EU Junior wins $1,500 with AI-Powered Bluejay Tank Pitch

Photo by Marty Gahbauer

Danil Denha, a junior at Elmhurst University, walked away with the first-place prize of $1,500 following the Fall 2024 Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition, held on-campus in the Mill Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 17.

Denha, an international student from Ukraine majoring in computer science, wowed a panel of five judges with entrepreneurial experience, including a previous Bluejay Tank winner, with his vision for “GetHired,” a company that would employ artificial intelligence to enhance résumé writing.

After applying for countless software engineering positions in the hopes of securing an internship to include in his résumé, Denha realized that different job descriptions require varying skills and experiences, making the process much more tedious if done manually.

GetHired would ensure that students could build résumés compatible with applicant tracking systems, which many employers use to quickly sort out and assess applications. Denha’s presentation was accompanied by a working prototype, allowing the judges to view an interface for the website.

The judges would go on to praise the “outstanding” delivery and presentation of Denha’s pitch, saying it was streamlined “very effectively.”

GetHired was one of seven initiatives pitched over the course of the event, with each presentation lasting up to 10 minutes and being evaluated on five categories: first impressions, pitch content, pitch delivery, ability to answer questions from the judges, and incorporation of a digital element, such as a website, app, or database.

Another initiative, “AudioDrama,” belonged to Emma Selle, a senior double majoring in theatre and business administration, who walked away with the second-place prize of $1,000. Inspired by a friend with cerebral palsy, Selle expressed her hope to provide users with access to a library of audiobooks, including classic works and content in the public domain.

The judges were also impressed by a pitch from senior Beth Barnes, who shared her view for “Lucid,” an app that would utilize both AI and virtual reality to recreate and share users’ dreams through “visual, audio, and sensory integration,” thereby “transforming our connection to the subconscious.” Barnes ultimately took home the third-place prize of $500.

According to Patrick Yanahan, Executive in Residence of the E-celerator Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program, there was a four-point difference between second and third place.

Throughout the evening, judges heard from multiple other contestants, including Brady Lucas, who graduated from EU with a bachelor’s in finance before going on to pursue a Master of Business Administration. Brady shared his vision for an AI-driven “financial protector” app intended to improve financial literacy and responsibility.

Rafiul Islam Zareef subsequently pitched his own premise, “Storyboard Inc. 2.0,” designed to enhance college students’ essay writing skills and discourage plagiarism from AI, providing features such as a built-in citation application.

Olamiposi Ogunbiyi, a junior from Nigeria majoring in cybersecurity and more commonly known as “Marvelous,” shared his idea for “Campus Cravings,” a campus food delivery service that would accommodate students with busy schedules, while also allowing students to participate and earn a profit via delivery fees.

The judges also heard from a trio of students — Victor Alvizo, Juan Hernandez, and Jesric Macedo — who outlined their concept of “Jale,” an application and website that would connect blue-collar workers and feature a rating system for contractors and small business owners.

As the Bluejay Tank neared its end, Yanahan thanked everyone involved with the event, from the contestants and judges to the staff of the Mill Theatre, and the individual who supplied pizza.

Commenting on the event after its conclusion, Yanahan said, “I think that this was yet another fantastic example of the best of the best that the university represents.” Yanahan also believed the presentations clearly showed the advancements of AI.

Kathleen Rossi, a professor of computer science at EU and a regular attendee of Bluejay Tank events, agreed.

“It’s great for the students. Everybody should try it,” Rossi voiced. “I just think it’s an opportunity to get up and speak and get creative.”