2025 Innovation Challenge!
More than a pitch competition—develop innovative solutions
to real-world problems and gain essential skills for today's workplace.
The Yeshiva University Innovation Lab and Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy & Professional Development invite All Yeshiva University Students, including both Undergraduate and Graduate Students from Any School, Program or Major to register. This is your chance to bring your idea to life! All ideas are welcome!
This year’s competition introduces exciting new features:
- We’re thrilled to collaborate with Arieli Group, bringing new opportunities and support to this year’s competition.
- For the first time, teams will compete for both first and second-place cash prizes, doubling the prize pool from last year.
- Participants will have access to Spark Rockets, an AI-powered tool designed to refine ideas and provide customized market research.
- This year we’re offering an enhanced learning experience, featuring expert-led workshops, guidance from industry mentors, and dedicated facilitator support—all culminating in a high-profile networking night and pitch competition.
Join the Challenge to win a Cash Prize, gain Hands-On Experience, network with Industry Experts, and connect with Investors.
Registration is required. Please check out the important dates and steps below.
Questions? For questions, you can contact Natasha Srulowitz at natasha.srulowitz@yu.edu
Key Dates:
Pitch Night: Tuesday, March 25 | 6:30–9:00 p.m., Beren Campus, Yagoda Commons
The grand finale! All students, faculty, and mentors are invited to attend and cheer on their favorite teams as they present their final pitches.FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED!
IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION NOTE: EVENT TRANSPORTATION FROM THE WILF CAMPUS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED SO WE ENCOURAGE ATTENDEES TO COME VIA THE UNIVERSITY SHUTTLES OR VIA YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION. Learn more about the university shuttles here.
Pitch Night Keynote Speaker: Evan Renov
Evan Renov is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Arieli Group and a Partner at Beechwood Ventures, a New York-based Single-Family Office. He sits on the boards of RDC – Rafael Development Corporation, Elron Ventures, SNÉ, Moonbow Ventures, Zoomd Ltd, and Flow Aid. Evan’s prior roles include Managing Director at Paramount BioCapital and VP of Business Development for Paramount BioSciences. Evan holds a B.S. in Finance from Yeshiva University and an MBA from Tel Aviv University and the JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Judges Panel
Dr. Tamar Avnet
Professor Avnet is a Full Professor at Sy Syms School of Business, which she joined in 2007. She serves as the Chair of the Marketing Department and the Director of the MBA program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and an M.S. from the Technion in Israel, as well as a Ph.D. in Marketing from Columbia Business School. Her expertise spans marketing strategy, social media, consumer psychology, and decision-making, with consulting activities in these areas. Her research focuses on consumer behavior, particularly human judgment and decision-making. Her widely cited work has been published in leading academic journals, including Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Psychology, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. As of 2025, her research has been cited 3,578 times.
Tracy Harmon Blumenfeld
With over 25 years leading RapidTrials, Tracey has driven innovation in clinical trials by optimizing operations, leveraging technology, and enhancing participant engagement. Under Tracey’s leadership, RapidTrials became one of Philadelphia’s 100 fastest-growing companies. She also serves on the boards of NAMSA, AAHRPP, and various non-profits while advising PE firms, pharma services, and digital health/AI ventures. Based in Manhattan, Tracey has also is a past guest speaker at the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University.
Or Haviv
Or Haviv is a Partner at The Arieli Group and leads Arieli Innovate, working with banks, global industries, governments, and academia to commercialize scientific breakthroughs. He builds innovation centers and ecosystems across Israel, the US, Europe, and China in fields like agriculture, ocean tech, climate tech, biotech, travel, and AI. Before joining Arieli, Or co-founded the Eilat Hub, driving innovation in Israel’s southernmost city. A decorated IDF Commander, he holds a BA in Electronic Business Management from Dominican University of California and an MA in Conflict Management and Resolution from Ben Gurion University.
Avi Rosenbaum, Ph.D. '02YC '03R
Avi Rosenbaum advises venture capital firms and startups developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools, and SaaS solutions for the biotech industry. Previously, he spent 7 years at Ion Torrent Systems (acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific) where his R&D team developed over ten products. Avi has a Ph.D. in Genetics from George Church at Harvard University and is a proud YU alumnus.
Moshe Bellows, '90YC
Moshe Bellows, JD, LMSW, LNHA, is the Managing Member of Maccabee Ventures, an NYC-based early-stage VC firm supporting entrepreneurs across North America and Israel. He is a third-generation Senior Living owner/operator, managing BFI, LLC, and serving on various nonprofit boards, including Project Extreme and AARP AgeTech Collaborative. Moshe also teaches Angel and Venture Capital Investing at Yeshiva University and holds degrees from Yeshiva, Wurzweiler, and Fordham, with certifications in Applied Behavioral Analysis and FINRA Series 7 and 63.
Dr. Tamar Avnet
Professor Avnet is a Full Professor at Sy Syms School of Business, which she joined in 2007. She serves as the Chair of the Marketing Department and the Director of the MBA program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and an M.S. from the Technion in Israel, as well as a Ph.D. in Marketing from Columbia Business School. Her expertise spans marketing strategy, social media, consumer psychology, and decision-making, with consulting activities in these areas. Her research focuses on consumer behavior, particularly human judgment and decision-making. Her widely cited work has been published in leading academic journals, including Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Psychology, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. As of 2025, her research has been cited 3,578 times.
Tracy Harmon Blumenfeld
With over 25 years leading RapidTrials, Tracey has driven innovation in clinical trials by optimizing operations, leveraging technology, and enhancing participant engagement. Under Tracey’s leadership, RapidTrials became one of Philadelphia’s 100 fastest-growing companies. She also serves on the boards of NAMSA, AAHRPP, and various non-profits while advising PE firms, pharma services, and digital health/AI ventures. Based in Manhattan, Tracey has also is a past guest speaker at the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University.
Or Haviv
Or Haviv is a Partner at The Arieli Group and leads Arieli Innovate, working with banks, global industries, governments, and academia to commercialize scientific breakthroughs. He builds innovation centers and ecosystems across Israel, the US, Europe, and China in fields like agriculture, ocean tech, climate tech, biotech, travel, and AI. Before joining Arieli, Or co-founded the Eilat Hub, driving innovation in Israel’s southernmost city. A decorated IDF Commander, he holds a BA in Electronic Business Management from Dominican University of California and an MA in Conflict Management and Resolution from Ben Gurion University.
Avi Rosenbaum, Ph.D. '02YC '03R
Avi Rosenbaum advises venture capital firms and startups developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools, and SaaS solutions for the biotech industry. Previously, he spent 7 years at Ion Torrent Systems (acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific) where his R&D team developed over ten products. Avi has a Ph.D. in Genetics from George Church at Harvard University and is a proud YU alumnus.
Moshe Bellows, '90YC
Moshe Bellows, JD, LMSW, LNHA, is the Managing Member of Maccabee Ventures, an NYC-based early-stage VC firm supporting entrepreneurs across North America and Israel. He is a third-generation Senior Living owner/operator, managing BFI, LLC, and serving on various nonprofit boards, including Project Extreme and AARP AgeTech Collaborative. Moshe also teaches Angel and Venture Capital Investing at Yeshiva University and holds degrees from Yeshiva, Wurzweiler, and Fordham, with certifications in Applied Behavioral Analysis and FINRA Series 7 and 63.
Team Mentors
Liz Hamburg
Liz Hamburg is the CEO of Candoo Tech, providing digital literacy training to help older adults navigate technology, improve health outcomes, and reduce social isolation. She partners with healthcare providers and senior livin communities to meet CMS digital health literacy requirements. Her team delivers personalized training and resources to enhance digital inclusion and patient satisfaction. Liz also teaches digital engagement and healthcare innovation as an Adjunct Professor at the Katz School of Science and Health.
Dov Shamir
Dov Shamir is the Founding Head and Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship at Elementa Labs, Mount Sinai Innovation Partners, where he leads incubator programs for healthcare and biotech startups to improve patient outcomes. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in translating scientific discoveries into innovative solutions and supporting startup growth. Dov holds a PhD in Neuroscience and Physiology from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and certificates in Advanced Valuation and Corporate Finance from NYU Stern. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Katz School of Science and Health.
Deepak Patil
Deepak Patil is the Founder of Roxi-AI, driving AI-powered healthcare solutions to enhance patient outcomes and efficiency. With over a decade of experience in medical strategy and data analytics, he has held leadership roles at Aktana, IBM, and IQVIA. A former primary care physician in India, Deepak also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Moravian University, teaching healthcare innovation and data-driven decision-making.
Shelly O'Donovan
Shelly O’Donovan is the CEO and Founder of Authentic Influence Group, specializing in enhancing communication and body language skills for leaders and teams. With over 20 years of experience in public policy and advocacy, she is certified by the Science of People and the Paul Ekman Group and developed the Tactical Performance Strategy™ to boost leadership performance. Shelly also lectures on persuasive speaking and advanced persuasion at the Wharton School, partnering with leaders across pharma, healthcare, education, and
technology.
Lisa Buettner
Lisa Buettner is the Founder, President, and Senior Consultant of Anchor Consulting, LLC, specializing in Learning & Development, Talent Management, and Sales Enablement for Fortune 100 companies. With over 30 years of experience and multiple industry awards, she has worked with clients like AT&T, SAP, and IBM to drive leadership and performance.
Jonathan Taub '21K
Jonathan Taub is a Business Development professional at Biobina, specializing in strategic growth, investor relations, and market analysis in biotechnology. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, operations, and education, he holds an MS in Biotechnology Management from Yeshiva University and an MBA from Fordham. A YU alumnus, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor, Jonathan is dedicated to advancing innovation and education in NYC.
Natasha Shtraizent, Ph.D.
Natasha Shtrizent is the Founder and CEO of Frezent Biological Solutions, leading innovative biotech research to tackle healthcare challenges. With over 20 years of experience, she has co-founded ventures like Nest Catalyst Ventures and Senex Therapeutics and held scientist roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene. Natasha also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Yeshiva University, specializing in biotechnology and life sciences.
Burdin Hickok
Burdin Hickok is an educator, macro strategist, and advisor with expertise in financial services, economic development, and B2B business development. He has led reconstruction efforts in Iraq, advised top investment banks, and specializes in trading, risk management, and global markets. An adjunct faculty member at NYU, he teaches finance, macroeconomics, and global management.
John O'Malley
John O’Malley brings thirty-five plus (35+) years of luxury retail experience to the YU Innovation Lab. He has worked for such diverse retailers as Macy’s, Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue. He held various roles in the buying line, store operations and sales management. In addition, he brings over twenty-five (25+) years of teaching various business and marketing courses course at New York University on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. John has been with the Yeshiva University Katz AS program since its inception and is the longest serving faculty member in this division. Mr. O’Malley has a BA from Long Island University/Post Center and an MA from Fordham University.
Liz Hamburg
Liz Hamburg is the CEO of Candoo Tech, providing digital literacy training to help older adults navigate technology, improve health outcomes, and reduce social isolation. She partners with healthcare providers and senior livin communities to meet CMS digital health literacy requirements. Her team delivers personalized training and resources to enhance digital inclusion and patient satisfaction. Liz also teaches digital engagement and healthcare innovation as an Adjunct Professor at the Katz School of Science and Health.
Dov Shamir
Dov Shamir is the Founding Head and Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship at Elementa Labs, Mount Sinai Innovation Partners, where he leads incubator programs for healthcare and biotech startups to improve patient outcomes. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in translating scientific discoveries into innovative solutions and supporting startup growth. Dov holds a PhD in Neuroscience and Physiology from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and certificates in Advanced Valuation and Corporate Finance from NYU Stern. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Katz School of Science and Health.
Deepak Patil
Deepak Patil is the Founder of Roxi-AI, driving AI-powered healthcare solutions to enhance patient outcomes and efficiency. With over a decade of experience in medical strategy and data analytics, he has held leadership roles at Aktana, IBM, and IQVIA. A former primary care physician in India, Deepak also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Moravian University, teaching healthcare innovation and data-driven decision-making.
Shelly O'Donovan
Shelly O’Donovan is the CEO and Founder of Authentic Influence Group, specializing in enhancing communication and body language skills for leaders and teams. With over 20 years of experience in public policy and advocacy, she is certified by the Science of People and the Paul Ekman Group and developed the Tactical Performance Strategy™ to boost leadership performance. Shelly also lectures on persuasive speaking and advanced persuasion at the Wharton School, partnering with leaders across pharma, healthcare, education, and
technology.
Lisa Buettner
Lisa Buettner is the Founder, President, and Senior Consultant of Anchor Consulting, LLC, specializing in Learning & Development, Talent Management, and Sales Enablement for Fortune 100 companies. With over 30 years of experience and multiple industry awards, she has worked with clients like AT&T, SAP, and IBM to drive leadership and performance.
Jonathan Taub '21K
Jonathan Taub is a Business Development professional at Biobina, specializing in strategic growth, investor relations, and market analysis in biotechnology. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, operations, and education, he holds an MS in Biotechnology Management from Yeshiva University and an MBA from Fordham. A YU alumnus, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor, Jonathan is dedicated to advancing innovation and education in NYC.
Natasha Shtraizent, Ph.D.
Natasha Shtrizent is the Founder and CEO of Frezent Biological Solutions, leading innovative biotech research to tackle healthcare challenges. With over 20 years of experience, she has co-founded ventures like Nest Catalyst Ventures and Senex Therapeutics and held scientist roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene. Natasha also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Yeshiva University, specializing in biotechnology and life sciences.
Burdin Hickok
Burdin Hickok is an educator, macro strategist, and advisor with expertise in financial services, economic development, and B2B business development. He has led reconstruction efforts in Iraq, advised top investment banks, and specializes in trading, risk management, and global markets. An adjunct faculty member at NYU, he teaches finance, macroeconomics, and global management.
John O'Malley
John O’Malley brings thirty-five plus (35+) years of luxury retail experience to the YU Innovation Lab. He has worked for such diverse retailers as Macy’s, Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue. He held various roles in the buying line, store operations and sales management. In addition, he brings over twenty-five (25+) years of teaching various business and marketing courses course at New York University on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. John has been with the Yeshiva University Katz AS program since its inception and is the longest serving faculty member in this division. Mr. O’Malley has a BA from Long Island University/Post Center and an MA from Fordham University.
Innovation Challenge Advisory: Lorraine Marchand
Lorraine Marchand is a business innovation and strategic growth advisor with expertise in product development, commercialization, and AI-driven transformation. With leadership roles at IBM, Bristol Myers Squibb, and LabCorp, she has advised Fortune 500 companies like Hewlett Packard and Johnson & Johnson. A cofounder of four companies, board member, and mentor to top university programs, she brings three decades of experience in driving impactful solutions. Her book, The Innovation Mindset, won the 2023 Gold Medal Axiom Business Book Award. Lorraine holds MBAs from Columbia and London Business School.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The YU Innovation Challenge is a campus-wide pitch competition designed to guide students through an entrepreneurial journey. You’ll learn to turn your ideas into real-world ventures with support from industry experts, structured workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Whether you have a fully-formed idea or just a spark of inspiration, this program will equip you to innovate, collaborate with peers across different majors, and compete.
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This competition is open to All Yeshiva University students —regardless of major, program, school or academic level. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required. Bring your innovative ideas or skills to contribute to interdisciplinary teams.
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A 6-week program that combines virtual workshops, guest speakers, mentorship, and team-based collaboration. You will gain hands-on experience in developing a business model and pitching your idea to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, who will provide valuable feedback. This is a learning opportunity designed to help you refine your ideas in the future, if you choose to, and build your skills with expert insights.
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Orientation: February 11, 7–8 PM, Wilf Campus Furst Hall Room 501. Food will be served.
- Overview of the program, team formation, and an introduction to Spark Rockets, the AI tool for idea vetting and market validation.
- Please register your idea using the Registration button and also bring it to the Orientation.
Workshops: Tuesdays, 7–8 PM (Virtual: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18).
Workshop 1 (February 18): Design Thinking: An Innovative Approach to Understanding the Problem and Beginning to Find Solutions
Learn how to identify the problem from the user perspective and how to brainstorm solutions. Learn about the design thinking method.
Workshop 2 (February 25): Developing Your Business Case (Business Model Canvas) and Analyzing the Market
In this session you'll use the popular “Business Model Canvas” to start fleshing out your plan. You'll also learn how to research and present the 1) problem/opportunity; 2) size of your market and key trends; 3) competitors, substitutes, threat of new entrants; 4) value proposition for customers.
Workshop 3 (March 4): Customer Research
In this session we examine the often-missed opportunity to do high quality customer research, early in product development, to confirm need, design, market opportunity and importantly, prove that someone is willing to pay for or invest time in our innovation. Your research may take several different forms: surveys, small groups and one-to-one interviews.Workshop 4 (March 11): Lean Entrepreneurship Assumptions: Developing Your MVP
The best way to find out if you have a solution that a customer wants to pay for is by translating your promising concept from an idea into a rudimentary design and then working form and getting customer feedback. In this session we explore how to prepare the MVP brief by defining what needs to be learned and from whom. In this session we look at how we get the MVP into customer’s hands.Workshop 5 (March 18): Developing Your Investor Pitch
Whether you’re pitching angel investors, VCs, Private Equity, strategic partners or business development at your company, there is a way to prepare any pitch for success. In this session, we examine pitch dos and don’ts, analyze great examples of pitches that went on to become funded projects and epic pitch failures.Virtual Bonus Session: Financial Forecast
Between weeks 3 and 4, you'll have an opportunity to watch a video of a financial expert guest lecturer walk you through how to create your financial model. Learn about the different types of capital and how to access them. Review the draft budget you create during this session with your mentor.
Logistics Note: Once the teams are selected, we will send an invitation with Zoom details for all the sessions. While at least one team member is required to attend, we strongly recommend that all team members take advantage of this opportunity to gain these valuable insights and skills designed to enhance both personal and professional development
Practice Pitch: Week of 3/18 (exact date TBD)
- Opportunity to receive feedback on your presentation.
Pitch Competition: March 25, 6:30-9 PM, Beren Campus, Yagoda Commons. Food will be provided.
IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION NOTE: Transportation from the Wilf Campus will NOT be provided. We encourage students to come via the university shuttles or via their own private transportation.
See the university shuttle schedule here. -
Participants should allocate approximately 2 hours per week, including workshops and team meetings. At least one team member must attend the weekly workshops (recordings will be available). Teams will be assigned mentors and will work with them independently weekly, scheduled at mutually convenient times. Teams can divide the workload among members to meet deadlines and milestones effectively.
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- Win Prize Money for the best pitches.
- Build practical skills in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
- Receive mentorship from industry leaders and venture professionals.
- Use a cutting edge AI tool to refine and develop your ideas.
- Network with peers, experts, and potential investors.
- Showcase your experience on your resume or in interviews.
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Not at all! You can join with a rough idea or simply your skills and enthusiasm to contribute to a team.
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Participants will use an advanced AI tool to:
- Analyze and enhance ideas.
- Identify innovative solutions.
- Validate concepts and strengthen pitches.
Additionally, teams are encouraged to incorporate emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, or others to align with current industry trends.
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Yes, the program is competitive, and not all ideas or teams will advance to the pitching stage. However, even if your team isn’t selected as a competitor, you can still:
- Continue learning valuable content by participating in the workshops.
- Join a selected team to contribute your skills and be part of the journey.
We encourage everyone to attend the final pitch event to observe and network.
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Submit your idea using the provided form:
- Register & Submit Here.
- Attend the Orientation to get started. Bring your idea from the Registration Form to the Orientation.
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The Innovation Challenge is a partnership between Sy Syms, The YU Innovation Lab, and The Shevet Glaubach Center. This year we have a new collaboration with Arieli Group.
For questions you can contact Natasha Srulowitz at natasha.srulowitz@yu.edu
Ready to start your journey? Register today!
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Pitch Night
Pitch Night will be held on Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30-9pm at Yagoda Commons at Beren Campus (215 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016).
IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION NOTE: TRANSPORTATION FROM THE WILF CAMPUS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED FOR PITCH NIGHT.
You can get to either event using the university shuttle system. Learn more here.
