Current and Past Spark Projects

Each year, students, faculty, and staff compete with each other in a unique competition: SparkTank. Winners come away with funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to take their innovations to the next level. Here are the grant winners taking part in this year's program:
Bar Bets

Bar Bets offers a risk-free alternative to sports gambling, fostering social engagement without financial consequences. Young adults frequently engage in sports betting despite its risks, often leading to financial strain. Bar Bets provides the thrill of betting while eliminating monetary loss, enhancing the bar-going experience by encouraging interaction. The platform incentivizes repeat visits by offering redeemable rewards for participation. Unlike competitors, Bar Bets partners directly with bars to drive customer loyalty. Revenue is generated through a subscription model, with pricing based on bar size and increased revenue. The business aims to scale by expanding partnerships and refining user engagement strategies.
Horizon Tracker

Horizon Tracker is a scuba diving technology platform combining durable tracking hardware with real-time analytics and emergency response features. Designed for adventure enthusiasts, it enables users to map dives and improve safety. The platform monetizes through hardware sales and subscription-based analytics, targeting a growing global diving market valued at $4 billion. The team’s expertise in computer science and hardware design positions Horizon Tracker for success in this niche industry.
Adjunct X

Adjunct X enhances education by increasing students' social capital through skills, connections, and opportunities. Traditional education often lacks workplace preparation, particularly in fields like business and tech, where networking is key. Adjunct X integrates industry expertise with AI-driven personalized learning, providing mentorship and real-world experience. Initially focused on Bangladesh, where workforce-ready graduates are needed, the institute partners with global organizations and the private sector for scalability. Additionally, Adjunct X creates video-based content promoting critical thinking and civic engagement. The revenue model starts with a direct-to-consumer approach before expanding to B2B partnerships with universities and public institutions.
Monarch Drones

Monarch Drones offers advanced, easy-to-operate drones equipped with AI-powered detection software tailored to specific environments and tasks. This unique approach streamlines the hardware development and procurement processes, enabling rapid design iterations when necessary. By offering AI-enabled features at a local scale, Monarch taps into an untapped market, distinguishing itself from competitors. The company aims to establish partnerships with federal, state, and local government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, state troopers, the National Park Service, and FEMA.
Haitian Transitional Learning

Haitian Transitional Learning provides ESOL courses for Haitian Creole speakers, addressing a gap in language education. Despite Creole being a fast-growing immigrant language, few English tutors speak it fluently. This initiative offers community-based learning to strengthen English proficiency, fostering economic and social mobility. Funded through grants, donations, and partnerships, the program is free for participants. The goal is to build a strong network of workforce-ready immigrants who can contribute back to their community while easing their transition into English-speaking environments.
Planetivity

Planetivity transforms productivity into an engaging experience by visualizing achievements as a growing 3D animated planet. Designed for students, professionals, and neurodivergent individuals, the app reinforces motivation through gamification. Operating on a freemium model, it offers basic features for free while monetizing through premium animations and sponsorships. Targeting the productivity and mental wellness market, Planetivity provides a unique approach to task management and personal growth.
InBite

InBite connects students and young professionals through shared meals, offering restaurant discounts as an incentive. The app facilitates networking and community building by matching users based on shared interests. Restaurants benefit from increased traffic, while users enjoy affordable dining experiences. InBite operates through restaurant partnerships, leveraging discount exchanges for customer engagement. This simple yet effective model strengthens social connections and supports local businesses.
Master Learning Assessment Project (MLA)

MLA addresses STEM attrition by enabling mastery-based learning through automated assessment tools. The platform allows faculty to generate and grade customized exams, ensuring students develop foundational skills. Available as a student-paid service or institutional license, MLA enhances STEM education by improving retention and learning outcomes. The solution is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing curricula, supporting both students and educators.
DermX

DermX is a mobile app connecting patients in underserved areas to dermatologists for remote consultations. Inspired by a personal experience of medical inaccessibility, the platform offers rapid, reliable diagnoses for skin conditions. With over 200 consultations completed and a growing network of specialists, DermX aims to expand across the Middle East, targeting conflict zones and healthcare deserts. By partnering with global health organizations, DermX seeks funding and support to scale operations and ensure broader access to dermatological care. The app provides a crucial solution for communities lacking specialized medical services.