Meet the Judges
Get ready to meet the powerhouse panel behind Start Up Lehigh Valley. These distinguished judges aren’t just here to watch the show, they’re be in the thick of it, evaluating pitches, asking the smart, tough questions, and getting into the nitty-gritty of each venture’s business model.
Each judge brings serious entrepreneurial cred and industry experience, giving them the sharp eye needed to spot promising startups. As founders pitch their ideas, the judges will assess everything from innovation and feasibility to market potential and team strength. Their insight will help determine which ventures rise to the top—and ultimately, who takes home the SULV honors.
2026 SULV Judges
Olivia Abrams
Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and CEO and co-founder of TiCK MiTT, Olivia is a Gen Z entrepreneur on a mission to make bug protection as universal as sunscreen. Her company's chemical-free tick removal glove — named one of Time magazine's Best Inventions of 2025 and featured on ABC's Shark Tank — was born from personal experience: a Lyme disease diagnosis at age 7 that changed her life and her outlook. Today, she's building the bug protection brand she wished had existed, designed for every family, every pet, and every outdoor moment. ✨
Sandy Denton
A retired technology executive, Lehigh Trustee, and startup advisor, Sandy specializes in the "0 to 1" journey — helping founders turn ideas into successful businesses. Over her career, she held leadership roles across global enterprises and six software startups, four of which were acquired. Her expertise spans enterprise technology, operational strategy, and business process automation. Today, Sandy advises founders and university leaders on innovation, leadership, and scaling new ventures, with a particular passion for helping entrepreneurs sharpen their narratives and build lasting strategic partnerships. ✨
Mike Gausling
Mike is a serial entrepreneur and venture capital investor with a track record spanning company-building, fundraising, and early-stage investment. As co-founder and former CEO of OraSure Technologies, he helped grow the company from startup to more than $50 million in annual sales and a $500 million market cap, raising over $100 million along the way. He later co-founded Originate Ventures, an early-stage VC fund that deployed more than $44 million across 17 startups since 2007. Today, Mike invests his time and capital selectively through his family office, One Putt Ventures. ✨
2025 SULV Judges
Stephen Tang
Stephen is a distinguished leader and mentor with over 40 years of executive and governance experience in the global life sciences, public health, nonprofit, and higher education industries. As the current chairman of NOW Diagnostics Inc. and former chairman and CEO of OraSure Technologies, he has been actively involved in fostering innovation and nurturing emerging companies throughout his career. Steve is honored to bring his expertise to the Lehigh Valley Start-Up competition as a judge, where he looks forward to supporting and elevating the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs. ✨
Emma Fleck
Emma is an innovative and award-winning educator. As a Professor of Entrepreneurship at the AACSB Accredited Sigmund Weis Business School at Susquehanna University, she teaches business start-up, innovation strategies, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills to support and elevate the student experience as young entrepreneurs. Over her career, she has supported hundreds of businesses to grow and thrive in Ireland, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, where she now lives with her two boys. ✨
Kathryn Colonna Worrilow
Kathryn is Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of LifeAire Systems. A reproductive physiologist, she holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania. Her pioneering research on embryogenesis and air quality led to the development of LifeAire’s patented air purification technology. Dr. Worrilow holds 30 patents, has authored over 75 publications, and is a 2025 Edison Award recipient. A frequent national and international speaker, she also serves on biodefense and health equity advisory boards. She is passionate about science education and values time with her husband and twin sons. ✨