A Georgia Tech student-run startup that helps physicians detect signs of permanent blindness in patients before the damage is irreparable took home a total of $9,000 in a pitch competition.
Insight Optics placed third in the annual global pitch competition pitting 27 finalist teams from across seven countries in three continents. All participated through local chapters in the TiE University Program, which was founded by former TiE Atlanta President Paul Lopez. More than 520 teams and 1,4430 students competed in the global competition overall.
Insight Optics allows physicians to send video-conducted, machine-learning-reviewed examinations to eye specialists for consultation and followup care through a mobile-adapted platform.
The pitch team included Aaron Enten, co-founder and CEO, and T.J. LaGrow, who heads up the artificial intelligence initiatives at the company. They received mentorship from the Atlanta chapter, which recruited 35 mentors and judges throughout the qualifying round.
Insight Optics received a $5,000 cash prize sponsored by the Naadam Foundation and a $4,000 grant from the REAN Foundation. The winner and runner-up, respectively, were ALT TEX from the University of Toronto, which makes textiles from food waste, and Survivr from the University of Texas, which offers training for first responders.
The global pitch event included a fireside chat with Emory University Professor Jagdish Sheth and Ronnie Screwvala, co-founder and chairman of Mumbai-based Upgrad.
TiE originally started as The Indus Entrepreneurs. The global organization was built to network Indian-origin business leaders together but has now expanded into a broader support network featuring mentorship and funding resources for entrepreneurs in technology and beyond.
TiE Atlanta is one of the top five most active chapters in the 61-chapter organization, which spans 14 countries including India, United Arab Emirates, the U.S. and others.
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