Texas Tech University

Startups Win Investor Funding in Texas Tech's Own 'Shark Tank'

Glenys Young

February 11, 2020

Innovation Hub

Ten teams participated as finalists in the iLaunch Competition.

Three teams of startup entrepreneurs were awarded funding as winners of the Texas Tech University Innovation Hub at Research Park's 2020 iLaunch Competition.

The iLaunch finals, the Hub's own "Shark Tank"™-like experience, served as an opportunity for 10 startup teams to pitch to a real investor panel to win the top prize of $10,000. Designed to identify, grow and launch startup companies, the annual competition involves entrepreneurs from Texas Tech and the West Texas community.

The winners are:

First place: PCOS Innovations, LLC
An app based on proven research that helps women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by providing a nutrition guide, grocery list, recipes, body mass index tracker, motivational videos and resources for support.
Team lead: Dr. Jennifer Phy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC)
$10,000 awarded

Second place: Confocal TechMed
A diagnostic software utilizing machine learning with novel criteria to read and interpret imagery captured in real-time on the surface of the skin.
Team lead: Jasmin Rahesh, TTUHSC student
$3,000 awarded

Third place: Blossom Wear
A patented idea that addresses the need for menstrual-leak protection and concealed methods of carrying feminine-hygiene products.
Team lead: Tena Gonzales, community member
$1,000 awarded

The winners were announced Friday (Feb. 7) during the Innovation Hub's Entrepreneur Social.