We are thrilled to announce that  VentureWell E-Team Grants were awarded to three NYU startups, Merciless Motors, HealthHuddle, and Sunthetics. The E-Team grant is part of a three-stage program, run by VentureWell, that provides up to $25,000 in grant funding, experiential workshops, coaching, and investment opportunities to college students launching new technology ventures that address social or environmental needs.

Merciless Motors and HealthHuddle both received a stage 1 grant of $5,000 and Sunthetics (who received a stage 1 grant last spring) received a stage 2 grant of $20,000. Learn more about the winning teams and how to apply for the next VentureWell program below.

Stage 1 Awardees:

• HealthHuddle: Working to eradicate hospital-acquired conditions by equipping clinicians with the tools they need to manage their patients’ data. Sabina Braverman (Wagner '18), Andrew Dempsey (Tandon '19), Danny Silk (Wagner '18) and Sushant Thomas (CAS '19)
• Merciless Motors: Creating a more efficient, powerful, and lightweight electric motor. Nader Ahmed (Tandon '19) & Anna Kotyza (Gallatin '18)

Stage 2 Awardee:

• Sunthetics: Provides a cost-effective chemical path to manufacture sustainable nylon. Myriam Sbeiti (Tandon '18), Daniela Blanco (Tandon '21), Professor Miguel Modestino (Tandon faculty), and Ben Rizkin (Tandon '21) and Kyle Ireland (Tandon '18)

Could VentureWell be the right program for you?

Are you working on a venture that could scale to address a social or environmental need? Next deadline for Stage 1 is February 6, 2019. Stage 1 provides $5,000 in grant funding, mentor support, and a cohort-workshop. Eligibility for a Stage 2 grant ($20,000) is contingent on receiving a Stage 1 grant first.

Four questions to ask before applying (from VentureWell.org):

1. Do you have a science or technology invention?
2. Could your invention scale to address a social or environmental need? Some examples of types of technologies funded include medical or healthcare-related devices, clean energy technologies, and technologies for low-resource settings.
3. Does your team include two or more students (grad or undergrad)?
4. Does your team have a faculty advisor?

If the answer to all of those questions is yes, then the E-Team Program could be perfect for you. Each application cycle, the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute can nominate up to 3 startups. If you are considering this grant, please review the application guidelines and reach out to Sarah Maibach (maibach@nyu.edu) ASAP to discuss next steps.