From the Lab to the National Stage: Jain and Bandodkar Earn Podium Finish at Startup Summit

Graduate student Bhavya Jain is turning big ideas into real-world solutions. Jain recently earned third place and a $5,000 prize at the National Startup Summit 2025, showcasing the power of innovation through action.

Graduate student Bhavya Jain is turning big ideas into real-world solutions. Jain recently earned third place and a $5,000 prize at the National Startup Summit 2025, a prestigious competition hosted by Mississippi State University.

The Startup Summit brings together top student entrepreneurs nationwide to pitch business ideas designed to solve real challenges. This year, 75 teams applied to compete for a share of the $100,000 prize pool. The competition is known for its tough judging standards and national reach. For Jain, who is pursuing a graduate degree in electrical and computer engineering at NC State, the event offered a chance to put the university’s “Think and Do” spirit into action.

“We began this as a research project in 2023 when I joined NC State as a visiting student, driven by the goal of creating a safer, more eco-friendly energy source,” Jain said. “As the work progressed, we realized the broader potential of the technology and the urgent need to address the environmental and safety issues posed by conventional toxic batteries.” Focusing first on low-powered electronics, Enviracell developed a rechargeable battery that is lithium-free, eco-friendly, lightweight and significantly more cost-effective than current options.

The experience at the Startup Summit was unforgettable. “The energy in the room was incredible, with passionate student entrepreneurs bringing their bold visions to the table,” Jain said. “When the judges and audience connected with our idea, it was an incredibly validating moment.”

Preparing for the competition was a true team effort. Jain worked closely with his advisor, Amay Bandodkar, ECE professor, to shape the technical narrative into an impactful and accessible pitch. He also credits Zach Williams from the Office of Research Commercialization and Professor Liz Tracy from NC State’s Poole College of Management for helping refine his presentation. “I did countless mock presentations and rewrote my pitch at least ten times,” Jain said. “Every round made it stronger.”

Jain’s entrepreneurial journey has been fueled by NC State’s strong support network. “Dr. Matt Fox has been an incredible source of encouragement, and the Social and Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center provided the tools and guidance I needed to move this idea forward,” he said. “The ECE department fosters a truly innovative, cross-disciplinary environment, which has been essential for a project like ours.”

In addition to the Startup Summit, Jain also earned first prize at the CATALYZE Commercialization Conference held in Talley Student Union in February 2025. Inspired by a previous NC State winner, he entered his first pitch competition there and left with new confidence in the real-world potential of his research.

The team’s innovative battery technology also reached an international audience when Amay Bandodkar showcased it at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, one of the world’s largest technology trade shows. This opportunity highlighted the project’s potential for real-world impact and its relevance in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Looking ahead, Bandodkar and his team are in discussions with U.S.-based battery manufacturers to initiate a pilot industry run. They are also working to secure intellectual property and refine the battery’s design for real-world applications.

“This win is not just about a pitch deck or a prize,” Jain said. “It is a reminder that research does not have to stay in journals or patents. It can go out, solve problems and build something lasting. That is the kind of science I want to be part of.”

Bandodkar noted that experiences like these help students sharpen their communication and entrepreneurial skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the real-world impact of their work. He also recognized the critical support provided by the NC State Chancellor’s Innovation Fund, the ASSIST Industry Seed Fund and Zach Williams from the Office of Research Commercialization, who played an important role in helping Jain prepare for the competition.

The project also earned praise from industry leaders who attended the competition. “Great tech, great presentation, promising output,” said Arsalan Daudi of Eva Garland Consultancy. Shafin Khan, vice president of UNO Research and Technology Foundation Inc., called the technology “very impressive and a solution to a significant problem.” Abby Thompson of Mississippi State University added, “The enthusiasm of this team is 10 out of 10. I love the innovative approach to a worldwide problem.”

Through experiences like these, NC State students show that meaningful change starts when ideas move beyond the lab. With the right support and determination, their work is shaping solutions that matter.