Western New England University students from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering were recognized for their innovations in several competitions in the Pioneer Valley during the month of April.
"Innovation and entrepreneurship competitions require students to demonstrate creativity, determination, business savvy, team building, and communication skills. We are pleased that each of our student teams have demonstrated these skills as evidenced by their successes," said Dr. Mary Schoonmaker, Assistant Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
The Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs - Sponsored by Tim Draper and Melissa Parker Draper, April 7.
- The Gear Electric team, comprised of Gabriella Pires and Alexandra Renzetti, (Mechanical Engineering) and Tim Farley (Accounting) placed in semi-finals.
- The Smart Flood Detector team, led by Grace Buttrick (Entrepreneurship and Marketing), Jonathan Blanchard (Sports Management), and Jason Vereneau, (Sports Management) placed in the finals and won $1500.
The Golden Bear Innovation Pitch Contest - Sponsored by PeoplesBank, April 20. The following students won top awards:
- Best Pitch Delivery was awarded to Noah Perault (Business) who pitched the Blind Spot detection system for automobiles.
- Funniest Pitch was awarded to Fajr Muhammad (Marketing) for her idea for a Better Batter kitchen tool.
- Most Potential for Profit was awarded to Faith Mburu (Health Sciences) for her innovation for methane reduction product for bovine waste management.
Golden Bear Innovation Grants - Sponsored by PeoplesBank, April 20. Students were selected to receive Golden Bear Innovation Grants:
- Mike Semanie (Management) and Jeff Marceau (Criminal Justice) for their business - Primo Car Detailing.
- Leah Cunha (Entrepreneurship) for her business - Leah Cunha’s Crafts.
Annual Grinspoon Competition - Sponsored by the Grinspoon Foundation, April 27. Students presented their innovations and received awards.
- Ricangelo Faour (Mechanical Engineering) was this year’s University’s Pitch Representative and pitched his innovation – Ricky’s Well, a modern and sanitary version of today’s dipper well.
Spirit Award Winners:
- Eyedar: Matthew Rolland (Mechanical Engineering) and Devon Sundquist (Sports Management)
- Gear Electric: Carlos Martin Nieto (Mechanical Engineering) and Dylan Henry (Mechanical Engineering) and Tim Farley (Accounting)
- The Reel Deal: Allison Bruehwiler (Management), Jacob Dino (Sports Management) Caroline Germond (Pharmaceutical Business) and Emmet Berard, Benjamin Brousseau, and Kyle O’Hern, (Mechanical Engineering).
Dean Hossein Cheraghi, College of Engineering, and Dean Sharianne Walker, College of Business expressed the criticality of these innovative and entrepreneurial skills. "We are inspired by these students' application of functional and team building skills as important steps in preparing them for the future of work," said Dean Cheraghi and Dean Walker.
