Next generation of innovators recognized for bold ideas shaping America’s future
WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 4, 2026 — America250, the nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, today announced the 10 winners of America’s Startup, a national collegiate competition spotlighting the next generation of American entrepreneurs and innovators.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of student founders across the country, the winning teams were chosen for their bold ideas, early-stage ventures and potential to drive economic, technological and societal progress. The program invited college students nationwide to pitch ideas for a shot at funding, mentorship and national recognition, providing a platform to bring their innovations to life. Held at Draper University in Silicon Valley this past weekend, the three-day final competition featured live pitches with the America’s Startup judges, roundtable discussions and networking with legendary Silicon Valley founders and leaders.
As part of the America Innovates initiative, America’s Startup reflects America250’s broader mission to not only commemorate the nation’s past, but invest in its future, engaging the next generation of builders at a pivotal moment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Innovation has always been at the heart of America’s progress. Through America’s Startup, we are celebrating that legacy while empowering the next generation of builders to take it even further,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “These young entrepreneurs are not just launching companies, they are developing solutions that have the potential to strengthen communities and shape the future of our country.”
Winners were selected by the America’s Startup Investor Council, a distinguished group of founders, investors and business leaders. The council includes leaders such as Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple; Joe Montana, Hall of Fame quarterback and venture investor; and Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI, alongside venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and innovation leaders.
Each winning team received $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their ideas, along with mentorship, exposure to top investors and opportunities to further develop their ventures.
Meet the Winners
Collectively, this year’s winners highlight emerging themes shaping the future of innovation including AI and data infrastructure, healthcare and lifesciences, semiconductors, sustainability, agtech, consumer technology and enterprise Saas, reflecting a generation focused on solving real-world challenges:
- 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 Lucky 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.
Winners also received a fully funded scholarship to attend Draper University, a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneurship program founded by venture capitalist Tim Draper that provides hands-on training from leading entrepreneurs and investors. They will continue to engage with the Investor Council and broader America250 network, gaining access to mentorship, visibility and potential pathways to scale their ideas.
America’s Startup is one of several flagship initiatives under America250’s America Innovates program, celebrating 250 years of American ingenuity and future innovation. For more information about upcoming Semiquincentennial events, visit America250.org.
About America250
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.