By: Yvonne Pan
The Morgenthaler-Pavey Startup Competition (MPSC) took place Thursday, Feb. 4. Five
companies pitched for a chance to win up to $25,000 and a spot in gBETA, a program of nationally-ranked start-up accelerator gener8tor. Companies included Aronetics, Immobileyes, Lemontree Media, Mine Stencils and Promytheus, showcasing innovations in cyber and home security, the interactive video marketplace, makeup applications, and talent discovery. Immobileyes’ laser security system brought home the grand prize.
"Participating in and winning the 2021 MPSC has validated the game-changing potential for Immobileye's technology. With rising unrest and heightened security risks, the need for a better security device that can serve to protect facilities and homes as well as law enforcement has become more urgent,” Immobileyes CEO and co-founder Atossa Alavi (LAW ‘03) said. “We are honored to be this year’s winner, since the $25,000 award will be invaluable in bringing this product to market.”
Immobileyes uses Multi-beam Eye Disruptor Universal Security Assist (MEDUSA) to disrupt perpetrators and intervene effectively in dangerous encounters with immediate activation and a coordinated response. MEDUSA consists of a matrix of three different wavelength laser beams, each split into 400-10,000 spots and directed to impair intruders temporarily until law enforcement can get to a scene. The technology provides a “deer in the headlights” effect without causing permanent eye damage.
Immobileyes’ team has a combined 20 years of research on lasers and vision, with many leading members overlapping with AlphaMicron, a company that innovates optical devices with dynamic light management and has funded Immobileyes. Immobileyes is currently discussing licensing with two companies and estimates it can capture 15-20% of its target market, providing consumers with three options for security units: residential, facility or commercial, or a monthly subscription.
MPSC is led by Veale Fellow, Scott Shane, the A. Malachi Mixon III Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies. Finalists are selected with the help of students from Shane’s entrepreneurial finance class and industry experts. Judges of the pitch competition included Bob Pavey, partner emeritus of Morgenthaler Ventures and CWRU trustee, Lynn Ann Gries, former co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Jumpstart Inc. and John Knific, co-Founder, president and COO of Wisr Inc. (CWR ‘09).