McCloskey
As the McCloskey New Venture Competition Finals approach, the excitement on campus is hard to miss. This competition has become a cornerstone of entrepreneurship at the University of Notre Dame, bringing together bold ideas, ambitious founders, and a community eager to build what’s next.
This year, out of over 160 entries, just 16 teams advanced to the semifinals after a rigorous selection process led by more than 150 alumni industry leaders. Among them are three ESTEEM teams whose ventures highlight not only innovation, but a strong commitment to solving meaningful, real-world problems.
Anaphero | Tiarnan O’Rourke
Anaphero is a mobile app that works seamlessly with your smartwatch to detect the early signs of anaphylaxis in children with severe allergies, providing faster, life-saving intervention of allergic reactions.
Advocate LLC | Kevin Biergens
Advocate LLC connects employees with experienced clinicians who guide them through the healthcare system. From coordinating care and reviewing medical bills to navigating surgeries and treatment decisions, our advocates make healthcare easier to understand. Built for SMB's, Advocate helps employees get better care while lowering costs for employers.
Irish Nostalgia | David Chang & Team
Irish Nostalgia is a retail shop producing officially licensed University of Notre Dame accessories, gifts, and memorabilia, from 3D-printed shamrocks and custom golf tees to ornaments, magnets, and ND-themed keepsakes.
Beyond the competing teams, this year’s competition is part of a broader celebration of entrepreneurship. The event includes a Founders Summit featuring speakers and programming designed to support and inspire the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Notre Dame. Participants will compete for more than $100,000 in prize money, with awards spanning categories like Life Science, Defense Tech, and Best Undergraduate and Graduate Ventures.
At its core, the McCloskey New Venture Competition is more than a pitch event, it’s a launchpad. And as these ESTEEM teams step into the semifinals, they represent the kind of thoughtful, impact-driven innovation that defines the next generation of founders.