Hamilton, ON – Five dynamic student-led startups from McMaster University are gearing up to compete in the highly anticipated Startup Survivor Pitch Competition, taking place on November 19th. These ventures, founded by some of McMaster’s brightest minds, are tackling real-world challenges with creativity, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial drive.
The finalists represent the top-ranking teams from The Forge’s entrepreneurship training program: Startup Survivor. Over four intensive months, these founders worked tirelessly to fast-track their startups to market, supported by weekly mentorship, monthly expert panels, and $5,000 in funding per team. The program culminated in a private investor pitch to Front Row Ventures, a student-led VC fund that backs student-led startups. This pitch marked their first opportunity to compete for $50,000 in dilutive equity funding.
Now, the five teams will take the stage at the Startup Survivor Pitch Competition, presenting their ventures publicly in front of peers, professors, founders, and members of the local innovation ecosystem. An expert judging panel will award cash prizes to the top pitches:
- First Place: $15,000
- Second Place: $10,000
- Third Place: $5,000
Meet the Finalists
DOT
Founded by Aaron Roodhart, an undergraduate commerce student at the DeGroote School of Business, DOT bridges the gap between analog journaling and digital note-taking. By combining the tactile experience of handwriting with the power of digital integration, DOT empowers thinkers to capture ideas seamlessly in today’s tech-driven world.
Innovo Surgica
Co-founded by Manvir Bhangu (medical student), Yazdaan Ahmad (iBioMed student), and Aleksa Cenic (HHS Neurosurgeon), Innovo Surgica is revolutionizing spinal surgery. Their redesigned Kerrison Rongeur minimizes the risk of dural tears, improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital costs through a surgeon-driven, workflow-friendly innovation.
NeuroSpritz
Lucas Monter, an iSci undergraduate in the Faculty of Science, introduces NeuroSpritz – a spray-on EEG system featuring wireless, disposable electrodes and AI-powered diagnostics. This innovation reduces setup times by up to 80%, making EEG testing faster, more accessible, and more comfortable for patients across Ontario.
O2Link
Selay Momand and Sajroop Mann, alumni of the Master of Biomedical Innovation program, developed O2Link to modernize oxygen therapy. Their smart platform offers real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated weaning – addressing mismanagement issues and empowering clinicians with safer, more efficient care tools.
Wonder Guard
PhD student Manak Bajaj created Wonder Guard, a catheter bag equipped with DNA biosensors that detect urinary tract infections within minutes. This innovation replaces traditional three-day urine cultures, enabling proactive infection prevention and significantly improving patient safety.
Among these standout ventures, Wonder Guard earned the highest score in The Forge’s summer program. In recognition of this achievement, Bajaj received a generous $5,000 cash prize from the Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation – doubling Wonder Guard’s funding and accelerating its medical device development and validation.
Samantha Mercanti shared:
“We’re proud to support the next generation of innovators. This award recognizes the incredible potential of student-led ventures like Wonder Guard, whose groundbreaking medical device could make a real difference in patient care.”
The Forge extends its heartfelt thanks to the Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation for their generosity and commitment to empowering student entrepreneurs.
Pitch Competition Event Details:
📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025
🕔 5:00 – 8:00 PM EST
📍 LR Wilson Hall, McMaster University
🎟️ Free tickets available with registration: https://startupsurvivor.eventbrite.ca
Join us for an evening of inspiring pitches, networking, and celebration of student innovation!
Media Contact
Mariya Leslie
Manager, Student Entrepreneurship
The Forge Business Incubator
McMaster University
mariya@theforge.mcmaster.ca
