On Nov. 13, Entrepreneurship@DU hosted its first annual 4impact Challenge in the University of Denver’s Community Commons. Previously known as the Madden Challenge, the 4impact Challenge brings together students, alumni, friends and judges for an inspiring evening dedicated to student-driven innovation. Part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution course, a foundational class for business majors, the 4impact Challenge encourages students to develop business plans for the technologies of tomorrow. This month’s high-energy event showcased various creative solutions to tackling real-world problems, from sick and dying house plants, to innovative 3D-printed running shoes, and even sleek and sophisticated health monitoring devices for both humans and pets.
More than 75 undergraduate teams entered the fall quarter challenge. After a few hours of Zoom calls and two-minute pitch screenings, a panel of professors and judges chose 25 teams to present their startups in a science-fair-like session on the night of the 13th. Each team had the chance to pitch its innovation, outlining the problem it aimed to solve and identifying its target market. Throughout the second round, teams were evaluated by a diverse audience and a panel of judges that included successful entrepreneurs, investors and creatives. After initial voting, six standout teams advanced to the final round.
The crowd sat with a nervous and anticipatory buzz, waiting to see which six teams would take the stage to give their final five-minute pitches. Joshua Ross, the director of DU’s entrepreneurship program, stepped up to introduce the finalists and build up the already electric atmosphere. After warmly welcoming the audience and sharing words of encouragement, Ross announced the finalists.
Vitalsense: Tracking Health in Colorado’s Amateur Sports Leagues
Vitalsense addresses a common desire among older, affluent sports enthusiasts to monitor their health and fitness with a comfortable, affordable and discreet patch that tracks vital stats, sleep and overall health. Unlike competitors like the Apple Watch or Whoop, Vitalsense’s patch sits under the arm, offering real-time health insights without the bulk of a wearable device. Driven by personal experiences with heart disease, the team behind Vitalsense aimed to create a product that empowers Americans to live healthier lives, starting with a niche market of motivated adults in Colorado’s amateur sports leagues. The startup’s revenue model includes a one-time device purchase and a monthly subscription for ongoing app access, making it a sustainable health investment.
FitPrint: Personalized Smart Shoes for Athletes
The FitPrint team introduced a smart shoe, designed to prevent injuries through real-time feedback on biomechanics and force production. A survey at the University of Denver indicated that 40% of student-athletes lacked proper footwear, contributing to common injuries like shin splints and ankle sprains. FitPrint’s custom-fit shoes, available as running or weightlifting models, come embedded with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and are 3D printed for a perfect fit. At a price of $250-300, FitPrint’s target market includes NCAA athletes, with a marketing approach focused on social media and on-campus promotions. By providing real-time insights to reduce athletic injuries, FitPrint aims to enhance both the longevity and performance of athletes, positioning itself as a revolutionary tool in athletic injury prevention.
PetPulse: Enhancing Pet Health and Safety
PetPulse is a smart collar designed to provide comprehensive health and safety insights for pets. Inspired by the experience of a personal pet’s health crisis, PetPulse uses an optical heart rate sensor, motion detection, and GPS to monitor pets’ well-being and alert owners to abnormalities. Targeted toward tech-savvy pet owners aged 25-55, PetPulse integrates with smart home devices and provides personalized health recommendations, making it a significant player in the $136 billion pet products industry. Priced at $190 with a $9.99 monthly subscription, PetPulse differentiates itself from competitors by offering seamless smartphone integration and advanced AI-driven health insights.
Matche Bracelet: Fashion Meets Function in Women’s Health Tracking
The Matche bracelet is a fashionable health tracker, tailored to women who prefer a sleeker alternative to bulkier smartwatches. The Match bracelet focuses on women’s health, including menstrual cycle tracking and menopause monitoring, offering a discreet yet informative device for tech-savvy women aged 20-45. Unlike competitors like Apple and Fitbit, Matche’s uncluttered design allows it to blend seamlessly into any outfit. The product’s marketing strategy includes leveraging social media influencers and search engine marketing to reach a broad audience, emphasizing style alongside health functionality.
RootEd: Smart Plant Pots for Thriving Greenery
RootEd aims to address the plant care challenges faced by urban dwellers and plant enthusiasts. Their smart plant pot, equipped with sensors to track temperature, soil moisture, nutrients and UV light, helps users maintain healthy plants with ease. Connected to a dedicated app, the pot provides real-time care recommendations and uses machine learning to adjust care needs based on user behavior. Targeted at plant lovers aged 25-50, RootEd’s marketing approach includes social media channels like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. The Rooted team is confident in the product’s market potential, citing strong interest from prospective buyers.
MindScape: Virtual Reality Therapy for Mental Health
In an emotional presentation, the team behind MindScape discussed its virtual reality therapy product, designed to help veterans with PTSD by personalizing exposure therapy in a safe and controlled environment. MindScape’s technology, developed with insights from psychologist Dr. Amy Reichman Decker, integrates AI for individualized therapy sessions and includes real-time stress tracking through accessible, VR-driven experiences.
After finalists delivered their presentations, the judges took 15 minutes to deliberate and score each startup. When the clock struck 8:05 p.m., the entrepreneurship faculty returned with over-sized checks, made out to the with the first-, second- and third-place winners. Suddenly, flashing lights and a faint ringing filled the community commons—the fire alarm.
In a swift transition, everyone moved outside, where students gathered around the judges, under the Denver night sky, eager to hear the final results. Once the crowd settled, Ross announced the 2024 4impact Challenge winners, who took home cash prizes:
- Third Place ($400): FitPrint
- Second Place ($1,200): PetPulse
- First Place ($2,000): RootED
The 4impact Challenge is not just an opportunity for students to win quick cash for their inventive ideas, but a way to spark passion, interest, and a desire to improve the world. The E@DU team wants to thank every student team that submitted a two-minute pitch, braved the pitching process, and worked tirelessly throughout the fall quarter to share their ideas with the DU campus. They are all an inspiration to DU’s entrepreneurship program—and the best is yet to come!
