USD Student to Showcase Business at AI Edge Summit
Rastogi, who was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and raised in Delhi, India, is an entrepreneur at heart.
“Growing up, I constantly watched those around me build businesses brick by brick,” said Rastogi. “Their stories of risk, failure and persistence lit something in me early on. I knew I wanted that kind of life, that drive to build, to create something from nothing, and it never left.”
At 18, he made the bold decision to leave his country and come to the United States, choosing USD as the school to further his education and build something of his own. Rastogi is studying finance, and he applies that business lens beyond the classroom—observing how local businesses operate, noting their challenges and exploring where technology could intervene.
In his second year of school, he launched two ventures. The first imports unique products from Asia to U.S. buyers, and the second runs ads for a local detailing business. Both experiences taught him how to spot opportunities and fulfill needs fast.
Then came the idea for Elevaze.
“It started with a simple observation: businesses, especially dental clinics and service providers, were missing opportunities because no one was there to pick up the phone after hours,” said Rastogi. “Operations stopped the moment business hours ended, even though customer needs didn’t. Missed calls meant missed opportunities, and I couldn’t stop thinking, ‘What if they never had to close?’”
So, Rastogi decided to build something that could change that: Elevaze.
“Elevaze builds AI receptionists that sound and act like real humans, answering calls, booking appointments, logging profiles in a CRM, sending confirmations and following up. Essentially, it does everything a receptionist does, but 24/7,” said Rastogi.
The mission of Elevaze is to ensure every business has its own AI that runs around the clock, delivers quality customer experiences and drives more revenue.
“It gives staff and business owners the freedom to focus on what truly matters—serving customers and growing their business,” said Rastogi.
Focusing on what matters guided his decision to both build his business and study at USD.
“I didn’t want to get lost in the noise of a massive campus; I wanted to be in a place where I could grow as a student and a builder,” said Rastogi. “USD gave me exactly that—a space to experiment, professors who cared and a community that feels close enough to matter.”
His professors also played an important role, especially Joe Donovan, instructor in the Division of Entrepreneurship, Management and Marketing. Rastogi credits Donovan with being the voice of reason and encouraging him to take risks and try to solve something big.
“I’m really proud of Shivansh and the work he is doing to bring innovation and entrepreneurship to life here at USD,” said Donovan. “He represents the kind of forward-thinking, driven student who turns ideas into impact, both on campus and beyond.”
USD’s tight-knit community has also been a major advantage for Rastogi. Small enough to form genuine relationships but large enough to open serious doors, the university has given him access to professors, alumni and community connections who have become mentors, clients and supporters. Likewise, he said the university’s support system has been instrumental in helping him apply emerging technologies like AI in meaningful ways.
“AI isn’t just a tech skill, it’s a mindset shift,” Rastogi said. “USD has created an environment where that mindset can grow, allowing students like me to not just study innovation, but build with it in the real world.
“USD does something that many universities miss: it gives students the freedom to explore and the space to build,” Rastogi continued. “It’s not just about what happens in the classroom; it’s the professors who encourage you to experiment, the projects that push you to think differently and the access to resources that help turn ideas into reality.”
Fueled by the support and mindset he’s developed at USD, Rastogi views the AI Edge Summit as more than just exposure for Elevaze; it’s a springboard for growth, a chance to connect with mentors, investors and early adopters of AI, and a defining moment to position South Dakota as a serious player in the AI economy.
“It’s not just about showcasing Elevaze, it’s about meeting forward-thinking business owners, technologists and investors who see where the world is heading and want to be a part of building it,” he said. “It’s about meeting the right minds, the ones shaping the next decade of innovation.”
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