Hello Members of Innovation DuPage,

• Farewell: Avi Tiwari’s last day at Innovation DuPage was Friday 4.19.  We wish him well on his future endeavors.  
   
• Welcome - New ID Members
  • Metclusion is a data analytics company that is focused on how DEI metrics are aligned with corporate social responsibility initiatives.  
  • Cohesive Manufacturing specializes in creating web-based applications, leveraging 3D technology, and AI targeting industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.
• Thank you & Congratulations: Through the NIU MBA Capstone Project Program this Spring, students have taken on ID Member Companies as clients, and prepare marketing, sales, and business plans.  Presentations to two ID Member Companies, Rumzer and Havenshine, will take place this Saturday at 1pm at NIU’s Naperville Campus.  Congratulations to the students, and to Ted and Ilya for receiving this support.  If you are interested in attending the presentation, please contact me directly at idfacchinid@innovationdupage.org.
   
• Recap & Thanks: Thank you to Dennis of True Hooligan and Colleen Sall of the Business Development Center for presenting at our last Member Meetup.  Our next Meetup will be next Wednesday 5.1 at 9:30.  Hope to see you there!
   
• Big Idea Pitch Contest, May 1 
  With thanks to the more than 40 students from 13 academic institutions across DuPage County and beyond, Innovation DuPage is proud to announce the finalists for the Big Idea Pitch Competition 2024.
  • Careisma – Illinois Math and Science Academy
  • Compost Teacher – Downers Grove North
  • Junk Armor – Wheaton-Warrenville South
  • Legasy LLC – College of DuPage
  • SignAll – Illinois Math and Science Academy
  • Stall-Secure – Naperville North
  • Tactile Tech – Illinois Math and Science Academy
  • Tune Up AI – Elmhurst University

Please register here to attend the big event at College of DuPage on Wednesday May 1, where one of these student companies will win the top prize of $5,000!  Special thanks goes out to DuPage Foundation, AT&T and College of DuPage for the support of Innovation DuPage’s Youth Initiatives.
 

Many thanks and have a great week,