YWCC Student Start Up Aims to Create an Avalanche of Untapped AI Potential

Imagine the ability to leverage sensitive data with full-fledged compliance and security. Encryptech, a cloud computing service focused on handling sensitive data securely, was created by sophomore S-STEM scholar Jonathan Kozlik and his collaborator with a goal to make the training of regulatory-compliant AI models on sensitive data both affordable and scalable.

Their innovative pitch for Encryptech at HackMIT caught the attention of Avalanche, a renowned platform for decentralized finance and enterprise-grade blockchain solutions. Impressed by their vision, Avalanche invited the team to apply to its exclusive Codebase Season 2 Cohort, the official Avalanche incubator and accelerator that funds and supports Web3 founders.

There was one catch: The deadline for submissions had passed and required the team to prepare a full pitch deck – in one night. Fueled by the desire to make their concept a reality, they delivered a presentation that was persuasive enough to advance them ahead to prepare two additional, unique pitch decks over the following two days.

Hard work and ingenuity paid off in the end. The founders of Encryptech were one of five startups selected to compete for three top positions that would fund the winning entrepreneurs at $500,000, $300,000 or $100,000, along with an all-expenses paid three month visit to Innovation House in London.

The Season 2 Cohort teams were then whisked off to Avalanche Summit LATAM in Buenos Aires during the month of October with a $50,000 non-dilutive grant to build their innovations. During that time and the following weeks, the Encryptech team received mentoring, access to partner networks, venture capital talks, and seminars on cybersecurity, business models, marketing strategies, UX/UI development, and more.

Kozlik felt especially fortunate to have one-on-one time while eating with several of the Avalanche developers and found the entire experience a fever dream he never imagined was possible a few years ago, when he wasn’t sure if he could even attend college for financial reasons.

The S-STEM scholarship program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support high achieving students, has been his dreamcatcher. And now, he feels empowered to match his talent with the potential to change the future.

As a first-generation college student, Kozlik reflects on his mother's sacrifices: “Being first generation, I understand what it’s like to have nothing; My mother came to this country by herself, with no money and no understanding of the language. She managed to build her own life here, and while there wasn't much to spare, she would spoil me as much as she could. By striving for success, I hope to honor my mother and show that her sacrifices were not in vain.”

He continued: “For many, college is the first opportunity to make their own decisions and build their own future; NJIT has given me the chance to prove I can stand on my own and create a life I can be proud of.”

The final step for the Codebase Season 2 Cohort will be doing a live, virtual pitch to judges on December 18 to determine the final three winning startup teams.

Ying Wu College of Computing (YWCC) hopes bangers and mash is on the menu at Kozlik’s next meal with the people at Avalanche.