The 2026 Alumni Pitch Competition brought together an exceptional group of University of Michigan alumni entrepreneurs. Designed to help alumni sharpen their elevator pitch, whether actively seeking investment or refining their storytelling, the competition provided participants with personalized coaching leading up to the event. Finalists then took the stage to pitch their ventures to a panel of esteemed judges, competing for cash prizes and gaining invaluable feedback.
If you are interested in joining the Alumni Pitch Competition next year, learn more here.
Each founder demonstrated not only a compelling business model but also the resilience and creativity that define the Michigan entrepreneurial spirit. More than 800 public votes helped determine this year’s finalists. Without further ado…
Meet the finalists
Citrimer
Citrimer develops sustainable chemicals and materials without the traditional green premium, delivering environmentally friendly solutions that are cost-competitive and scalable.
Founder: Anthony Berardi (PhD, 2024, Macromolecular Science and Engineering)
DealBlazer
DealBlazer is an AI-powered real estate transaction coordinator that streamlines deals from offer to close by automating workflows and improving compliance.
Founder: Kaylin Eighmey (BA, 2025)
Dialysis Innovations
Dialysis Innovations develops needle technologies to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of vascular access across dialysis and broader IV applications.
Founder: Karthik Ramani (MBA, 2024)
Homestream
Homestream is an AI-powered platform that helps users analyze and close on real estate investment properties with greater speed and confidence.
Founder: Andrew Weiss (BA, 2025)
MinaRosa Technologies, Inc.
MinaRosa Technologies is developing a wearable, non-invasive light therapy device designed to provide holistic relief for women experiencing bladder pain and inflammation.
Founder: Ana Timoficiuc (BSE, 2024, Aerospace Engineering)
Next Moca
Next Moca is an enterprise agent planner that enables organizations to define, manage, govern, and scale AI agents across their operations.
Founder: Swanand Rao (EMBA, 2020)
Tweel’s Wheels
Tweel’s Wheels creates beautifully designed, affordable adaptive play products for children with mobility challenges, beginning with an inclusive bike.
Founder: Lauren Tweel (MBA, 2024)
Wiillow Inc.
Wiillow is an AI copilot for K–12 counselors and teachers that turns student check-ins and educator notes into actionable counseling plans and real-time progress insights.
Founder: Ryosuke Takenaka (MBA, 2025)
Word2Talk
Word2Talk converts online text into natural-sounding audio in users’ preferred languages, handling extraction, translation, and playback across devices.
Founder: Niloufar Sedarati (MSI, 2025)
Meet the winners
Best Virtual Alumni Showcase ($1,000)
Tweel’s Wheels
Founder: Lauren Tweel, MBA 2024
Third Prize ($1,000)
Tweel’s Wheels
Founder: Lauren Tweel, MBA 2024
Second Prize ($2,000)
Citrimer
Founder: Anthony Berardi, PhD 2024
First Prize ($3,000)
MinaRosa Technologies, Inc.
Founder: Ana Timoficiuc, BSE 2024
Thanks to all of our event supporters, including esteemed judges and pitch coaches!