Our mission is to develop lifelong innovators who deliver high-impact products. Below, browse details of active startups launched from Duke Engineering.

OptiML Solutions
Deploying machine learning to speed diagnosis of eye diseases
Across the globe, nearly 350 million are at risk of losing vision to glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy—both treatable if diagnosed early. OptiML is developing a portable imaging device and machine learning-based analysis system aimed at making early diagnosis easy and cost-efficient. More »
Founders
- Anuj Thakkar—Duke Engineering student, Class of 2020
- Nikhil Ravi—Duke Computer Science and Mathematics student, Class of 2021
- Pranav Warman—Duke Computer Science and Biology student, Class of 2020
- Kevin Zheng—Duke Computer Science and Biology student, Class of 2019
EngEn Resources Accessed
- Consultation and Advice
- Mentorship
- Funding
Events
- 2017: Founded
- 2017: First prize, Triangle Health Innovation Challenge
- 2018: Won a Baquerizo Innovation Grant

Protect3d
Custom protective devices for injured athletes
Traditional pads used to protect injuries can restrict athlete mobility and cause bruising. Protect3d uses scanning, modeling and printing to create custom devices that protect while maximizing mobility and comfort. More »
Founders
- Clark Bulleit—Duke Engineering student, Class of 2019
- Kevin Gehsmann—Duke Engineering student, Class of 2019
- Tim Skapek—Duke Engineering student, Class of 2020
EngEn Resources Accessed
- Consultation and Advice
- Mentorship
- Funding
- Space
Events
- 2018: Founded
- 2019: Pilot program with NC State University Football
- 2019: Won a Baquerizo Innovation Grant
- 2019: Granted space in the BRiDGE startup incubator
- 2020: Winner, NFL $50,000 "1st and Future" competition
- 2021: Receives $50,000 NC IDEAS Grant

Seneca Devices
A device to reposition patients and reduce injury risk to caregivers
In hospitals and nursing facilities, patient repositioning poses a risk of injury to caregivers. Seneca Devices is developing a safe, automated patient repositioning device that allows one caregiver to turn and boost a person in bed without back strain. More »
Founder
- Samuel Fox—Duke Engineering student, Class of 2018
EngEn Resources Accessed
- Consultation and Advice
- Mentorship
- Introduction to potential investors
- Funding
Events
- 2017: $5,000 Duke BME Prize, Duke Startup Challenge
- 2018: Founded
- 2018: Raised nearly $30,000 at Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs Demo Day
- 2018: Agreement with Duke Health for R&D support and field testing
- 2018: Won a Baquerizo Innovation Grant
- 2021: Following testing at Duke School of Nursing, gets ready for manufacturing