August 2023 to Today

One Last Group Assignment (August)

In the last semester of my Master’s program at USF, I took a course focused on applying a framework to evaluate new business opportunities resulting from emerging technology. It was a small class. Groups were formed and given a patent from NASA’s T2 Patent Portfolio.

The groups researched the Principal Investigator (shoutout to Dr. Jing Li) and identified potentially competing and adjacent patents. Once we had a conceptual understanding of the potential applications and reliability of claims made, we hunted for problems it could solve.

Marelis shared with the group a recent experience her dog had at the veterinarian. No one could argue against reducing pain for pets. NASA originally invested in the technology for the applications in healthcare. Naturally, (🐕 + 🐈) + 🚀 = test breath, not blood.

If I Was 20 Years Younger (September)

Each group would present to guest speakers and evaluators at milestones throughout the course. An ex-bio tech exec turned entrepreneur and angel investor was the first guest. When he offered to connect us with the Boston Angels, I considered it polite. Hindsight is 20/20.

When the 2nd guest saw value in the idea and business model, it was harder to ignore, especially when he had the industry experience and designed the framework we used to evaluate the technology and opportunity. The last thing he said to our professor about us was, “If I were 20 years younger, I would build that.”

We became more serious and decided to read the USF Hustle program details. It was communicated throughout the semester as a great opportunity, but I was not launching a business.

Last Minute Application (October Cometh)

Hustle was accepting applications until September 23rd. On the 23rd from 12-1, our video overview and application were made and submitted.

Then, all was quiet on the western front. We figured we were not accepted.

Report to Bootcamp (November)

Marelis and I got the congratulations email, cleared our calendars, and prepared to compete. The unnamed device to screen pets for medical conditions became PetVOC.

There were 92 applicants to the program. We made the first cut.

After it wrapped up, we had about 2 weeks to prepare a pitch for a panel of investors from Chessler Holdings.

Speed Up, Gas Pedal (December)

Because a pitch is just a pitch, we wanted to bring a proof-of-concept to the party. Lawrence joined the team and delivered the device below.

The pitch was on November 15th. I got to USF at 7 in the morning and practiced the pitch for 3 hours. Somehow, I still skipped a slide. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Only 3 businesses would advance to a 10-month program, receive seed funding, and shot at series A. We left the pitch without a decision.

Thanksgiving came and went while follow-up questions were sent and answered.

The brakes were pumped.

The Final 3 (December)

Mid-December brought the congratulations email. I am beyond proud of what our team has done and grateful for the support from the Hustle program coordinators.

One piece of advice from the coordinators comes to mind, “you just have to show up, and good things will happen.”

Ok, Gas Pedal Again (December and Beyond!)

We are entering 2024 by working out licensing agreements with NASA and sensor design with our first strategic partner. It has been a whirlwind, but I would not trade the experience, opportunity, team, or mission for anything else.

Want to be an Early Tester?

We are looking for pet owners with cats and dogs that are diabetic. Participation will not involve anything more painful than breathing.

Respond to this email if you are in the Tampa, Florida, area and would be willing to participate. Testing is expected to begin within the next 3-6 months.