OMAHA, Nebraska (April 26, 2017)—A group from the University of Nebraska Medical Center is believed to be the first to advance to the final round of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s seventh annual Maverick Business Plan competition tomorrow.

A screenshot of Orca Analytics’ interface that diagrams a theoretical student’s pathways to potential career options.

The group, primarily made up of current and former graduate students at UNMC, will pitch their plan for “Orca Analytics.” It’s a venture that uses data and predictive analytics to help guide collegiate advisers and their students to make the most of the educational experience. The cloud-based software application illuminates the most efficient path of courses for a student, presumably leading to better career options upon graduation. The same applications would also help advisers maintain a better sense of their students’ progression.

Members of the Orca team are Tim Bielecki and Will Payne, doctoral candidates at UNMC; Tyler Scherr, PhD, a recent UNMC graduate; and Ben Jones, co-founder of the graphic design firm, Labrat Design.

UNO’s business plan competition is sponsored by the College of Business Administration’s Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising. Final presentations, five minutes each, are scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2017, beginning at 6-7:15 p.m. at Mammel Hall. Guests can meet and greet all finalists during a meet and greet session at 5:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

A panel of judges will weigh the proposals for market opportunity, practicality and impact to determine the winners. Cash awards will be presented to the top three finishers, with $3,000 going to the first place, $2,000 to second place, and $1,000 to the third place finishers.

An additional prize will be awarded to the plan that best “incorporates sustainability,” and audience members will have a chance to win $300 in door prizes.