MIT Students Launch 13 Startups Solving Real Problems

Twenty-eight MIT students just proved that one summer can change everything.

At the 15th annual delta v Demo Day, 13 student-led startups showcased real progress on problems that matter. Inside a packed auditorium, teams presented companies working on cybersecurity, healthcare spending, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. Many had already secured customers, deployed prototypes, and generated revenue in just three months.

The event opened with a powerful moment of reflection. Student veteran Kevin Power asked the audience to honor the 25th anniversary of September 11th with action, not just words. "We honor those lost the way we believe they would want: by being humble, taking care of each other, and building something worthy of the people who never had this chance," he said.

Each team received $75,000 in equity-free funding, a significant jump from previous years. The support came with mentorship from MIT's Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship, which helped students achieve milestones that typically take years.

This year's applicants doubled from 2025, with over 200 teams competing for 13 spots. The selected founders came from across MIT's schools, bringing together undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs with diverse expertise.

"One of the things I love about delta v is it brings students from all across our community together to approach challenges with different perspectives," said Paula Hammond, dean of MIT's School of Engineering. The companies span artificial intelligence, biotech, aerospace, and financial technology.

The Ripple Effect

The program just expanded its reach with a new partner network of 125 leading founders and investors. Entrepreneurs from companies like HubSpot, Okta, and Kayak joined industry experts to guide the next generation of problem-solvers.

Trust Center Executive Director Ana Bakshi reminded the audience what really matters. "You are witnessing 28 normal humans with dreams, ambitions, and most of all hope," she said. "That's 28 people who have taken the leap of faith to influence a future and a world that does not necessarily exist yet."

These aren't just classroom projects gathering dust on a shelf. Students worked full-time over the summer, turning ideas into real businesses with real impact. Managing Director Bill Aulet called it his "favorite day of the year," watching students commit to building solutions the world desperately needs.

The message was clear: big challenges need bold builders, and this year's class is ready to deliver.