top of page
54 Startup Weekend
Sept 27-29, 2024 | Siebel Center for Design
54 is a 3-day startup event where students from different backgrounds come together to form teams and launch a successful startup. Think hackathon, but more open-ended. No experience required. Just bring yourself, some friends, and good ideas. Food, swag, & working space will be provided at the Siebel Center for Design.​
54 2024 RECAP
Keynote Speakers
Alex Kosyakov | Founder/CEO of Natrion
Alex Kosyakov is the founder and CEO of Natrion, a battery technology company serving automakers, consumer electronics, and defense clients. He studied materials science at UIUC and launched Natrion through the iVenture Accelerator (Cohort 6).
Natrion won the 2021 Cozad New Venture Challenge and has secured funding from Mark Cuban, LG, Illinois Ventures, and Illini Angels. The company partners with the US Air Force and major automotive and battery OEMs, operating R&D at UIUC's Research Park and a production facility in Upstate NY.
Priya Kumar | Founder/CEO of Sakura MedTech
Priya Kumar is the Founder and CEO of Sakura MedTech, developing technology to improve gynecological workflows and patient care. Sakura MedTech placed 2nd at UChicago's CNVC and UIUC's Cozad pitch competitions and was a finalist in national startup contests like ASU Innovation Open and Baylor New Venture.
She previously worked at Microsoft, served on the National 4-H Council Board, and gained public health experience at Harborview Injury Prevention Center. A former founder in kidney disease screening, she also co-founded STEM and robotics camps for underprivileged youth in India. Kumar earned a Bioengineering degree from UIUC in 2024, focusing on CS and business.
Our 2024 Team
Zoe Hanson
Co-Director
Vedha Pant
Co-Director
Rithvik Mani
Head of Events
Event Impact:
bottom of page