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AI Innovation Challenge
Also known as: CofC AI Innovation Challenge
College of Charleston · Charleston, South Carolina
Quick fit check
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
—
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Institution Wide
Last activity
2025-11-20
High confidence
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Classmate
$2,500
prize won
College of Charleston
Academic platform venture; College of Charleston AI Innovation Challenge 2025 second place ($2.5K).
NEXO
$1,500
prize won
College of Charleston
Drug detection device venture; College of Charleston AI Innovation Challenge 2025 third place ($1.5K).
NOLO
$1,000
prize won
College of Charleston
Wellness mocktails venture; College of Charleston AI Innovation Challenge 2025 audience favorite ($1K).
Project HAB
$5,000
prize won
College of Charleston
Algal bloom prediction venture; College of Charleston AI Innovation Challenge 2025 first place ($5K).
AI Innovation Challenge
The AI Innovation Challenge is a pitch competition designed by the College of Charleston Founders Club and Center for Entrepreneurship to inspire undergraduates to use AI to solve real-world problems. In Fall 2025, 70 teams submitted ideas, 7 finalists pitched to a panel of 12 entrepreneurs and industry leaders, and $10,000 in prizes was awarded.
Key Details
- Organizers: Founders Club + Center for Entrepreneurship
- Prize pool: $10,000 total
- Judges: 12-member Center for Entrepreneurship Advisory Board
- 2025 participation: 70 teams submitted, 7 finalists
- Eligibility: All CofC undergraduates
2025 Winners
| Place | Team | Description | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Project HAB | AI-powered harmful algal bloom prediction using satellite imagery | $5,000 |
| 2nd | Classmate | Academic assistance platform automating deadlines and study plans | $2,500 |
| 3rd | NEXO | Portable device for detecting date-rape drugs and chemicals | $1,500 |
| Audience Favorite | NOLO | Wellness mocktail brand using AI for logistics optimization | $1,000 |
Pipeline
The AI Innovation Challenge is one of several pitch competitions managed by the cofc-center-entrepreneurship, alongside cofc-impact-x Demo Day and cofc-palmetto-pitch.
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting AI Innovation Challenge at College of Charleston.
2 sources
AI Innovation Challenge Showcases Students' Entrepreneurial Spirit
The College Today (CofC News)
The College Today (CofC News)
AI Innovation Challenge Showcases Students' Entrepreneurial Spirit
URL: https://today.charleston.edu/2025/12/11/ai-innovation-challenge-showcases-students-entrepreneurial-creativity Captured: 2026-07-01 College Today news article covering the Fall 2025 AI Innovation Challenge, organized by the Founders Club and Center for Entrepreneurship. 70 teams submitted, 7 finalists pitched to 12 judges. Total $10K prize pool.
Read on The College Today (CofC News)
Center for Entrepreneurship Student Experience
College of Charleston School of Business
College of Charleston School of Business
Center for Entrepreneurship Student Experience
URL: https://charleston.edu/school-business/centers-initiatives/center-entrepreneurship/student-experience.php Captured: 2026-07-01 The Student Experience page details all extracurricular entrepreneurship opportunities including the Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community (E-LLC), Impact X Demo Day, Universal Design Competition, Palmetto Pitch Competition, AI Innovation Competition, and Founders Club.
Read on College of Charleston School of Business