Time-Saving Tech for Dentists Takes Top Prize at 2026 Pitch Dingman Competition

Nithin Skantha Murugan’s sister, a dentist, was spending too much time manually entering patient data into her electronic health records. The University of Maryland graduate student in machine learning created a solution—and a company.

Its AI operating system for dental clinics, which listens to conversations with patients and populates all required fields in patient charts, won the top prize on Wednesday at the 2026 Pitch Dingman Competition.

“This $25,000 is definitely going to help us a lot in terms of getting first customers, incorporating the company and getting through all of the legal hurdles associated with running a business,” said Murugan M.S. ’26, who with his team at Renfort won the David and Robyn Quattrone Tech Track, targeted at student founders of scalable technology ventures that already have traction like revenue, users, customer interviews and investments.

The universitywide competition, now in its 11th year, featured over $170,000 in prize money along with three other tracks that had UMD student and alumni entrepreneurs pitching their companies “Shark Tank”-style to a room full of judges and spectators at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center.

Pitch Dingman is hosted by the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. This year’s winners were selected from a pool of over 130 applicants competing in four tracks to receive thousands of dollars in prize money, venture-development resources and professional coaching. 

“It’s an annual celebration of what amazing University of Maryland students can do,” said Mike Hoffmeyer, managing director of the center. “It’s also an excellent way for us to showcase our work and why we do it.” 

In a surprise announcement, Lee Wasserman ’89, founder and strategic advisor of LEW Environmental Services, introduced the Wasserman Award for Entrepreneurial Opportunity and Perseverance. Beginning in 2027, the award will grant $4,000-$5,000 annually to the UMD student entrepreneur who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance and resourcefulness in early-stage venture development. 

“It’s all about the give back and the pay forward,” said Wasserman. “It’s appreciation for the assistance along the way.” He majored in accounting at the business school and went on to become a CPA, but had a dream of becoming an entrepreneur—a dream he successfully realized, and now he wants to help fledgling entrepreneurs do the same. 

Meet this year’s other top winners:

• WISE Connect, founded by Marie Brodsky ’24 and Kat Close ’23, took home the $20,000 grand prize award in the Alumni Tech Track, which supports alumni-founded tech and software ventures that have gained traction such as early customers, and have less than $100,000 in yearly revenue. The company builds stronger, older adult-friendly communities by helping senior adults find local services, resources and opportunities that support aging at home.
• Cha Coffee Co, founded by Nazea Khan ’20, MBA ’24, won the $15,000 grand prize in the Alumni Main Street Track, which is for alumni-founded non-tech small businesses that have revenue and initial customers. Her mobile coffee and beverage cart provides elevated, customizable drink experiences for weddings, company events and community gatherings.
• Abiara Skin, founded by finance and business management double major Mathea Abiara ’28, won the top prize of $15,000 in the Main Street Track. The company creates a range of skin and body care products for women crafted from all-natural, unrefined ingredients.

The contest featured judges who are company founders, investors and entrepreneurs–many of them University of Maryland alumni.

The following is a complete list of winners:

David and Robyn Quattrone Tech Track

• Grand Prize ($25,000): Renfort, Nithan Skantha Murugan M.S. ’26
• 2nd Place ($10,000): Command Legacy, Matthew Johnson EMBA ’26, Jim Hurd EMBA ’26
• 3rd Place ($5,000): DefenX, Srinidhi Gubba ’26 and Smithi Mahendran ’26

Alumni Tech Track

• Grand Prize ($20,000): WISE Connect, Marie Brodsky ’24 and Kat Close ’23
• 2nd Place ($15,000): Wagabond Pets, Dorian Stephens MBA ’23

Main Street Track

• Grand Prize ($15,000): Abiara Skin, Mathea Abiara ‘28
• 2nd Place ($8,000): The Finiti, Marina Merchant-Dest ’26
• 3rd Place ($5,000): Build Young Minds, Amadou Wade ’28

Alumni Main Street Track

• Grand Place ($15,000): Cha Coffee Co, Nazea Khan ’20, MBA ’24
• 2nd Place ($10,000): Everyday Hair, Tiffany Nicole ’11