By: Lexie Newhouse
As Georgia State University enters into its 20th year of support from the Herman J. Russell family, the Fall 2019 Business Model Competition, hosted by the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute’s H.J. Russell Center, proved to be a special night for our student entrepreneurs.
Six qualifying student teams from the course, ENI 3101: Entrepreneurial Thinking for Startups, participated in this pitch competition judged by Jamine Moton of Skylar Security, Brian Zwerner of Beyond the Game Network, Tonya Hicks of Power Solutions and Berkley Baker of Clean Hands Safe Hands Inc.
First to pitch was Friendzone, a events platform targeting young adults interested in forming platonic relationships. “Being friendzoned never sounded so good,” said the Friendzone team as they pitched their solution to reducing the intimidation factor associated with social settings.
Inspired by a fellow international student on their team, Ambassador is a platform connecting international students with their communities. They anticipate targeting universities through their subscription model.
Searching for transparency during the job recruitment process? NetDash pitched their solution to better inform job applicants of their status in the application and consideration process, describing it as the “pizza tracker for jobs.”
Following a brief intermission, PreGame continued the pitches with their nutritional supplement drink. Similar to Gatorade for athletes, this beverage is specifically formulated for gamers. The judges had the opportunity to taste-test this product designed to improve cognitive ability, increase vitality and reduce stress.
Addressing the massive phone market, PopCharge is a wireless charger that attaches to the back of cellular devices for accessible charging. Unlike portable chargers and wall adapters, this device is designed for phone users constantly on the move.
SmartSports closed out the competition with their soccer mannequin concept. Invented by a current Georgia State soccer player, this mannequin is easier to transport and provides feedback after training through its AI system. Being a $700 million market, SmartSports is looking to partner with the NCAA and other professional soccer organizations.
Poster Showcase | WomenLead
New to the competition this year, the evening also featured a poster showcase by the inaugural cohort of WomenLead in Entrepreneurship and Innovation students. Attendees had the opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite poster. Congratulations Chante Knox and Dia Davis of DelivHer FemCare for winning the poster contest and a $500 prize!
Following the poster showcase results, the judges returned with the results of the Fall 2019 Business Model Competition after much deliberation. PreGame placed first with the $1,500 grand prize, SmartSports took home the second place $1,000 prize and PopCharge came in third with the $500 prize.
To view the pitch videos from each of the enthusiastic teams that night, visit our YouTube channel, subscribe and watch.
Congratulations again to all the students that competed in the Fall 2019 competition. Interested in competing this spring? Be sure to register for ENI 3101!
Special thank you to our judges for volunteering their time and for the Russell family for their support of Georgia State entrepreneurs.
