AI Venture Velocity Challenge
Accelerating Evidence-Based Venture Progress with AIBuilding a Better Future Through Business and AI
The AI Venture Velocity Challenge rewards disciplined experimentation, rapid learning, and intelligent use of AI to accelerate venture progress. While teams present at multiple stages, advancement decisions are grounded in documented experimentation and measurable progress, not presentation polish alone. Stay tuned for more information about the 2026 competition.
Special thanks to Deloitte and the Deloitte Foundation for their generous support of our AI Venture Velocity Challenge at Mays.
Event Details
Sept. 24-25, 2026
Watch as 12 talented student teams from universities across the country present business plans that leverage AI to address real-world challenges in a competition for a $100,000 grand prize. Then, network with industry leaders and executives seeking to connect with tomorrow’s AI talent and breakthrough solutions.
Request InformationItinerary
More event details coming soon.
Location
Wayne Roberts ’85 Building, Texas A&M University
256 Olsen Blvd., College Station, TX 77843
Parking
Paid parking is available in Lot 72
2025 Judges
- Andres CabadaManaging Director, Halliburton Labs
- Mitra MillerVP/President-Elect, Houston Angel Network
- Wade MyersFounder, Eagle Venture Lab
- Andrew NelsonCEO, Lisam America
- Zach O’NealHead of Marketing, Flawless AI
- Shigeki UchihashiVP of Strategic Change Management, JERA Americas
2025 Pitch Competition Winners
Soma Tech | 1st place
Texas A&M University
Led by Ananya Das and Kshiti Kangovi
A solution that combines AI-driven analytics with smart irrigation technology to deliver essential support for successful crop production.
Import Intel | 2nd place
Texas A&M University
Led by Tejas Kalpathi, Arjun Madana, and Ian Schandlbauer
A tariff and import dashboard to help optimize supply chain decisions.
GlaminAI | 3rd place
George Washington University
Led by Ariana Rehman
Designed to bridge the beauty education gap for Gen Z makeup beginners.
Flight Guard AI | 4th place
University of Houston
Led by Len Johns Shaji, Justin Nguyen, and Ray Torres
A real-time AI cockpit voice and data analyzer for use in aviation.
Hey Eva | 5th place
Texas A&M University
Led by Shubh Bhakta and Niraj Yawalkar
An AI-powered digital assistant that provides step-by-step guidance to help less tech-savvy individuals confidently navigate technology.
6th-12th place
InfoSavvy
Southern Methodist University
Led by Yaw Boateng, Yash Shah, Ameen Zia, and Inzwi Zunga
An AI-driven chatbot that provides university administrators with valuable data analytics, offering insights into common student concerns, advising bottlenecks, and engagement trends.
MediCall
University of Maryland
Led by Vitthal Agarwal, Rohan Chintakindi, Diyan Chokshi, and Arjun Iyer
An AI-powered platform that streamlines hospital operations and patient care through voice-enabled triage, intelligent appointment booking, and unified data dashboards for patients, doctors, and administrators.
Novation
Texas A&M University
Led by Pranav Krishnan and Aditya Gollamudi
AI trademark analyst for non-lawyers.
Recrura
University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Led by Bella Biever, John Mertz, Sadiq Wanyaka, and Chad Tjugum
An AI-driven jobs matching platform that helps to connect qualified applicants with businesses looking to hire top talent.
Repped Sports
University of Texas at Austin
Led by Colin Doles and Rio Pittman
AI-powered NIL (name, image, and likeness) marketplace that empowers high school and college athletes to monetize their skills through personalized services such as private coaching, training sessions, appearances, and mentorship.
Secure Watch
University of Maryland
Led by Viraj Boreda, Hugh Cohen, Felix Ogordi, and Kedaar Vyas
An integrated AI-powered firearm detection system paired with emergency applications and a wearable alert button designed for real-time emergency response and compliance with Alyssa’s Law.
Trace
Texas A&M University
Led by Areeb Ashraf, Pearl Kapoor, and Houston Parker
Checks for originality score on student homework assignments.
Make Your Next Big Move
As AI continues to unlock new possibilities and solutions, Mays is committed to preparing students, alumni, and industry professionals with the skills they need to succeed in an AI-powered world.