On April 21, 11-early stage ventures stood before a panel of esteemed panelists – as well as a  live audience – to pitch their original business ideas. The Iovine and Young Academy’s first-annual IYA Venture Showcase gave student companies the opportunity to present their products, services, and technologies to industry leaders for funding and a lightning round of feedback. The event not only highlighted the cutting-edge concepts born at IYA, it demonstrated the unique intersectionality of technology, design, and business driven by purpose, community, and collaboration. 

The showcase was moderated by IYA entrepreneur-in-residence and faculty member Tina Sharkey. Industry panelists included Liz Heller, managing partner of memBrain LLC, Jason Mayden, CEO and founder of Trillicon Valley, and Sam Wick, partner and head of UTA Ventures, United Talent Agency. 

“To do purpose-driven incubation and innovation like what happens here at the Academy, I don’t think you can find anywhere else where that is happening,” Sharkey remarked.

IYA Venture Showcase is a dynamic example of the school’s unique intersectional focus on entrepreneurial projects on the rise. From IYA’s senior capstone course, Garage Experience, to the graduate program’s on-campus design sprints and residentials, IYA’s curriculum is infused with entrepreneurial touchpoints to give students multiple opportunities to develop original solutions to complex problems for real-world impact. The showcase captures the essence of IYA’s mission to nurture innovative thinkers through learning that extends from the classroom to the boardroom and beyond. 

“I’ve not seen anything like it. It’s about entrepreneurs and that brings a very different lens of perspective,” Heller said of the diverse collection of inventive concepts.

It was a full-circle moment for Harry Valner, an IYA alumnus and founder of venture capital firm Seaside Ventures. In addition to conceptualizing the event, Valner contributed time coaching student startups in preparation for the final presentation.  

“We have a really special set of students here at the Academy who have such great ideas, that if you’re able to get some capital in the hands of them, it really goes a long way,” Valner observed. 

From a blockchain browser to collapsible furniture to AI-driven at-home speech therapy, the businesses and products represent constructive solutions in the worlds of politics, health, gaming, retail and more. These innovations epitomize the creative courage and purpose-driven heart of IYA, and we applaud students for boldly sharing their hard-work and passion with a packed room buzzing with encouraging energy. 

"I want to express my sincere appreciation for the entire team hosting the showcase. Your insights and expertise were invaluable to our team at Degreely, especially in the #edtech space. Your feedback gave us actionable takeaways and helped us establish meaningful connections that will benefit our team moving forward,” Ricklyn Hukriede, participant and cofounder of Degreely, Inc,. stated. 

Congratulations to all the student companies inspired to take their innovations to new heights. 

The inaugural IYA Venture Showcase, hosted by USC Iovine and Young Academy, spotlights emerging ideas from the next generation of purpose-driven innovators and entrepreneurs at the Academy. Watch highlights with guest panelists, Liz Hellner, Jason Mayden, and Sam Wick.

IYA Venture Showcase 2023

Participating 2023 Companies and Descriptions

BuyBlvd
Buy Blvd is a digital shopping and discovery platform that empowers shoppers to support LA’s local apparel retailers.

Cast, Inc.
Cast uses public domain APIs and AI technology to bring local election information, dates, and polling locations to your fingertips.

Degreely, Inc.
Degreely provides academic software solutions enabling academic administrators to get back to what they love doing—enriching students’ lives.

dubdubdub
dubdubdub is building a blockchain browser (like Safari or Chrome for Ethereum). We make interacting with the upgraded internet (blockchains) as native and easy as interacting with websites today.

Generation Connect
Generation Connect bridges the digital divide with intergenerational programming and On-Demand Tech Support for seasoned adults by trained teens. 

LifeLOQ
LifeLOQ develops smart technologies that prevent industrial incidents to save lives, mitigate costly downtime and streamline compliance. 

LiveDice
LiveDice is a hands-free mobile app that incorporates machine learning to monitor dice rolls, track game progress, and evaluate player performance. 

Overflux   
Overflux platform that helps property owners discover sustainable upgrades and claim government incentives.          

Tension
Tension innovates in furniture assembly systems, aiming to eliminate the culture of fast furniture by designing collapsible furniture that makes it easy for our users to move.        

VocalR
VocalR is a at-home speech therapy software application that helps children correct speech impediments through exercises and games.    

Mundi
No-code augmented reality - so anyone can create, share, and monetize AR content.

The first-annual USC Iovine and Young Venture Showcase gave student companies the opportunity to The The first-annual USC Iovine and Young Venture Showcase gave student companies the opportunity to present their products, services, and technologies to industry leaders for funding and a lightning round of feedback.

Inaugural IYA Venture Showcase Connects Student Innovators With Industry Advisors