Mini Pitch George

Saturday, March 22, 2025

The Mini Pitch George competition is a casual, community-oriented version of the fall Pitch George competition. It is one of GW's premier entrepreneurial initiatives organized by the GW Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence (CFEE).

The competition is exclusive to spring semester students enrolled in an entrepreneurship-related course (plus their partner, if applicable) at the George Washington University.
GW’s most innovative professors are our partners, integrating the competition into their course curriculum as an educational experience.
Students get live feedback from mentor-judges.
Bonus: the competition is excellent preparation for students entering GW's New Venture Competition (NVC).

The 2025 Mini Pitch George (MPG) competition includes an online application followed by a single round of live pitches to a panel of judges who provide live feedback on the teams business ideas. Team winners will earn bragging rights, media coverage, in-kind prizes and (bonus) preparation for GW's New Venture Competition (NVC).

Mini Pitch George Eligibility

Your team must be enrolled in an entrepreneurship-related course at GWU.
If you are enrolled in more than one entrepreneurial course, you may submit multiple ideas — however, you must fill out an individual application for each unique idea.

How Mini Pitch George Works

Think of an idea and/or venture.
Attend an online information session via Zoom.
Form a team of one to five members.
Submit the Mini Pitch George application form.
Present your business pitch to a panel of judges.
Network with DC-area business moguls and have a lot of fun!

Donate and help support student entrepreneurs

Meet the 2025 Winners

LymphLift Ear Bands

SignBridge

PAP

Top 3 Overall Winners

First Place - LymphLift Ear Bands

Junwon (Chris) Oh, Undergraduate, School of Business
Juan Garcia-Valino, Undergraduate, School of Business
Katerina Holevas, Undergraduate, School of Business
Marie Bazola, Undergraduate, School of Business
Maddie Kallenbach, Undergraduate, School of Business

Our company introduces Lymphatic Drainage Ear Bands, an innovative beauty and wellness product inspired by traditional Korean remedies. Designed as a stylish and functional upgrade to the makeshift rubber band method, these bands provide gentle, consistent pressure on key lymphatic points around the ear, promoting drainage, reducing puffiness, and enhancing circulation. Unlike simple rubber bands, our efficiently designed bands offer comfort, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal. Made from skin-friendly, flexible materials, they apply the optimal amount of pressure without discomfort. Available in multiple sizes and adjustable tension levels, they ensure a personalized fit for every user. Seamlessly integrating into skincare routines, these bands complement facial Chinese massages, "gua sha", and other lymphatic techniques. These techniques help define facial contours, minimize swelling, and elevate an age-old beauty hack into a refined, wearable format.

Second Place - SignBridge

Ben Yimaj, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Dev Parmar, Undergraduate, School of Business
Kieran Laffey, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Owen Chenoweth, Undergraduate, School of Business
Raouf Mheni, Undergraduate, School of Business

An AI-powered ASL translation solution for businesses struggling to communicate with ASL users. Retail, healthcare, and customer service industries face accessibility challenges, leading to poor customer experiences and compliance issues. Our software offers real-time ASL interpretation through kiosks or terminals. The AI either provides direct guidance or translates signs into text or speech for employees. Unlike human interpreters, our solution is cost-effective, scalable, and integrates seamlessly with customer service platforms. As businesses prioritize DEI, our technology ensures inclusivity and efficiency. We offer flexible pricing: a one-time payment or a monthly subscription, both with lifetime updates and support.

Third Place - PAP

Jennifer Dai, Undergraduate, School of Business
Leticia Marrero Miranda, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Sabah Tandon, Undergraduate, School of Business
Sabrina Yeh, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Will Marsh, Undergraduate, School of Business

Our venture offers an at-home PAP test kit that empowers women to take control of their health with privacy and ease. The main purpose is to eliminate the discomfort and hassle of doctor visits, providing a simple, reliable, and accessible self-testing option for women, particularly those in underserved regions or facing cultural or religious barriers to traditional healthcare. The purpose is a simple, do it yourself PAP test that provides a stress-free, private option for self-testing, ideal for those in areas with limited access to OBGYN services.

Classroom & Independent Track Winners

Professor Frey's Winners - PAP

Jennifer Dai, Undergraduate, School of Business
Leticia Marrero Miranda, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Sabah Tandon, Undergraduate, School of Business
Sabrina Yeh, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Will Marsh, Undergraduate, School of Business

Professor Frey's Winners - Chef Connect

Oliver Cozzi, Undergraduate, School of Business
Sid Lalwani, Undergraduate, School of Business
Nabil Ali, Undergraduate, School of Business

Chef Connect is a platform that gives people a way to connect with chefs and learn skills in the kitchen and improve as a home cook. There are virtual cooking classes with experienced chefs so you can ask questions or get pointers in real time. Chef Connect is focused on providing a fun and interactive cooking experience to encourage healthy habits and learn new cuisines.

Professor Levy's Winners - SignBridge

Ben Yimaj, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Dev Parmar, Undergraduate, School of Business
Kieran Laffey, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Owen Chenoweth, Undergraduate, School of Business
Raouf Mheni, Undergraduate, School of Business

Professor Collier's Winners - PetMatch

Hanan Daniel Guttman, Undergraduate, School of Business
Maya Anderson, Undergraduate, School of Business
Maddie Haynes, Undergraduate, School of Business
Rodrigo Varela, Undergraduate, School of Business
Michael Steiner, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Animal shelters across the United States are dealing with an overwhelming crisis: too many pets, and not enough space. Unadopted dogs occupy critical space, delaying the intake of new animals and exacerbating the overpopulation problem. This leads to dire consequences, with shelters often forced to make difficult decisions, including euthanasia. PetMatch is a subscription-based service that allows animal shelters to connect to users by facilitating pet adoption, streamlining the adoption process, and showcasing pet profiles. It aims to reduce shelter overcrowding, increase adoption rates, and provide a seamless experience for both prospective pet owners and animal rescue organizations. PetMatch would target animal shelters and rescues across America, as they are at the forefront of the animal adoption process and face immense challenges. The product’s value and impact are evident. PetMatch empowers shelters to focus on their core mission: saving and rehoming animals.

Professor Suh's Winners - LymphLift Ear Bands

Junwon (Chris) Oh, Undergraduate, School of Business
Juan Garcia-Valino, Undergraduate, School of Business
Katerina Holevas, Undergraduate, School of Business
Marie Bazola, Undergraduate, School of Business
Maddie Kallenbach, Undergraduate, School of Business

Professor Suh's Winners - FinEd.ai

Ethan Hirschberg, Graduate, School of Business
Emily Thomas, Undergraduate, School of Business
Michael-David Lamos, Graduate, School of Business
Tyler Jenkins, Undergraduate, School of Business
Dylan O’Neill, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science

FinEd.ai is an AI-powered fintech platform making financial literacy accessible to underserved communities. Nearly half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, struggling with budgeting, saving, and investing because traditional financial education is too theoretical, complex, or out of reach. FinEd.ai provides personalized, real-world financial guidance tailored to each user’s situation. Our AI-driven platform adapts to different learning styles, languages, and cultural backgrounds, making financial education engaging and practical. With interactive tools, real-time spending insights, and step-by-step guidance, we empower users to make smarter financial decisions with confidence.Our core platform is free for those who need it most, while premium subscriptions, data partnerships, consulting, and sponsorships allow us to scale. By merging smart technology with real impact, FinEd.ai empowers people to take control of their finances.

Professor Falchetti's Winners - The Sip Soiree

Caroline Hoffman, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Eesha Madan, Undergraduate, Milken Institute School of Public Health
Ella Rapp, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Grace Crowe, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Lilla Reinertson, Undergraduate School of Business

The Sip Soirée is a subscription-based and gift box company delivering curated, trendy zero-proof drinks for health-conscious consumers, those who are seeking an alternative to alcohol, gift-givers, and hosts. As awareness of alcohol’s health risks grows, the demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic options is increasing. Sip Soirée fills this gap by offering a convenient, curated, and socially engaging way to enjoy zero-proof beverages.

Professor Falchetti's Winners - Unlabeled Studios

Cyrus Fateh, Alumni, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Debbie Eisenman, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Lavinia Irini Giakos, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Luis Bracho, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Unlabeled Studios is a creative company that helps online clothing brands connect with their customers through pop-up events. Many e-commerce fashion brands struggle to build real-world connections since they lack physical stores, making it harder to establish brand loyalty, engagement, and trust. We resolve this problem by bringing brands to life through experiential, high-impact pop-ups that turn digital followers into real-world customers. Our services include concept development, location scouting, event design, merchandising, and social media integration—all tailored to make each pop-up a visually compelling, shareable experience. These events help brands increase awareness leading to higher sales and stronger customer relationships.

Professor Falchetti's Winners - Fitfuel

Ben Botwinick, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Elizaveta Kouzmine, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Ian Mauser, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Sachin Khashu, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Emily Chin, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

FitFuel combines fitness and healthy eating in one space, offering classes for beginners and those further along their fitness journey. It helps individuals unsure where to start—whether in the gym or the kitchen—by teaching both fitness and nutrition for a healthier lifestyle. Classes are tailored to different skill levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—and focus on meal prep for post-workout recovery, strength-building, and energy maintenance. Beyond fitness and nutrition, the classes promote socialization, teamwork, and valuable life skills like dedication, motivation, time management, and proper fitness techniques.

Independent Winners - LunchBox+

Alexa Asgharzadeh, Undergraduate, School of Business
Sarah Hendrick, Undergraduate, School of Business

LunchBox+ is a subscription-based meal service delivering healthy, pre-packed school lunches tailored to each child’s needs. Parents create a personalized nutrition profile, specifying dietary preferences, allergies, and lifestyle factors — e.g., "high-protein meals twice a week for sports." Our smart meal planner curates a weekly selection based on these preferences, ensuring kids receive balanced meals that are both nutritious and delicious for stress-free mornings. LunchBox+ follows a tiered subscription model with add-ons like healthy snacks. To keep costs low while maintaining high-quality ingredients, we partner with emerging healthy food brands, securing premium products at discounted rates while offering brands a marketing platform. Expansion plans include daycares, after-school programs, and cultural meal options. LunchBox+ makes school lunches healthier, hassle-free, and tailored to every child’s needs.

Past Winners

Meet the 2024 Winners

First Place - IceTime

Solomon Wozniak, Undergraduate, Elliott School of International Affairs

IceTime is the revolutionary free app that seeks to provide an all-in-one and accessible platform for the growing interest in ice based sports across North America. Although activities such as hockey and figure skating are increasing their player base by record numbers each year, there still currently lacks a way to truly enable people of any age looking to engage in these sports. Our app puts the tools at the fingertip of the consumer with an easy to use interface, based around user zip code, that focusses on four main categories: finding individual/group lessons at accommodating times and rates, finding times to hone one's skills on the ice without instruction, finding organized/competitive play, and a way for people to buy/sell used equipment. IceTime seeks to amalgamate these facets of play, which have been traditionally difficult to access, into a simple mobile app. Ice rinks are incentivized through subscription to participate, driving traffic and increasing revenue.

Second Place - Mebar

Aya Atassi, Undergraduate, School of Business
Ali El Rashidi, Undergraduate, School of Business
Aaron Skolnik, Undergraduate, School of Business
Jayson Soleimany, Undergraduate, School of Business

MeBar is a pioneering personalized nutrition bar company dedicated to transforming daily nutrient intake into a simple, enjoyable experience. Our innovative online platform empowers customers to create their own nutrition bars, allowing them to select specific vitamins, minerals, and flavors tailored to their unique preferences. At MeBar, we're on a mission to revolutionize the nutritional landscape by offering not just a snack but a personalized solution for hassle-free daily nutrition.

Third Place - Seasonal Sync

Kaela DeRiggi, Undergraduate, School of Business
Anh Huynh, Undergraduate, School of Business
Shriya Mullick, Undergraduate, School of Business
Chris Moreira, Undergraduate, School of Business

Our company offers a digital platform created to counter the persistent workforce shortage in the hospitality industry, with a specialized focus on seasonal employment. Our platform utilizes a matching service to seamlessly connect seasonal workers with employers during their off-season, presenting a targeted solution to the ongoing staffing crisis within the US hospitality sector. By prioritizing seasonal hospitality staffing, we are dedicated to offering a specific solution to the prevailing staffing challenges, particularly in seasonal work. Our strategic approach includes implementing a comprehensive rating and review system, as well as thorough background checks and a referral process for all potential employees to enhance credibility. Our platform is designed not only to address staffing gaps but also to serve as a cost-effective solution for employers and a source of valuable job opportunities for workers.

Falchetti's Class Winner - Bags4Earth

Lana Khalaf, Undergraduate, School of Media and Public Affairs
Alijah King-Baker, Undergraduate, Milken Institute School of Public Health
Tomas Fantauzzi Salgado, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Emery Endres, Undergraduate, School of Business

In today's environmentally conscious society, the concept of "Bags4Earth" holds significant value. This innovative idea utilizes modern technology to create dissolvable grocery bags, offering a more efficient and convenient way for consumers to access them. Not only does "Bags4Earth" provide a practical alternative, but it also promotes environmental friendliness by limiting waste production. By catering to climate-caring individuals, businesses seeking cost-efficient bag options, this creation ensures that everyone has access to bags without the need to find ways to bring them to their local grocery stores. The technological innovations behind "Bags4Earth" play a vital role in waste reduction, and offers a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple aspects of our society's needs. Moreover, this concept's economic and social benefits extend beyond its environmental impact, benefiting individuals, businesses, and communities.

Frey's Class Winner - Voices Not Lost

Liza Fam, Undergraduate, Milken Institute School of Public Health
Noor Abbasi, Undergraduate, Milken Institute School of Public Health
Sophia Luciano, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Voices Not Lost is an innovative service designed to capture and preserve the oral stories and memories of elderly individuals. Utilizing a user-friendly, automated system, it allows grandparents and other older family members to record their life stories and insights, which are then stored and made accessible to their families. This innovative system simplifies the process significantly: all a user needs to do is call a designated phone number. The system automatically recognizes them through caller ID, records their story, and takes care of transcription, translation, and organization. Each story comes with its own QR code and a link to the audio recording, complemented by an AI-generated title.

Levy's Class Winner - RingMe

Seeam Khan, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Anushka Agarwal, Undergraduate, School of Business
Tijan Raden, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Wilona Nguyen, Undergraduate, School of Business
Brandon McNamara, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

At RingMe, we're dedicated to revolutionizing personal security through innovative, wearable technology. Our mission is to empower individuals with discreet, cutting-edge devices that enhance their safety and peace of mind in daily life. Our flagship product, the Safety Ring, embodies this mission by offering a blend of style, functionality, and unparalleled security. Designed with the modern user in mind, the Safety Ring features real-time location tracking, a programmable haptic button for emergency alerts, and seamless notifications to emergency services and contacts. Perfect for women, children, the elderly, and anyone seeking an added layer of protection, the Safety Ring is a testament to our commitment to making safety accessible to everyone.

Collier's Class Winner - Seasonal Sync

Kaela DeRiggi, Undergraduate, School of Business
Anh Huynh, Undergraduate, School of Business
Shriya Mullick, Undergraduate, School of Business
Chris Moreira, Undergraduate, School of Business

Suh's Class Winner - IceTime

Solomon Wozniak, Undergraduate, Elliott School of International Affairs

Meet the 2023 Winners

First Place - Liquid Handling Robot

Daniel Liu Schmid, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Ruby Limanowski, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Orooluwa Emmanuel, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Helen Knight, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Joshua Welch, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Runner Up - Kenny's Cheesecakes

Esther Urios, Graduate, School of Business
Kenneth Smith, GW Husband

Runner Up - WineNot!

Valeria Quan, Graduate, School of Business
Riko Aoki, Graduate, School of Business
Liza Lukina, Graduate, School of Business
Maukeha Sham Koua, Exchange Student, School of Business

Meet the 2022 Winners

First Tier - QResume

Elizaveta Volkova, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Nick Green, Undergraduate, Elliott School of International Affairs
Luke Ames, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Jake Weintraub, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Ethan Sniderman, Undergraduate, Corcoran School of the Arts and Design

QResume is a digital passport app designed to allow students and professionals alike to store their accomplishments and professional certification in a singular digital wallet. In the wallet, each achievement and certification is stored as a presentable digital ticket that contains a title, a brief description of the ticket’s significance, and a QR code. For awards, the QR code can link to whatever the user needs, such as a PDF of the award or pictures from the event. For professional certificates, Digital’s QR code will directly link to a verification of the certificate by the issuer. This will allow the user to share their verified certifications with employers or government agencies.

Second Tier - Plane and Simple

Cat Oriel, Undergraduate, School of Media and Public Affairs
Punn Phentrakul, Undergraduate, School of Business
Mary Anyakwo, Graduate, School of Business

From long airline check-ins, hectic security lines, changing regulation and delays, regardless of one’s travel expertise, airports make for a high-stress environment. Why have we accepted that air travel has to be a nightmare? While there are countless blog posts containing airport tips, there is a need for a centralized app where this information is curated, personalized and crowd-sourced in real-time. Our app, Plane & Simple, aims to help travelers of all backgrounds reach their destination in the most stress-free way possible and even have a bit of fun along the way! Given the fact that nearly two-thirds of travelers rely on mobile apps (Travel Agent Central), the market is ready for a product like this. While there are countless travel resources to help you once you arrive, Plane & Simple is here to remind travelers that it’s also about the journey, not just the destination.

Second Tier - Metawork

Elenana Theodoratou, Undergraduate, School of Business
Emma Rhodes, Undergraduate, School of Business
Margot Rimbert, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Jessie Toh, Undergraduate, School of Business

During the pandemic, many companies had to stop their seminar trips and switch to an online modality mainly consisting of Zoom meetings lacking human interaction and leading to poorer concentration, performance and mental health of employees. Virtual reality being an essential part of our future, we want to leverage on this tool in order to provide seminars that would be more ludic and lead to more efficient team building. A seminar in the mountains, at the beach, or why not on Mars, accessible in just one click. The most efficient way to provide this service would be through a website and an application from which customers could directly send their requests and get in touch with our sales teams. The virtual reality equipment will then be sent to them with user instructions. This service could interest any company of any size willing to improve relations among their employees and create a healthy work environment.

Third Tier - Different Trading Post

Eva Cursley, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Different Trading Post is an online store and marketplace offering a well-curated and non-gendered selection of embroidered and upcycled apparel. Our non-gendered approach — in conjunction with our commitment to social and environmental sustainability — is designed to appeal to a growing market of conscious young consumers, those who want to normalize difference.

Third Tier - Creatorly

Ashwath Narayanan, Undergraduate, School of Media and Public Affairs
Joseph Gurksky, Undergraduate, School of Business
Apostolos Mihalis, Undergraduate, Milken Institute School of Public Health

Creators struggle with finding and building relationships with creators, especially in a COVID world. We’re aiming to change this by creating a physical space for creators to build relationships with each other and grow together. Existing companies in the market go to online platforms as the solution, yet 68% of marketers struggle with connecting with influencers. We believe a physical space will allow more interaction between the creators and better relationships. Our physical space will host a community of creators who will attend events, network, film content, and grow together. Over time our member-only community will also have access to other resources like editors, designers, press, and more that will allow them to pursue content creation full time.

Meet the 2021 Winners

First Tier - Tesfa Medical Center

Leelie Selassie, Graduate, School of Business
Jaime Sarmiento-Monroy, Graduate, School of Business
Brendan Jones, Graduate, School of Business

Tesfa Medical Center (TMC) is building the first-of-its-kind cancer center in Addis Abeba Ethiopia integrating mobile diagnostics, telehealth, and wrap-around outpatient oncology treatment services focused on breast and colon cancer aiming to improve outcomes for these two diseases in Ethiopia, where no such center exists.

First Tier - W!PE

Mariam Zara, Undergraduate, School of Business
Emma Danziger, Undergraduate, School of Business
Isabel Meizoso, Undergraduate, School of Business

W!PE is a smart reproductive wipe that offers an environmentally friendly, reliable and discrete alternative to current pregnancy tests.

Second Tier - Nanas

Rahma Al-Naamani, Undergraduate, School of Business
Tirzah Budiman, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Maddie Loder, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Nanas is a sustainable venture that takes the leaves of pineapples, which would normally be thrown out post-harvest, and uses it to produce textile such as woven and knit fabric and/or vegan denim for players in the fashion industry looking for more sustainable materials to produce clothes.

Second Tier - MELA

Sophia Hardesty-Meteyer, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Zestiny Simmons, Undergraduate, School of Business
Roslyn Davis, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Our venture is called MELA, a natural, odor-resistant and hyperpigmentation-relieving deodorant. Unlike other natural deodorants on the market, MELA serves the dual purpose of working as both a natural deodorant, and a hyperpigmentation-relieving product. We intend to break into the natural-deodorant market with an original approach that specifically appeals to women with black or brown melanated skin, hence our name, MELA. During the customer discovery phase of our research, our target audience expressed their need for a natural deodorant that, unlike the current deodorants on the market, does not have a noticeable visibility on dark skin. When asked about their specific skin concerns, we found that hyperpigmentation was consistently the number one issue among these women. Taking all of that into account, MELA serves as the direct innovation to our target audience’s specific, distinctive needs, making it a necessary and novel product.

Second Tier - A Culture of Purpose

Nicholas Malloy, Undergraduate, School of Business
Ross Hatley, Graduate, Elliott School of International Affairs
Poorvi Sahai, Graduate, School of Business

We are A Culture of Purpose, and we're fighting clothing waste by connecting thrift stores to ecommerce. We will develop Thrift stores’ online presence with our platform which will advertise and organize inventory for Thrift stores. Stores may directly upload their inventory to our online platform via a picture and QR code produced for each item which would directly link the website showing availability and orders. While traditional resale merchants and platforms are aimed at selling luxury goods for rip off prices, we are quite the opposite. We would rather target used dress clothes at a very low price for students or people bouncing around jobs who are going to interviews which require dress clothes. Revenue is obtained through service and transaction fees to the store and consumer for using our platform. Based on the constant increase in the thrifting market, this will create a reliable stream of profit. A Culture of Purpose has a cost advantage to competitors that will connect local consumers and traditional resale merchants. Using available outlets in a sustainable manner we are slowly working towards saving the planet and reducing waste while helping local businesses and providing clothes to those in need.

Third Tier - Poplight

Jacob Dmitrovsky, Undergraduate, Corcoran School of the Arts and Design

Poplight is the world's first customizable, wall-mounted light available in timeless designs. Users can effortlessly “pop” and swap different fixtures to the Poplight base to create beautiful lighting for any space. Poplight is a tool and hardware free fixture that’s easy to install without damaging your walls.

Third Tier - Fun Finance

Annia Ward, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Arjun Vijay, Undergraduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Isis Loaiza, Undergraduate, School of Business
Ahmad Lozi, Undergraduate, Elliott School of International Affairs

We often hear that private finance is rarely taught in schools. As a result, many students graduate high school without being completely financially literate. A study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics found that roughly 1 in 5 15 year-old students do not understand basic finance concepts. Furthermore, at schools in which at least 75 percent of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, just 3.9 percent of students were required to take a personal finance semester course to graduate, indicating the prevalence of this problem within low-income communities. Our venture, Fun Finance is a web/mobile app that aims to empower high school and college students by providing them with an easy-to-use and personalized financial education platform. Through Fun Finance, students not only gain the skills needed to make sound financial decisions, they will have the opportunity to practice the application of those skills. Our venture compensates for the lack of financial education in public school curricula, where the burden of financial stress will be significantly reduced among students.

Third Tier - Devly

Danny Nsouli, Graduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Paola Beltran Madrid, Graduate, Elliott School of International Affairs
Sanam Masroor, Graduate, School of Business
Jialiang Liang, Graduate, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Devly, by Devly Corp, is a user-friendly software created for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its industry partners to facilitate and improve project planning, share knowledge and information for best practices, and streamline monitoring and evaluation of project activities at an industry level. The database will be a powerful research and learning tool that will provide users access to technical and programmatic documents for nearly all USAID projects over the past 50 years. This tool will improve communication amongst partners and competitors within the international development industry by allowing users to search for information using keyword identification and relevant filters, such as target country and technical areas. Devly will allow continuous learning and feedback necessary to work in challenging environments and optimize U.S. taxpayers’ money ensuring that USAID and its implementers learn from one another and aspire for innovative solutions.

Third Tier - Digital Life Services (DLS)

Mitali Thepade, Undergraduate, School of Business
Jayden Bourne, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Anthony Lange, Undergraduate, Elliott School of International Affairs

Digital Life Services is centered around the needs of senior citizens. This platform will serve as a resource for promoting competency as related to health, technology, and the well being of senior citizens. Senior citizens have been outpaced by technological advancements. The gap in technical knowledge and familiarity between older and younger generations has resulted in the elderly being left behind. The COVID-19 pandemic has distanced them even further through isolation and not being able to connect with the world. This is a struggle that includes everything from workplaces, to shopping, to medical services. Equipping the older generation with technical skills is more important now than ever. We hope to create a platform built to address the unique challenges that senior citizens are facing during this unprecedented time. Through this platform we intend to enhance the lives of the elderly and those who are not familiar with the capabilities of technology. Our purpose is to educate and provide guidance/information to elderly populations who are not tech-savvy.

Third Tier - Buy from BIPOC (BFB)

Jessa Davidson, Undergraduate, Elliott School of International Affairs
Nissrine Benhida, Undergraduate, School of Business
Hannah Popper, Undergraduate, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Buy from BIPOC (BFB) is a free app available for download to users' mobile devices. The app is a platform that lists small businesses owned by black, indigenous, and people of color (also known as BIPOC). The app enables individuals to connect with, and shop from, solely BIPOC owned businesses. The app will act as the intermediary between customers and BIPOC business owners. BFB will be user-friendly and organized by industry through a sleek and simple interface. Features such as a search bar, filters, and sub-categorized lists will make users' shopping experience more convenient. Our service also offers an extension feature to be added to users' browsers in tandem with the app. This extension automatically filters google and other web searches to display BIPOC owned businesses first. The extension will give BFB a comparative advantage and further amplify BIPOC voices and products. BFB is a social venture to change the way you shop.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact Kathy Korman Frey, director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence (CFEE), at [email protected]. Questions and comments can also be directed to the project manager, Jessica Vodilka, at [email protected].