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Stepping into the Spotlight at Startup Yale

Yale SOM student founders reflect on their experience participating in the university’s biggest entrepreneurship event.

On April 4, Startup Yale welcomed more than 450 visitors to campus as entrepreneurs from the Yale community came together to pitch their startup ideas and compete for more than $200,000 in available prizes. Among the finalists were 17 SOM students spread across 12 different teams, with 10 prizes being awarded to SOM-founded startups.

We spoke to three finalists about the experience, their involvement in the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Yale, and what’s next for their startups.

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Nick Callegari ’25

Startup: Verustruct creates sustainable, affordable housing materials with 3D printing.
Winner: Planetary Solutions Prize (2nd Place), Audience Choice Award

In a time when an increasing number of startups are focused on software solutions that can scale quickly and exit, I wanted to present a startup that challenged the status quo and wasn't afraid to tackle a seemingly intractable problem. I hope that sharing Verustruct's vision helped inspire other founders thinking about taking the entrepreneurial leap but hesitant that their solution doesn't fit the "AI mold.”

It was exciting to present my idea to a broader audience and feel the crowd's energy. For me, it was less about "winning" and more about honing my ability to craft a vision of a future where everyone has access to safe, sustainable, and affordable housing. Being able to share this vision at a forum like Startup Yale was an honor! 

I came to SOM with the goal of starting a company that would tackle some of the world's toughest challenges, and I'm excited to continue working on Verustruct following graduation from SOM. Participation in Startup Yale was not only a great sign of community support and traction, but also great practice for future scenarios where I will need to pitch Verustruct's vision and mission to convince others to believe in us. 

My advice to future finalists is to remember that you were selected for a reason. Own your story and be your authentic self on stage. I know it may be nerve-wracking, but just think about what inspired you to take this entrepreneurial journey and the impact you can make with your idea. If you lead with your passion, you'll crush it!


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Adam Crittenden ’25

Co-founder: Yale College student Laurie Jimenez
Startup: FulcrumCare uses technology to improve oral healthcare for people with complex medical needs and insurance coverage.
Winner: Thorne Prize, Audience Choice Award

Increasing access to oral healthcare requires more than just Laurie’s and my efforts. We must build a coalition of patients, clinicians, policymakers, and technologists. Startup Yale was a platform to share this message, and this clear goal underpinned our participation in the competition.

Stepping into the pitch room was much less stressful when I looked around and saw many friendly faces from SOM and Yale more broadly. FulcrumCare has been such a community effort, and the support of team members, advisors, and classmates was so encouraging both before and during the pitch.

My time at SOM has revolved around a central question: how to effectively and ethically manage data in our healthcare system? Winning the Thorne Prize provides validation that my personal mission aligns with broader social benefit and motivates me to continue on this path post-SOM through the FulcrumCare pilot.


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Samantha Sweig ’25

Startup: Calmware creates discreet, tactile tools for stress management and mindfulness.
Winner: Creative Entrepreneurship Prize, 10th Anniversary Prize

When I came to SOM, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful change in my career—pivoting into work that felt more aligned with my personal values and passion for impact. I didn’t arrive with the intention of becoming a founder, but as Calmware began to develop organically, SOM gave me the space, resources, and encouragement to bring it to life.

Participating in Startup Yale was a full-circle moment. It allowed me to share a venture rooted in lived experience and social impact, and to see how far I’ve come in building something that reflects both my purpose and my evolving skill set.

Pitching Calmware was equal parts exhilarating and vulnerable. It felt like putting my whole heart into a five-minute window—sharing not just a business, but a personal story, a mission, and a vision for what’s possible.

The most exciting part was seeing how Calmware resonated with the audience—people leaned in, nodded, and connected. The most nerve-wracking was trusting myself to speak from the heart while staying on script. (And on time!)

I was surprised by how emotional the process felt. This wasn’t just a pitch—it was a culmination of years of lived experience with anxiety and ADHD, and months of building something I believe can help others. Winning was incredibly satisfying, but so was just showing up fully and seeing Calmware recognized alongside so many other powerful ventures. It was important to me to step into that spotlight—not just to seek funding, but to advocate for mental well-being in a room full of changemakers. It was a way to say, “Mental health innovation matters. And so does how it makes people feel.”

Beyond SOM, my goal is to scale Calmware into a brand that transforms how we engage with mental health—through tactile tools, beautiful design, and everyday rituals. Startup Yale helped me take a leap forward in that journey, with more clarity, confidence, and community.

My advice to future finalists is to move beyond pitching your business—share your why as well. The judges and the audience want to connect with the human behind the idea. Vulnerability is a strength. Also, practice like crazy, but speak like you’re talking to a friend. And trust that your work belongs in the room—you’re not here by accident.