"America's Startup" competitors use AI to launch businesses from their dorms

America's Startup, a government-backed collegiate innovation competition, has seen a surge in participants using artificial intelligence to launch their businesses from college dorm rooms. Competitors across various sectors, including winemaking, skincare, and fire suppression, have harnessed AI's capabilities to gain a competitive edge.

According to America250 chair and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Rosie Rios, Gen Z entrepreneurs are the first AI-native cohort entering the job market, making them well-equipped to leverage AI technologies. She believes AI will not only broaden their skill sets but also eliminate hurdles to starting businesses. Recent data from the Bank of America Institute indicates a rise in U.S. business formation, largely driven by Gen Z founders, and AI can enable solopreneurs to operate efficiently and cost-effectively.

Kayan Shah, a co-founder of Graft Systems, has partnered with vineyards to develop a seaweed-based hydrogel fire suppressant that is free of "forever chemicals." Another entrant, Kristina Schiffman, founded UV Sense, a biotech company that employs AI to help users track their exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays and potentially detect skin cancer earlier.

The competition, which will award $1 million in cash and prizes, accepts submissions until October 8 at 7:59 p.m. EDT, with investor council members including prominent entrepreneurs like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and OpenAI's Sarah Friar.