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Empowering students of all majors to become changemakers, the Alvine New Venture Pitch Competition enables entrepreneurial students to identify a problem, propose a solution, and learn how to pitch their ideas.

April 12, 2019

Ketsia Kimpioka ’19 has developed an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bottles that is gaining some traction. "All Ways Green," her "solution to pollution," recently won the first-place prize of $6,000 in the University’s Alvine New Venture Pitch Competition.

Discussing the need to address the plastic problem, Kimpioka, who is also working with two classmates to develop a nonprofit organization to raise awareness of social issues, presented an idea – a bottle with an algae-based inner lining and a seed-paper based exterior.

"The competition was a great experience, and it helped me to realize that my idea is possible, and that people are supporting me." Ketsia Kimpioka ’19

"This event was competitive," said Kimpioka, who also won Charger Startup Weekend with All Ways Green. "The competition was a great experience, and it helped me to realize that my idea is possible, and that people are supporting me."

The judges, who included the three entrepreneurs inducted into the University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hall of Fame, listened to 13 pitches – some from teams, and others from students who, like Kimpioka, worked individually.

Students’ ideas included a soccer training program for kids, solar powered smartphones, and a bookstore vending machine. Donnie Willyard ’19 pitched "Flight Club," a subscription-based, data analytics-driven craft beer delivery service that aims to replicate the tasting experience of a brewery. Willyard’s pitch was awarded the second-place prize of $4,000.

Earlier in the semester, participants attended six workshops to refine their ideas and create their presentations. Led by entrepreneurs or members of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, the sessions enabled students to network and learned about supply chains, business models, and marketing.

As they pitched their ideas, students identified the problem they were addressing, their solution, their clientele, and how, if they won, they would use the prize money to further their business endeavor.

"This competition gave me an opportunity to grow both as a student and as an aspiring small business owner."Anthony Dicioccio ’19

"As an alumnus, I believe it is important to see the talent that the University is developing," said Paul Francese ’90 MBA, who served as one of the judges. "I was glad to share this experience with the students."

Francese and his fellow judges were so impressed with the pitches that they recognized three additional pitches as "honorable mentions" – including the one made by Anthony Dicioccio ’19. A former army officer, Dicioccio pitched "SNAP Trainer," which was inspired by his own service.

"This competition gave me an opportunity to grow both as a student and as an aspiring small business owner," said Dicioccio, an international business major with a concentration in economics. "It is helpful for me to see what my classmates are doing."

Related Links

• B.S. in Business Management
• College of Business