The Brink AI Startup Pitch Day Draws Standing-Room-Only Crowd for Spring Workshop Series Finale
Twenty-three AI startups took the stage at the University of San Diego as founders, investors, and innovators gathered for one of The Brink's largest events to date.
The Brink SBDC at the University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business concluded its Spring AI Workshop Series on May 14, 2026 with a packed-house finale that brought together founders, investors, advisors, students, and innovation leaders from across the region.
Hosted in the Nexus Theatre at USD's Knauss Center for Business Education, AI Startup Pitch Day featured a standing-room-only audience and quickly became one of The Brink's largest and most engaging events to date.
The event marked the culmination of a six-part workshop series led by Pankaj Kedia, Senior AI Advisor at The Brink SBDC, which explored the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence through topics including AI fundamentals, industry applications, startup formation, investment trends, ethical considerations, and hands-on AI tools.
Founders Showcase the Future of AI
The finale showcased 23 AI startups, including eight featured startup presentations and fifteen one-minute rapid-fire pitches. Founders represented a diverse range of industries and use cases, highlighting the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial talent emerging throughout the San Diego region and beyond.
Participating founders included:
- Jayla Davis, Glowri
- Peter Westlake, MindNumbers
- Riley Brown, Gift Matcher
- Hilda Martinez, Thrive
- Cammie Clay, Faibuddy
- Spencer Wozniak, Serelora
- Rowdy Malchow, Perspective Intelligence
- Naomi Debass, DIAL
Throughout the evening, founders received real-time feedback and insights from an accomplished panel of judges:
- Paige Doherty, Founding Partner, Behind Genius Ventures
- Dean Rosenberg, Entrepreneur, Executive, and Investor, NuFund Venture Group
- Akash Pai, Founder and COO, ZEROBrush and Investor, NuFund Venture Group
- Benton Moore, Senior Advisor, The Brink SBDC and Investor, NuFund Venture Group
- Maisha Cobb, Senior Advisor, The Brink SBDC and Founder, Mpact International
Recognizing Outstanding Startup Pitches
Following the pitch competition, judges selected four standout companies for recognition:
Platinum Award Winner: Naomi Debass, DIAL
Gold Award Winner: Rowdy Malchow, Perspective Intelligence
Silver Award Winner: Peter Westlake, MindNumbers
Audience Choice Award Winner: Spencer Wozniak, Serelora
The event concluded with networking among founders, investors, advisors, and community members, creating new opportunities for collaboration and reinforcing San Diego's position as a growing hub for AI innovation and entrepreneurship.
Thank You to Our Founders, Judges, and Supporters
The Brink extends its sincere appreciation to Pankaj Kedia for leading the Spring AI Workshop Series and helping founders navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. The organization also thanks the judging panel, participating founders, and attendees whose enthusiasm and engagement made the series such a success.
As The Brink continues to support founders through education, mentorship, and access to capital, events like AI Startup Pitch Day demonstrate the strength of the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem and the growing role AI will play in shaping the future.
The future is unwritten. Let's write it together.