President’s Innovation Challenge Demo Day 2025

A.I. has become such a trend that many VCs have paused the funding of non-A.I. startups. The applications of A.I. are endless, imbuing nearly every industry. A.I. is being used for drug discovery, process automation, computer programming, logic testing, workflow optimization, innovation management, medical inventions, energy efficiency, financial technology, among other fields. To win in 2025 in the startup field means to understand and master A.I.

Build with the force shaping our future, ethically and responsibly. Top use cases include:

• Generative AI for learning, code, content
• AI diagnostics and workflow optimization
• Edge AI for remote healthcare or smart farms
• Innovation platforms and automation tools

It is imperative that new ventures advance energy and sustainability practices in order to create a healthy future world. This theme has a wide scope, including, but not limited to, renewable energy technologies, other climate technologies, sustainable product design, biodiversity, water technology, and waste reduction. Moreover, according to a Morgan Stanley report, “power demand from generative AI alone is estimated to increase at an annual average of 70% through 2027, primarily due to the expansion of data centers. In response, regulated utilities and other power providers are likely to accelerate the development of both nuclear and renewable energy solutions, as well as advanced storage systems, to meet this escalating demand.”

Scale what the planet needs now, from clean power to zero-waste living. Top use cases include:

• Solar, storage, and low-emission energy
• Food security, agri-tech, and smart water systems
• Biodiversity tracking or carbon removal tools
• Circular design and green product innovation

Investors and university researchers are seeking solutions in the health and medical field, to improve standard of living and increase life expectancy. This would include regenerative therapies, such as stem cell research, tissue engineering, and gene editing. There is a big opportunity in the biomedical field to create technologies that assist the elderly population. Diagnostic tech, wearable devices and brain computer interfaces are also being explored by cutting edge researchers and investment is pouring in to advance such innovative technologies.

Tech for early detection, longer lives, and wider access. Top use cases include:

• Predictive health using data and wearables
• Mental health for youth, caregivers, refugees
• Elder tech, regenerative medicine, digital clinics
• Health equity and behavior-based wellness

At the heart of human nature is the desire to make an impact. This impact often looks non-monetary. Though creating financial ROI is a common goal among business professionals, creating social ROI has become more prominent in recent years, especially with the advent of the ESG culture. The Chinyeh Hostler Award for Social Innovation will once again be given to the startup indicating the greatest social impact value.

Impact that moves people forward. Equity meets innovation. Top use cases include:

• Fintech for the underserved and unbanked
• Platforms for artisans, women, and informal workers
• Digital ID and access to essential services
• Purpose-driven ventures solving local or social issues

According to a recent report from Capgemini, 63% of business leaders are planning to ramp up investment (a 15% increase from 2024) in supply chain technology. The world has become polycentric, and the risks of supply chain disruptions are high due to ongoing geo-political tensions. Organizations are therefore prioritizing robust, technology-driven supply chains. Key trends include de-risking, and harnessing AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to increase supply chain efficiency.

Resilience. Transparency. Agility. Make global systems smarter. Top use cases include:

• Digital twins of inventory, fleets, or systems
• Last-mile delivery tech for essential goods
• Smart traceability for food, fashion, pharma
• Micro-factories, 3D printing, and green logistics