UV Sense, a University of Utah startup focused on skin cancer monitoring, was a semi-finalist in America’s Startup, a national collegiate startup competition created to spotlight early-stage business ideas with the potential to drive America’s future economic, technological, and societal progress.
UV Sense produces hardware and software technology that enables users to track their real-time UV exposure and understand their exposure risk to ensure the prevention of sunburn and, more importantly, skin cancer. The UV sensor is a wearable device with an associated mobile app that allows users to see their data.
CEO and founder Kristina Schiffman is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Utah. She previously graduated from the U’s David Eccles School of Business with a business administration degree. She was among 30 semi-finalists who recently participated in a live pitch experience in San Mateo, Calif.
“I feel really passionate about the amount of people in this country who are impacted by skin cancer,” Schiffman said. “Getting to be in a place that will specifically highlight fixing a problem that, though global, is so prominent in America is exciting.”
Schiffman’s interest in UV exposure and skin health began in high school, when she got involved in a project with two University of Utah dermatologists. A family history of skin cancer motivated her to keep pursuing the idea.
“My stepdad has had so much skin cancer removed and my little sister has his same complexion,” she said. “I wanted to create something so she wouldn’t have to go through what he did.”
The project gained momentum when Schiffman enrolled at the University of Utah and became involved with the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, a top-10-ranked entrepreneurship program, which helped transform the project into a full-fledged startup.
“Kristina exemplifies the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that’s a hallmark of both our state and our university,” said Scott Holley, executive director of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah. “I have every confidence that she’s going to be incredibly successful with this company that is solving a widespread problem.”
Schiffman received funding through Lassonde’s Get Seeded and Bench to Bedside programs, and office space at Lassonde Studios through the Company Launch program.
“Lassonde helped with my initial funding, which was instrumental in things like filing a provisional patent application and getting early circuit boards together,” she said. “More recently, I’ve received significant support through the Company Launch program and Scott Holley’s guidance.”
Schiffman’s participation in America’s Startup isn’t just a win for her – it’s a win for the University of Utah and the entire state of Utah.
“This is a great recognition that we’re producing not just amazing entrepreneurs in our backyard, but entrepreneurs that can compete on the national and global stage,” Holley said.
Learn more about America’s Startup at america250.org/americas-startup. Learn more about UV Sense at uvsense.us.
