Celebrating Innovation and Creativity at VCU Demo Day and Holiday Market on November 14th!
The stage is set for one of the most inspiring moments of the semester—VCU Demo Day, a bi-annual pitch competition where student innovators take center stage. Hosted by Shift Retail Lab, this event brings together bright minds from across the university to share their ideas for new products, services and ventures.
Finalists will deliver investor-style pitches before a live audience and compete for seed funding and support to bring their visions to life. From cutting-edge tech concepts like KOcclusive Dressing, Brain Strain Measurement Platform, and a Rapid AI-Driven Lab System, to creative ventures such as Mojo Skin Stick, The Ballad of a Senior Hawkeye, and Dragon’s Tooth Bakery, this semester’s lineup shows the incredible range of innovation happening at VCU.
Meet the Finalists:
- Natalia Rooks: Tati Tortillas (VCU School of Business)
- Karma Choki: KOcclusive Dressing (VCU School of Nursing)
- Alex Croce: Brain Strain Measurement Platform for High G Events (VCU College of Engineering)
- Morgan Hardy: Mojo Skin Stick (Community Member)
- Anirudh Mepperla: Project Z (VCU HPEX)
- Ellie Nuckols: Media Therapy SLP (VCU University College)
- Spencer Strebe: Clear Ballot (VCU Arts)
- Gabby Reed-Carlock: Giddi (VCU Brandcenter)
- Frances Odoi: CoCoGin (VCU Alum)
- Sherhae Holloway: House of Synergy (Community Member)
- Kendall Liverpool: The Ballad of a Senior Hawkeye (VCU Arts)
- Anandkumar Mundhava: First Time in World Multipurpose Tool (International Partner)
- Justino Samson: RADLab / Rapid AI-Driven Lab System for Cybersecurity / DeepRunAI Labs LLC (VCU Humanities & Sciences)
- Bridget Walsh: Head Swap (VCU Alum)
- Malique Middleton: Gewd Ag (VCU Alum)
- Nathan Toft: Dragon’s Tooth Bakery (VCU Alum)
- Katie Santoro: Cork and Courier (VCU Alum)
One of the most exciting parts of the event is the People’s Choice Award, which is chosen by the attendees of the reception. If you’re present, you get to vote, and your voice helps decide which project wins that audience-selected prize!
After the pitches, attendees are invited to stay for the awards ceremony and a networking session, where ideas meet community and opportunity.
While you’re here, don’t miss the Holiday Market—featuring handmade goods, locally crafted gifts and a cozy hot chocolate bar. It’s the perfect chance to find something unique while supporting small businesses and student-makers.
Join us for a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship and community. VCU Demo Day is more than a competition—it’s where ideas begin, connections grow, and the next generation of changemakers takes the spotlight.
RSVP