The Michigan Business Challenge (MBC), hosted at the University of Michigan, once again showcased the incredible momentum of student entrepreneurship. This year, 12 finalist teams were selected from an original pool of 96 ventures. In total, $200,000 in funding was awarded to student founders building solutions across healthcare, education, climate, agriculture, and the future of work.
The Michigan Business Challenge continues to be a defining moment for student entrepreneurs at the University of Michigan. More than just a competition, MBC provides founders with funding, mentorship, and visibility that help accelerate their ventures. The future of entrepreneurship is being built right here. If you are interested in joining MBC next year, learn more here.
Below are the finalists, ordered by total prize winnings.
Astrai | $5,000
MBC Finalist ($5,000)
Founder: Sanjith Sambath (BSE ’29)
Astrai is an AI-powered platform that helps high school students discover scholarships, internships, and enrichment opportunities aligned with their interests and qualifications.
Jeremiah Commons | $5,000
MBC Finalist ($5,000)
Founder: Tony Mayotte (JD ’26)
Jeremiah Commons is creating a conservation cemetery and land commons in southern Michigan, preserving land while providing sustainable and affordable burial options.
Krik Krak | $5,000
MBC Finalist ($5,000)
Founders: Jaenelle Lauture (MBA ’26), Anino Oritsejafor (MBA ’26)
Krik Krak is an interactive literacy platform that supports families with guided reading tools, AI coaching, and culturally relevant stories grounded in the science of reading.
Pulse Pantry | $5,000
MBC Finalist ($5,000)
Founder: Molly Lyons (MBA ’26)
Pulse Pantry produces clean-label, plant-based creamy sauces with high protein content, helping consumers make nutritious meals quickly and conveniently.
AeroHive | $10,000
MBC Finalist ($5,000)
Multidisciplinary Team Award ($5,000)
Founders: Samuel Hartt (MM ’26), Jina Patel (AE ’26), Oscar de Castro (BS ’26)
AeroHive uses drones and edge AI to provide cherry growers with real-time disease detection, enabling targeted fungicide use, reducing waste, and improving crop yields.
Puffin Air Purifiers | $15,000
Second Place, Invention Track ($15,000)
Founders: Rachel Silcox (MSE ’23, PhD ‘26), Rebecca Lentz (MSE ’21, PhD ‘26)
Puffin Air is developing advanced air purification technology capable of capturing gaseous pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, helping improve air quality, cognitive performance, and overall well-being.
Advanced Membrane Catalysts | $15,000
MBC Finalist ($5,000)
Williamson Award ($5,000)
MIC Award ($5,000)
Founders: Shawn Lu (PhD ’26), Jeanne Zhang (PhD ’28), Matthew Walsh (MBA/MS ’26)
Advanced Membrane Catalysts is developing new chemical processes that convert underutilized shale gas into valuable inputs for pharmaceuticals, polymers, and specialty chemicals—unlocking efficiency and sustainability in chemical manufacturing.
Utzilcare | $15,000
Second Place, Impact Track ($15,000)
Founder: Marcela Billingslea (BGS ’26)
Utzilcare is a bilingual, cloud-based electronic health record platform designed for Latin American clinics. The system improves data access, care coordination, and empowers patients to better understand their own health information.
BasisEdge | $20,000
Second Place, Innovation Track ($15,000)
Sillman Undergraduate Award ($5,000)
Founder: William Furge (BS ’26)
BasisEdge is a digital grain marketing platform that transforms fragmented pricing, basis, and freight data into actionable economic insights, helping producers and agricultural businesses make smarter trading decisions.
Admit | $30,000
First Place, Seigle Impact Track ($25,000)
OneMagnify Quick Pitch Winner ($5,000)
Founder: Zane Kashlan (MD ’29)
Admit is an all-in-one higher education admissions platform trusted by over one million students. By simplifying and streamlining the admissions journey, Admit helps students discover opportunities and navigate complex application processes.
BiliRoo | $37,500
First Place, Invention Track ($25,000)
MBC Showcase Award ($5,000)
Multidisciplinary Team Award ($5,000)
OneMagnify Quick Pitch Runner-Up ($2,500)
Founder: Daniel John (MD ’29)
BiliRoo is a non-electric, easy-to-use medical device designed to treat neonatal jaundice using sunlight. Costing just a fraction of traditional machines, the device expands access to life-saving treatment while enabling kangaroo care, allowing parents to remain physically connected with their newborns during treatment.
FastFlo | $37,500
First Place, Innovation Track ($25,000)
MBC Showcase Award ($5,000)
Multidisciplinary Team Award ($5,000)
OneMagnify Quick Pitch Runner-Up ($2,500)
Founder: Zannah Baker (BS ’26)
FastFlo is transforming hiring for deskless and frontline workers by moving the entire hiring process into messaging apps. The platform enables employers to connect with talent faster while making job access easier for millions of workers often overlooked by traditional hiring systems.