inventions
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Hundreds of U of I students are taking the next steps in their entrepreneurial careers, and it all started last Wednesday at 'Demo Day,' part of the Cozad New Venture Challenge.
200 teams presented a variety of inventions to judges. Some of the products ranged from medical devices, to new apps, robots and other technology, all aiming to solve problems for many.
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One team of Carle Illinois College of Medicine students wanted to help children who experience migraines since their research showed the same medicine that helps adults doesn't always work the same for kids.
'Our research found that there are about seven million children who are suffering from migraines across the U.S.,' Maharshi Pandya, a fourth-year medical student, explained.
He, alongside Dhruv Patel, created unique green light classes to make a change over time.
'It modulates neuropathways in a way that might create less pain,' Patel said.
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From medical devices to balloon arches. Harmony Pham, a master's student, wanted to make it easier for business owners and families to create their decor.
'I bought a balloon set from Amazon for my son's birthday, I felt it's not a good one,' she explained.
So, she took matters into her own hands and created AI software to generate ideas. Her work was on display at the Cozad event, but she didn't want to stop at just decorating local spots. She also wants to expand to another service and create DIY products; that way people can make arches using her balloons and follow along with a tutorial video.
But, if medical inventions or creative decor aren't your things, maybe a new app is.
'Our company is WeightLine. We created a device you can attach to gym equipment and that'll track the usage and occupancy of the gym,' Richie Novak, a freshman studying finance, said.
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He helped create the app with Charles Deng, a freshman in mechanical engineering. They hope the app helps gym owners and gym-goers alike. That way, they know what equipment is being used the most and when people work out more often.
Many of the presented inventions are still in their experimental phases. Once the judges go through Wednesday's presentations, a top winner will be announced on April 17. There are a variety of prizes for other participants as well, including thousands of dollars. You can find the full list at this link.
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