Program

Ellexco LLC

Ellexco LLC provides chemical-free lithium extraction technologies from various brine sources. It develops electro-driven processes to include pretreatment, extraction, refinement, and conversion to battery grade lithium products. Its systems could be implemented with salars, geothermal brine, oil/gas produced water, and battery recycling leachate. The integrated electrochemical process has won the U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Lithium Extraction Prize and GW New Venture Competition.

About the Participant(s)

Full Name: Lingchen Kong
Title: Co-founder and CEO
School: School of Engineering & Applied Science

Engineers Philanthropic Society

An after school STEM program created and ran by GW Students and Volunteers.

About the Participant(s)

Full Name: Nicolo Krueger
Title: President
School: School of Engineering & Applied Science
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Full Name: Aidan Shore
Title: Upcoming President
School: School of Engineering & Applied Science

GuideGuard

GuideGuard is a novel safety device designed to prevent a deadly, preventable complication during central line placement: guidewire retention. Occurring ~2,500 times annually with up to 20% mortality, this “never event” poses serious risks. GuideGuard’s patent-pending design prevents embolization, reduces cognitive load, and fits seamlessly into existing kits—enhancing safety without extra steps or equipment, while reducing risk for hospitals and improving clinical workflows.

About the Participant(s)

Full Name: Aditya Loganathan
Title: Chief Operating Officer
School: School of Business
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Full Name: Daniel Shpigel
Title: Chief Executive Officer
School: School of Business

GW Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (OIE) provides programming around innovation, education, venture creation, and making connections to support GW entrepreneurs and the Mid-Atlantic startup community.

About the Participant(s)

Full Name: Jessica Vodilka
Title: Associate Director, Education Programs
School: GW Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

NextBase

NextBase connects high school athletes with current college athletes for personalized mentorship, recruiting guidance, and real talk about college sports. We’re making the athletic journey more relatable—athletes helping athletes succeed.

About the Participant(s)

Full Name: Karol Mlynarczyk
Title: Co-Founder
School: School of Business
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Full Name: Graham Jefferies
Title: Co-Founder
School: School of Business

Oncovana

Each year, 2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer—nearly 500,000 are of reproductive age. Despite rising survival rates, treatment often compromises fertility. Oncovana offers an AI-assisted oncofertility platform that supports oncology teams, fertility clinics, and cancer centers. Our solution combines AI-powered care coordination, personalized digital education, and expert navigators to guide patients and providers through fertility preservation care.

About the Participant(s)

Full Name: John Russell
Title: CEO
School: Milken Institute School of Public Health

PurePrevent LLC

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) harm thousands annually and cost billions—yet many are preventable. Traditional tools like the Braden scale lack real-time data, and tech like mats or wearables often fail. Our solution: a wireless, mattress-attached motion sensor that tracks body shifts and alerts staff to prolonged immobility. Simple, low-cost, and effective, it gives immobility a clock, a voice, and a solution—empowering smarter, proactive HAPI prevention.

About the Participant(s)

Full Name: Sam Smith
Title: Founder
School: School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Seamless Transition

Seamless Transition has developed Endura Knee, a revolutionary high-mobility prosthetic designed to enhance natural movement, reduce secondary injuries, and improve accessibility. It adapts to various activities without manual adjustments, eliminating the need for multiple prosthetics. Our full-scale prototype proves its durability, biomechanical efficiency, and user-focused design—bridging the gap between affordability and functionality.

About the Participant(s)

Full Name: Sarah Malinowski
Title: CEO & Founder
School: School of Engineering & Applied Science