Published: April 17, 2019
New Venture Expo Premieres New Products from UT Students
A UT first-year student pitching jewelry that detects date rape drugs, as well as a student who has developed ergonomic equipment which helps weight lifters prevent wrist injuries, took home top honors — and $1,000 prizes — at The University of Tampa Sykes College of Business’ Lowth Entrepreneurship Center’s third annual New Venture Exposition last week.
At the event, graduate and undergraduate students in entrepreneurship, along with Spartan Accelerator and Incubator program participants, presented 62 business concepts.
Cash prizes were given to the winning companies in two categories, selected by a panel of judges. Accelerator and Incubator company winners were:
- First place: Puresipity, by Allie Wolf -- Modern and wearable gender-neutral bracelets and necklaces that discreetly help prevent drug-facilitated sexual assault and theft.
- Second place: Powder Rx by Gabriella Rezex -- A product that repairs broken powder based makeup.
- Third place: Verapy by Jonathan Truong – Virtual reality games for physical and occupational therapy.
Winners among students in the Masters in Entrepreneurship program and ENT 487 capstone winners were:
- First place: Optimo by Bert Seither -- Ergonomic fitness accessory.
- Second place: Etre by Lauriane Cardot and Jake Levine – Products that, when in contact with water-based substances, will dissolve and turn into a favorite protein shake.
- Third place: Tutit by Nick Villa, Nicholas Lorenca and Christian Wahlstrom – A program that connects tutors with students anytime, anywhere, 24/7.
During the event, J.B. Bernstein, the renowned sports agent who inspired the Disney movie Million Dollar Arm, spoke to students about the five themes of good business – creativity, passion, overcoming adversity, planning and ethics. Bernstein is currently the CEO and chairman of AviSight, Inc.
The event was sponsored by SALTBLOCK Catering, Cherry Bekaert and the Lowth Advisory Board.
In order to support events like this and the companies that build businesses at UT, the Lowth Center will participate in UT’s Give Day on April 23. Donations can be made at https://utampa.networkforgood.com/projects/51378-john-p-lowth-entrepreneurship-center.
For more information, contact ecenter@ut.edu or call (813) 257-3702.
