2010 Launch Pad Participants

  • Inferential, Inc., led by Jeff Terrell, a recent Ph.D. graduate from the UNC computer science department. Inferential is developing an application to make it easier for data network service providers to effectively manage the performance of their network-based applications.

  • Blinkness, headed by Zaid Farooqui, an undergraduate in communication studies who has already launched another startup. Farooqui plans to develop Blinkness into the de facto online destination for college students purchasing goods or services in their college communities.

  • Heel Vision, created by Nikul Patel, a senior psychology major; Bhushan Desai, a senior chemistry major; and Divesh Gidwani, a senior in applied sciences. Heel Vision is developing an integrated, interactive virtual environment to enhance athletic ability. The firm was a finalist in last year’s Carolina Challenge competition.

  • Freedom Media Solutions, led by recent UNC MBA graduate and serial entrepreneur Kemp Qiu. The firm is developing a Web-based platform for sharing digital content from online media sources on TV screens using a custom-built remote control.

2009 Launch Pad Participants

  • MotionGen
    MotionGen is focused on digital representation of images and data on a mobile device to help assist with the education of student and practicing dental practitioners and patients. The firm is led by an experienced team of dental educators, IT professionals and business graduates from Kenan-Flagler.

  • Optimal Learning
    Optimal Learning combines a new, patented biosensor device for providing biofeedback with multi-media interactive computer technology designed to help students identify and manage stress. By integrating proven cognitive-behavioral strategies for stress reduction with continuous biofeedback, Optimal Learning provides an innovative approach to addressing test anxiety. Optimal Learning is led by Leslie Babinski, a research faculty member in the School of Education.

  • Dyzen, Inc.
    Dyzen is headed by Dr. Cam Patterson, Chief of Cardiology at UNC Hospitals and founder of the Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center. The new start-up provides web-based inventory tracking, ordering, grants management, and "smart freezer" hardware for small-to-mid sized academic research labs via an intuitive visual interface.

  • IdeaBahn
    IdeaBahn is a web application that allows teams and individuals to set goals and create and evaluate ideas. The intuitive interface compels users to build upon ideas rather than letting good ideas stagnate. It also displays the evolving relationships and links created in the process of idea generation in an easy to understand visual map. The firm is led by current and former UNC students.

  • Spherical Instruments Company
    Spherical Instruments Company has developed a patent-pending game controller that can enhance and simplify the user's control of their interactive visual electronic environment. The technology can be applied to multiple media interfaces, including large visualization and presentation media, PC mice, and video game controllers.