Three Duke University seniors transformed a first-year engineering assignment into QuikCal, an AI-driven scheduling tool for construction sites, which was recently acquired by MOCA Systems, marking a significant step in digital construction planning.
Three seniors from Duke University have transformed a first-year engineering project into a successful startup that was recently acquired by a leading industry company. The software, named QuikCal, was developed by Delali Cudjoe, Alec Liu and Ken Kalin, all seniors at Duke, as part of their Engineering 101 course. The tool aims to enhance scheduling and communication on construction sites through the use of artificial intelligence.
QuikCal originated when Cudjoe and Kalin were assigned a project for Skanska, a global construction company with a presence in Durham. They identified a common issue in the construction industry: delivery schedules and logistics were often managed using a large whiteboard, causing misunderstandings and friction between workers. Their initial prototype enabled construction workers to send text messages from site to update offices on upcoming deliveries.
The launch of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT marked a turning point for QuikCal. The team incorporated these advancements to simplify its use and expand its functionality. The platform evolved to automate tasks such as scheduling deliveries and updating calendars. Alec Liu joined the team and contributed by developing a feature that converts photographs of physical “sticky-note” planning walls into digital versions, maintaining familiar workflows for construction staff but in a more accessible format.
The three founders also integrated a system where each construction site is assigned a phone number allowing personnel to interact with an AI chatbot through texting to manage scheduling. Their innovation extended beyond the software itself, benefiting from participation in Duke’s entrepreneurship support structures, including the Christensen Family Center for Innovation and the Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs program. These resources provided mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to broader venture communities.
Amy Linnane, managing director of co-curricular programs for Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship, praised the team’s dedication: “These students, not only were they working on all their classes, but also taking the time and energy to build this business, which is not easy even if you have no classes.” Linnane was involved in advising the founders and helped facilitate connections vital to their business’s growth and eventual sale.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, the trio weighed their options for QuikCal’s future. With job offers secured—Kalin plans to continue in startups at Amplified Industries; Cudjoe will join Amazon; and Liu will go to Microsoft—they chose to sell the company rather than continue managing it themselves. After engaging with multiple interested buyers, they sold QuikCal to MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI), an industry leader in construction software solutions. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Brett Adamczyk, president of MSI’s software division, commented on the acquisition: “This is a big step in aiding the transition from analog to digital planning. The team has shown remarkable entrepreneurial traits in identifying a real-world pain point and developing an applicable technology solution for construction professionals.”
Looking ahead, Cudjoe, Liu and Kalin intend to focus on their upcoming careers while maintaining a close friendship. Liu shared with the Duke Chronicle, “The running joke is that Ken is supposed to call us on some random night and be like, ‘alright, we’re doing it again.’” The future integration of their talents could potentially see further collaboration beyond their current ventures.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://pratt.duke.edu/news/msi-acquires-quikcal/ – This URL supports the claim that QuikCal, a startup developed by three Duke Engineering undergraduates, was acquired by MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI), an industry-leading construction planning platform.
- https://pratt.duke.edu/news/quikcal/ – This article explains how QuikCal evolved from a first-year design project into a successful startup, leveraging AI technologies like ChatGPT to improve its functionality.
- https://www.forwardpathway.us/duke-student-startup-showcase-innovation-social-responsibility-and-ai-powered-future-stars – The acquisition of QuikCal by MSI validates Duke’s commitment to fostering student entrepreneurship, demonstrating the potential for projects born in introductory courses to have real-world impact.
- https://today.duke.edu/2025/04/duke-students-showcase-their-startups – QuikCal bridges the gap between manual construction planning boards and digital management systems, further highlighting its innovative role in the construction industry.
- https://www.dukechronicle.com – This news article features QuikCal’s journey from a class project to an AI-powered startup acquired by MSI, noting the future plans of its founders.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references the Class of 2025 as preparing to graduate, indicating recent timing around early 2025. No outdated role references or inconsistencies appear. There is no indication that the content is a recycled or press release, though some quotes from university staff and company executives may originate from press statements or interviews around the time of the acquisition.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes, including those from Amy Linnane, Brett Adamczyk, and Alec Liu, appear original and context-specific. The quote from Liu references an interview with the Duke Chronicle, suggesting a primary source. However, no earlier online traces of these exact quotes were found, increasing the likelihood that they are original and not copied from previous unrelated reports.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative seems derived from university-affiliated channels and local business reporting, likely including the Duke Chronicle. While Duke-affiliated reports and specific university personnel provide reliability, this is a less globally authoritative source than major established media outlets. Nonetheless, given the specificity of the story and named parties, the information is credible but should be corroborated if used for critical decisions.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The story is plausible as it details a typical university entrepreneurial progression culminating in acquisition by an industry leader. The timeline of AI advancement (ChatGPT’s impact) aligns with recent technological developments. The roles and plans of the founders correspond with common post-graduation career paths. No extraordinary claims are made that lack evidence.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent and consistent with the timeline of the Class of 2025. Quotes appear original and tied to primary interviews or statements. The sources, while university-centric, are sufficiently credible for this business development story. Claims are plausible and align with current technological trends and entrepreneurial practices. The information is reliable for general knowledge and reporting purposes.
