Computer Science Represented at Inno U Challenge

Two College of Science students have been chosen to pitch their startups at the Inno U Challenge on Thursday, October 13 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Google Chicago. The event is a pitch competition and showcase for student entrepreneurs from a variety of Chicago universities.

Dev Bharel (CS 3rd year) and Vinesh Kannan (CS 2nd year), along with the co-creators of their startups, will be pitching Distributed ID (DIID) and Omnipointment, respectively. DIID aims to make identity verification easier by enhancing security, reliability, and user satisfaction, and reducing fraud. Omnipointment is a product that simplifies the task of scheduling large group meetings and appointments by allowing members to import their digital calendars, share meetings digitally, and prioritize teammates when deciding on a time.

Bharel’s and Kannan’s teams are among nearly 15 startups that will have three minutes each to pitch their products to a group of fellow student entrepreneurs, Chicago Inno readers, and the local venture community. The audience will be given “Inno Bucks” at the beginning of the event, and will invest in their favorite startups after the presentations wrap. The most-funded company will be named the winner of the competition.