Meet the Winners of America’s Startup

The future of American innovation is here, and it’s bold, creative, and full of possibility.

We’re proud to announce the 10 winners of America’s Startup, a national collegiate competition recognizing the next generation of entrepreneurs shaping our country’s future. Selected from a highly competitive pool of student founders nationwide, these teams represent the ingenuity and ambition driving America forward.

Held at Draper University in Silicon Valley, this year’s finale brought together emerging innovators for a dynamic weekend of collaboration, mentorship, and live pitches, culminating in the selection of 10 standout teams.

Meet the America’s Startup Winners

Crystal XG

Lukas Garcia, Clemson University
Uses AI to predict optimal crystallization conditions, dramatically speeding up and reducing the cost of drug development.

Fractal Semi

Leo Guan and Ayush Banerjee, Georgia Institute of Technology

AI-powered process discovery and yield protection for cutting-edge chips to re-shore U.S. semiconductor process knowledge and strengthen domestic technology leadership.

Graft Systems

Kayan Shah, Benson Klein, and Viraaj Nindra, University of Michigan

Uses AI for the winery industry to deliver precise vineyard yield estimates, replacing manual guesswork with affordable, data-driven insights.

Green Shield

Trinity Kem, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Institute

Creates a biodegradable, seaweed-based fire suppressant that protects landscapes and structures without toxic environmental impact.

Kairos Health

Sanjana Kavula and Adhira Tippur, Rice University

Automates patient intake with AI to reduce the administrative burden in independent healthcare clinics to convert demand into completed care.

Korguard LLC

Kamsi Ejike, Rodrigo Fernandez, Peter Bae, and Francisco Borlongan, University of Notre Dame

Prevents sensitive data exposure in real time, enabling safe AI use without storing user data.

Legion Platforms

Sandul Gangodagamage, Arizona State University

Builds browser-based 3D games that run instantly on low-end devices, making gaming accessible without downloads.

Locus

Mahilan Guha and Vishruth Dinesh, University of Pennsylvania  

Uses AI to analyze failed biological experiments and turn them into actionable insights, accelerating research and reducing wasted effort.

NanoLit

Nistha Neupane and Zane Austin, University of Arkansas at Little Rock  

Develops therapies that protect the heart while effectively treating breast cancer, reducing chemotherapy-related complications.

SafeSock

Akash Patel and Raj Patel, Johns Hopkins University  

Uses a sensor-lined sleeve with real-time feedback to optimize recovery for lower-limb injuries, helping prevent complications and accelerate recovery.

Each winning team will receive:

• $25,000 in non-dilutive funding

• Mentorship from top founders and investors

• Exposure to national audiences and potential backers

• Ongoing support through the America250 network

These founders aren’t just building companies, they’re developing solutions that have the potential to improve all, strengthen communities, and shape the future of our nation.

From advancements in artificial intelligence and sustainability to innovations in healthcare access and workforce development, this year’s winners reflect a generation focused on solving real-world challenges and expanding opportunity.

America’s Startup embodies a core mission of America250: honoring our past while investing in the ideas and leaders who will define our next 250 years.