Two Waterloo Engineering students pitched their business ideas at the Velocity pitch competition finals and won $5,000 each.
Robert Chlumsky, a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Engineering, pitched Blackbird, a rapid web-based flood mapping solution. Jonah Leinwand, an undergraduate student studying biomedical engineering, pitched Pliantech, a new design for spinal implants.
Blackbird's innovative flood maps distinguish themselves by being real-time and two-dimensional, providing a significant advancement to existing models. This enhanced technology promises to optimize emergency responses during flood events. The startup is co-founded by engineering professors James Craig and Bryan Tolson and Chlumsky.
"Blackbird surpasses current technologies by efficiently calculating and producing understandable results at a speed suitable for large-scale applications,” Chlumsky explained. “It's capable of real-time predictions, providing valuable insights into flood events as they evolve hour to hour."
Chlumsky noted that Blackbird's technology, initially serving conservation authorities, government and industry, could eventually be accessible to the general public. This would provide consumers with a clearer understanding of flood risks when purchasing or evaluating properties. Before winning this competition, Blackbird secured funding from Up Start, a Velocity and WatCo initiative supporting student researchers, founders and recent alumni turning their research into commercial ventures.
Pliantech's spinal implants move more naturally and lower the chances of post-surgery complications, thanks to an innovative support mechanism.
“Pliantech specializes in a game-changing design for a cervical spine disc in the neck, aiming to restore mobility and reduce the likelihood of additional surgeries,” Leinwand said. “Our approach combines mechanical design with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, utilizing 3D printing and titanium flexors that mimic the natural flexibility of the neck.”
Another Up Start venture, Pliantech is in the early stages but is exploring patenting options and is committed to taking their product through the various stages of human trials as a Class III medical device. In regulatory terms, this class of device is considered to have the highest level of risk among medical devices which means they are preparing to meet very stringent regulatory controls.
Leinwand’s compelling pitch for Pliantech also garnered his team the people's choice award, adding an additional $500 to his prize money.
Go to Perfected pitches shine at Velocity Pitch Competition for the full story.