2025 Final Awards

Congratulations to all the participating teams on their achievements in the 2025 Rist DifferenceMaker Spring Idea Challenge Finals! Their creativity, dedication, and drive to turn bold ideas into real-world impact were truly inspiring. We are proud to recognize their hard work and innovation, and we look forward to what comes next.

A sincere thank you to our sponsors:

  • Rist Campus-Wide DifferenceMaker - Sponsored by Kim and Brian Rist ’77, Manning School of Business
  • Jack M. Wilson First to Market - Sponsored by The Jack M. Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship
  • Sutherland Innovative Technology Solution - Sponsored by Andrew Sutherland ‘94, Manning School of Business
  • Contribution to a Healthier Lifestyle - Sponsored by AIRS and Dan Manitakos ’80, Francis College of Engineering
  • Significant Social Impact - Sponsored by Enterprise Bank

Now Presenting the 2025 DifferenceMaker Award Winners...

Rist Campus-Wide DifferenceMaker - $6,000

Sponsored by Kim and Brian Rist ’77, Manning School of Business

Winner: Pawva Smart Ped Bed
Team:
  • Jiya Panchal
  • Owen O'Brien
  • Tanish Araveti
Description:
Pawva Smart Pet Bed is a Wi-Fi–connected pet bed designed to monitor pet vitals in real time. This innovative solution uses embedded sensors and smart technology to track metrics like heart rate, breathing patterns, and sleep quality, providing pet owners with actionable health data through a connected app. By combining comfort with cutting-edge monitoring capabilities, the team’s design offers peace of mind to pet owners and the potential for early detection of health issues, demonstrating both technical ingenuity and a strong understanding of market needs.

Jack M. Wilson First to Market - $4,000

Sponsored by The Jack M. Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship

Winner: Shine in Academy
Team: Madhavi Tarugu
Description:
A highly successful Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) prep course that has already demonstrated a strong track record in closing math and language learning gaps among high school students across the U.S. Designed as both a test prep and remedial education tool, the course leverages targeted instruction, adaptive learning techniques, and culturally responsive teaching to boost student performance and confidence. With proven results and growing demand, the program has the potential to make a meaningful impact on educational equity and college readiness nationwide.

Sutherland Innovative Technology Solution - $4,000

Sponsored by Andrew Sutherland ‘94, Manning School of Business

Winner: iPrep
Team:
  • Camille LeBihan
  • Ponita Ty
  • Mark Callan
Description:
iPrep is an Artificial intelligence (AI) powered career development platform that empowers university students to pursue their professional goals with personalized support. Acting as a digital “career buddy,” iPrep helps users explore job opportunities, prepare for internships, and access key career resources—all through an affordable and accessible interface. More than just a tool, iPrep represents a movement toward equitable career success, breaking down barriers related to background, ethnicity, or gender and championing opportunity for all.

Contribution to a Healthier Lifestyle - $4,000

Sponsored by American Infrared Solutions (AIRS) and Dan Manitakos ’80, Francis College of Engineering

Winner: Bear Hugs
Team:
  • Amanda Pajak
  • Dilon Costa
  • Aidan McGrail
Description:
Bear Hugs is an innovative sensory glove designed to help children with sensory needs remain calm and focused through soothing, customizable sensations. Featuring adjustable heat and pulsing vibrations—each controlled by thumbwheels—the glove provides a personalized sensory experience. A textured silicone touchpad adds tactile stimulation, while the weighted design delivers comforting pressure. With secure finger loops and a wrist strap, Bear Hugs supports full freedom of movement for everyday tasks like writing or holding objects. Its removable electronic components and machine-washable design make it both practical and easy to care for, blending therapeutic function with real-world convenience.

Significant Social Impact - $4,000

Sponsored by Enterprise Bank

Winner: SenseMakers (ILearn)
Team:
  • Oscar Aliaga
  • Cintya Gajardo Vejar
  • Bruce Lezana
Description:
SenseMakers is a multidisciplinary team of educators, designers, and technologists dedicated to transforming education through the power of AI. Leveraging expertise in management, finance, and software development, the team is developing ILearn—a personalized, gamified learning platform that makes education more engaging, effective, and equitable. By combining real classroom experience with cutting-edge technology, ILearn turns screen time into smart time, aiming to close learning gaps and inspire students through adaptive, interactive learning experiences.

Seed Fund Award Winners - $2,000

5 Winners:

Winner: ACE DifferenceMaker (Agent X)
Team: Enea Nushi
Description: An AI-powered assistant designed to help international students navigate college life with ease. From internships and scholarships to Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and mental health support, AgentX puts essential resources at your fingertips. What makes it unique? A customizable 3D AI companion that stays with you throughout your journey—offering not just guidance, but true support every step of the way.

Winner: Comprehension Clicker
Team: Jetrin Orenberg
Description: A Device that lets students rate their understanding in real time using a simple device, while teachers get instant feedback on a tablet. It helps identify confusion, supports quieter students, and can double as a multiple-choice clicker, making classrooms more engaging and responsive.

Winner: Fridgie
Team:
  • Danny Machado
  • Noah Rothgaber
  • William Susi
  • John Brann
Description: A mobile application designed to streamline the management of refrigerator and pantry items by tracking inventory and monitoring expiration dates through a monthly subscription. The app provides users with organized oversight to minimize food waste and optimize household food usage.

Winner: Shay G. Productions
Team:
  • Shaina Gedeon
  • Chandni Shahdev
  • Jay Satrola
  • Serena Williams
Description: The Caraïbes Connect team proudly presents the first-ever New England event celebrating Caribbean culture through food, wellness, and education. Clash of the Islands: The Caraïbes Food Truck Fest & Community Fair features authentic Caribbean cuisine from diverse food trucks, wellness activities inspired by island traditions, and educational sessions on Caribbean heritage. This vibrant event unites the community to foster cultural appreciation and connection.

Winner: myHub
Team: Alexander Donnelly
Description: myHub offers an easy-to-use personal website and professional portfolio builder designed to enhance accessibility and empower users. The approach emphasizes efficiency, affordability, and real-world impact, striving to improve quality of life, enhance safety, and deliver tangible benefits to communities facing urgent needs.

Fan Favorite Award - $1,000

Winner: SoundWaves
Team: Hanna Hodzic
Description:
SoundWaves solves the common challenges of coordinating group plans and navigating ticket purchases by offering an all-in-one platform with real-time event updates and personalized local concert recommendations. The app makes it easy to communicate and organize with friends, while its innovative group ticketing feature simplifies buying tickets together. Leveraging blockchain technology, SoundWaves ensures secure, transparent ticket transactions that reduce fraud. Additionally, the app recommends nearby restaurants and bars, enhancing the overall night out experience. By seamlessly connecting fans, artists, and venues, SoundWaves transforms live events into a more social, trustworthy, and enjoyable journey.

We are so proud of each of these incredible teams. Let’s keep making a difference—together.