Who’s advancing in the 2025 Pitch Dingman Competition?

Get ready, get set… go! It’s hard to believe, but it’s already here — our 10th anniversary Pitch Dingman Competition! This year, over 97 ventures applied, all vying for their share of $170,000 in prizes. Our panel of judges was able to narrow down the wide range of applicants to reveal the top teams that will be advancing in the 2025 competition. We’re excited to see the top ventures pitch on the big stage at our finals event on April 24 at Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center for a shot at the grand prizes!

Read on to learn more about the tracks and the ventures that will be advancing in the competition:

Alumni Tech Track

In partnership with the UMD Alumni Association, this track supports alumni-founded, tech and software ventures with traction. To be eligible, ventures must have some traction in the form of early customers, and/or a developed MVP/prototype that is being tested, and have less than $100K in annual recurring revenue. The finalist ventures in this campus-wide track for alumni will have access to support in an entrepreneurship bootcamp and coaching to take their ventures to the next step. On April 24, the finalist teams will pitch their businesses to an expert panel of judges on the Finals stage, and the semifinalist teams will showcase at Terp Town for a chance to win additional audience choice prizes.

Alumni Tech Track Finalists – pitching

Cursive – Joseph Thibault ’23 – Cursive is an API for authorship. We verify writing through transparency to support learning and responsible co-creation with AI.

Plan Forward – Anne Spear ’19 – Plan Forward is a decision-making platform for K-12 administrators, transforming raw data into actionable insights. By leveraging educational frameworks and AI models, we don’t just provide data—we make sense of it, helping schools and districts make informed decisions that drive continuous improvement. Our platform empowers educators to monitor progress and adjust strategies in real-time. Plan Forward helps schools tell the story behind their data, turning insights into meaningful action.

Alumni Tech Track Semifinalists

Presixion – Flavia Negrete ’22 – Presixion is developing a multi-channel lateral flow assay that can detect multiple pathogens from a single swab, providing a rapid, cost-effective, and scalable diagnostic solution for infectious diseases.

Bon Voyage – Bosith Weerasinghe ’23 – Optimizing Travel Planning for Single and Multiple-day Trips Using the Powers of Machine Learning and AI

Gym Supreme – Obidi Orakwusi ’12 – Product Design and Technology company with 3 patents. We influence the mass market adoption of self-care using fitness. We help a generation learn to take care of themselves and feel more confident through product design and technology.

Alumni Tech Track Quarterfinalists – Honorable Mention

Clinix – Sahar Farajun ’22 – Skip months of reading through thousands of pdfs and clinical notes – Clinix will do it for you! Clinix is a software to automate the data collection, analysis, and entry for clinical research.

Healthier Forms – Jose Leon ’17 – We have created a B2B SaaS platform to help Imaging Centers solve the complex and inefficient process of MRI safety by automating patient screening, implant guideline matching, and safety decision-making through an integrated, user-friendly dashboard.

InZone, Inc. – Jayme Kame ’24 – InZone is an expanding community of tweens built around mindful social media use, unlimited AI characters, fun 3D avatars, and parental oversight. Our primary customers are first‑time social media users aged 8–12 and our secondary customers are parents concerned with their children’s digital well‑being

Makerstate – Jenny Larios Berlin ’04 – Makerstate supports creators by building a clear path to monetizing cultural products with an AI-powered platform offering personalized venture building education, tailored career and artistic goal setting, and tools for independent production at scale. Here creators take ownership of their creative careers!

WISE Cities – Marie Brodsky ’24 – In the future that we hope to live in, our communities are adapted to support us as we age. We envision that we can participate meaningfully, take advantage of the resources available, and connect with one another at community spaces in our vicinity. But today, that world isn’t reality. Instead, although 90% of older adults want to age at home, 40% say they don’t know of organizations in their community that support them. For a change to happen, we need a new avenue for older adults and local providers to connect. WISE Cities spurs this change through an accessible platform for older adults to discover local services and opportunities, paid for by businesses who want to reach older adults.

YourStory – Steve Johnson ’16 – Provides AI-driven educational solutions tailored to K-12 students and teachers, supporting more personalized learning paths.

Alumni Main Street Track

In partnership with the UMD Alumni Association, this track is for alumni-founded, non-tech small businesses that have revenue and initial customers. To be eligible, ventures must have generated at least $1,000 in lifetime revenue and less than $100K in annual recurring revenue (ARR). The finalist ventures in this campus-wide track for alumni will have access to support in an entrepreneurship bootcamp and coaching to take their ventures to the next step. On April 24, the finalist teams will pitch their businesses to an expert panel of judges on the Finals stage, and the semifinalist teams will showcase at Terp Town for a chance to win additional audience choice prizes.

Alumni Main Street Track Finalists – pitching

3708 Spirits – Tony Ajayi ’10, Mitchell Linton, Zachary Spence – 3708 Spirits is an upscale premium locally black-owned agave spirit brand that is handcrafted using traditional methods and only the finest blue agave from Jalisco, Mexico.

Green Mechanics Benefit LLC – Justan Randolph ’19, Larry Davis – Give Us A Problem, We Will Use Nature To Solve It. We support large industrial clients, counties, farmers and municipalities in meeting their environmental permits through our innovative, cost effective and low disturbance nature-based technology portfolio.

Alumni Main Street Track Semifinalists

OcuClips – Mohil Gupta ’19 – The world’s first patented premium eyewear accessory. Say goodbye to discomfort from headphones or external pressure—OcuClips keeps your glasses secure and comfortable all day long.

Bright Labs Diagnostics – Jennifer Ukegbu ’14 – Our DNA, drug, and alcohol testing business provides reliable Testing & Diagnostic Services, Medical & Scientific Equipment Supply, and Consulting, Training, and Specialized Support Services. We serve a diverse customer base, including individuals (B2C) seeking DNA or drug and alcohol testing, businesses (B2B) such as employers, rehab centers, hospitals, and DOT-regulated companies needing workplace drug and alcohol testing, and government agencies (B2G) at the federal, state, and local levels requiring specialized testing solutions. Our expertise ensures accurate, compliant, and confidential testing services tailored to the needs of each client.

Alumni Main Street Track Quarterfinalists – Honorable Mention

Dream of Coffee – Reid Xu ’24 – A specialty coffee concept that bridges Gen Z preferences with the artisanal world of third-wave coffee. Through immersive flagship cafés, they partner with roasters to deliver ethically sourced, twist-based coffee experiences.

Envirowell – Alec Soffer ’23 – EnviroWell is an innovative water well technology company that utilizes a patented Safe, Directional, Drought-Resistant Dug Well (SDDW) method developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to provide safer, more cost-efficient alternatives for municipalities and regions with limited water infrastructure.

Ginja Snap – Shaakira DeLoatch ’17 – Ginja Snap is a functional ginger water beverage that transforms a health remedy into a grab-and-go, good and good for you beverage option for wellness enthusiasts. Free of carbonation, artificial flavors, and processed sugars, its ingredients are real and simple: water, organic ginger, raw honey, lemon, and lime. @drinkginjasnap on all social media platforms.

Greenie – Ethan Pham ’24 – Greenie is a flash retail business and e-commerce store, specializing in premium second-hand clothing to offer a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. We host CP Flea, College Park’s first premiere outdoor flea market that brings together 12+ vendors from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Our customers are style-conscious Gen Z and Millenials who value individuality, sustainability, and community.

HAT Ladies Pound Cake – Teri Walker ’92 – Hat Ladies Pound Cake Frozen Batter changes the way people bake at home with this frozen pound cake batter that let’s you bake fresh, homemade quality cake with 3-easy steps: Thaw, Pour and Bake – no mixing, measuring or mess!

Onye Vé – Goodness Ihekweme ’21 – Onye Vé exists to redefine luxury fashion by making high-quality, bold, and statement-making pieces accessible to individuals who want to express confidence, individuality, and power through their style. The brand’s core mission is to disrupt the industry by bridging the gap between exclusivity and inclusivity, ensuring that luxury fashion is available for all body types while maintaining high-end craftsmanship and uniqueness.

Main Street and Quattrone Tech Tracks

The semifinalist ventures in these two advanced UMD-CP student tracks will each receive a $500 prize, participate in an entrepreneurship bootcamp, and meet with advisors to help them further accelerate their businesses and make them more competitive for the next round. On Friday, March 28, the semifinalist teams pitched their businesses to an expert panel of judges in Van Munching Hall, and the top 3 of each track will be moving on to pitch on the Finals stage.

Main Street Track Finalists – pitching

Dare to Dream – Takiyah Roberts ’25 – Dare to Dream Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through entrepreneurship. They provide confidence, education, mentorship, and resources to help individuals chase their dreams unapologetically. Their initiatives include 9th-12th grade afterschool programs, the Young, Diverse, & Gifted Event Series, and an international project in Ecuador to build entrepreneurship among young dreamers.

Energy by Evelyn – Evelyn Murphy ’28 – Healthy, delicious snack food products made from simple, natural ingredients.

Papa Suya – Yassine Boukari ’27 – A West African culinary brand innovating through licensing, authentic products, and a scalable fast-casual model.

Main Street Track Semifinalists

Body Essentials by Abiara – Mathea Abiara ’28 – Body Essentials by Abiara (BEBA) is a bodycare brand dedicated to crafting high-quality products with cold-pressed, unrefined butters and oils, combined with carefully selected ingredients that cater to a wide range of skin types. At the heart of our formulations is Shea Butter, sustainably sourced directly from Nigeria, ensuring both authenticity and excellence in every product.

M’Elyon Organics – Adewunmi Agagu ’25 – At M’Elyon Organics, we passionately craft organic, handmade haircare products, blending the purest plant-based herbs, lightweight oils, and essential oils. Our mission? To unlock the secret to radiant, thriving hair. Each product in our lineup is a testament to our commitment to using natural and chemical free products, formulated to not only promote hair growth and strengthen follicles but to also combat hair breakage, hair thinning and shedding, and to block DHT (dihydrotestosterone), lastly, to also infuse your hair with lasting nourishment. Beyond nourishment, our creations boast anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, ensuring your scalp’s health is always at its peak.

MundaneMarketplace – Obi Nzerue ’26 – Mundane Marketplace is a clothing brand that challenges the ordinary by redefining the everyday. We take inspiration from the overlooked details of daily life and transform them into unique, thought-provoking designs. Our brand thrives on the intersection of simplicity and creativity, making the mundane feel extraordinary. Our customers are individuals who appreciate minimalism with a deeper meaning—people who find beauty in the routine, the unassuming, and the often-ignored. They are creatives, deep thinkers, and those who seek to express themselves through subtle yet impactful fashion. Whether they’re artists, students, or professionals, our customers resonate with the idea that the mundane isn’t boring it’s a canvas for storytelling.

Main Street Track Semifinalists – honorable mention

Divine Ethereal Collections – Daisy Lopez ’26 – At Divine’s Jewelry, our vision is to empower individuals to express their unique style and embrace self-love through exquisite jewelry pieces. We aim to inspire confidence, celebrate individuality, and evoke a sense of self-expression in every wearer.

Grinzo Project – Anthony Kang ’27, Shen Gu ’25 – Grinzo is our team’s original IP brand that sells Grinzo-related creative merchandise such as keyrings, coasters, dolls, badges and other cultural and creative accessories. Our goal is to provide a unique and creative product experience for young people.

Ivansupply – Ivan Marroquin ’26 – A sneaker and streetwear brand with daily restocks, offering authentic products and fast shipping.

Linen and Purple Co – Ivon Santos Castellon ’25 – Linen and Purple Co is a purpose-led clothing store created to provide more women with modest clothing options for everyday wear, and special occasion. We aim to bridge the gap in the fashion industry for modest fashion.

Movement Street – Lyric Amodia ’25 – The Movement Street is a nonprofit organization founded in 2020 with the mission to make community service accessible, enjoyable, and impactful. We address the challenge of disengagement by creating creative pathways for people to volunteer, especially younger generations, in ways that feel inclusive and rewarding. Through in-person, virtual, and passive service initiatives, we foster a sense of connection and belonging, bringing people together to make a positive impact in communities they may not call home. Our approach transforms volunteering into a shared experience that inspires lasting change. Ultimately, we aim to increase volunteerism by ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to give back and feel supported.

Noir Auto Detailing – Ysaak Wabreha ’27 – Noir Auto Detailing was founded three years ago with a clear mission; to deliver high-quality, affordable car care to every client. We work with a diverse range of customers, including rental companies, wrap shops, and owners of high-performance vehicles, offering tailored yearly plans and partnerships. Additionally, we serve the general public by providing a wide spectrum of services, from routine maintenance detailing to in-depth disaster detailing. Our goal is to make professional-grade car care accessible and reliable for all.

ProTags – Jason Okorie ’25 – We specialize in creating entirely reusable, aluminum QR code-based business cards and name tags for students and organizations.

Sincere Gear – Adam Antar ’25, ’24 – Discover the essentials you never knew were essential. These are the game-changing products that will seamlessly integrate into your life, becoming indispensable from the moment you experience their transformative power.

Wellness Detailing – David Castillo ’26 – We provide mobile and at-business automobile detailing for both interior and exterior. We also offer paint correction and other vehicle revitalization services.

Quattrone Tech Track Finalists – pitching

BetterU – Saurabh Chapagain ’25 – BetterU is a gamified social habit builder that helps people become the best versions of themselves in a fun & social way!

Saved – Aayush Gupta ’25 – We turn live streams into viral clips.

Tailored – David Shukhin ’27, Ian Picard ’26 – We are making it easier and more accessible to buy secondhand clothing so we can reduce the impact of fast fashion on the environment. We are doing this by utilizing an AI-powered recommendation system paired with a tinder-style swiping interface. We are currently on the IOS App Store with 200+ users.

Quattrone Tech Track Semifinalists

PropertyWorx AI – Aaron Warren ’26 – PropertyWorx AI™ is a next-generation Proptech SaaS platform designed to revolutionize property management by streamline vendor-tenant communication, improve property maintenance operations, and enhance the customer experience for property management teams. The platform integrates Generative AI, Agentic Ai and a mobile-first experience. Our platform enhances automates maintenance workflows, property managers workflow automation, communication tools, analytics, tenant engagement and vendor management solutions powered by Insite22™ to help property managers reduce tenant turnover, improve operational efficiency, and simplify maintenance coordination.

Omniscouts – Vaibhav Vasudevan ’28 – Building AI agents for industrial/chemical sales reps finding exactly the right people to target with all the context.

Quattrone Tech Track Quarterfinalists – honorable mention

App Dev – Matt Gashaw ’25 – App Dev is bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world software development. This organization has a dual approach to social good; one is equipping UMD students with practical experience, crucial for securing internships in the saturated tech industry, and developing software for socially impactful corporate projects.

Finaive – Henry Uwabor ’26 – Finaive is an AI-powered escrow platform designed to make online transactions safer and more seamless for businesses, freelancers, and e-commerce users. Our platform ensures secure payments by holding funds in escrow until both parties fulfill their contractual obligations. Leveraging AI-driven fraud detection and automated dispute resolution, we minimize financial risks, prevent fraud, and streamline the payment process.

OMAL – Dikennaya Ejiogu ’25 – At OMAL Solutions, we specialize in matching businesses with the perfect freelancers to elevate their brand. From logo and brand identity design to web and UI/UX design, we offer everything you need to take your business to the next level. Our platform is your one-stop solution, streamlining the process of finding top talent and enabling you to fully automate your operations. What makes us different? We don’t just connect you with freelancers; we curate the right team for your unique needs, allowing you to focus on growth while we handle the details. Whether it’s a single project or ongoing support, our flexible packages ensure your business is always ahead of the curve. Though we’re a new agency, we’re fueled by a passion for excellence and a commitment to building lasting relationships. Ready to scale your business with ease? Let’s connect and explore how we can make it happen.

Pickaxe – Pranav Bolla ’25 – Our venture provides a sports betting optimization platform that combines consulting and proprietary software to maximize profits for our customers. We help individuals and groups leverage sportsbook promotions and bonus bets through strategic hedging, ensuring guaranteed profits.

Red Alert – Miles McDonald ’27 – Red Alert: an emergency information distribution system. Red Alert is an alert system to be used in the case of school shooting situations, which notifies students on campus of an emergency and allows them to easily report their status to school and police authorities. What separates Red Alert from other alert systems is its use of student locations to provide top-quality safety.

Sellwase – Bhagavan Bolli ’25 – Our venture offers a secure, university-exclusive platform where students can trade daily essentials such as textbooks, tables, and tech gadgets. We specialize in creating a safe and reliable environment that will only allow students to trade and ensure that every user is a current student or faculty member. This approach keeps the marketplace insulated from outside interference and scams, fostering a community-centric trading space that’s all about student convenience and connection.

SONE – Yonatan Tussa ’26 – An eye-tracking system to improve communication between patients and nurses.

Theki – Kareem Bishr ’25 – Theki is building a trust engine for technical hiring through Web3-verified credentials: Core Product: – Automated/instant credential verification platform that accurately verifies claims made on resumes – Real-time verification through established databases via Chainlink oracles – Privacy-preserving verification using zero-knowledge proofs for sensitive data – Blockchain-stored credentials owned by job seekers

Tranquil – Chirag Jain ’26 – AI-powered mental wellness platform where users can journal their thoughts and engage in weekly AI-driven conversations for emotional support and self-reflection. It integrates a chat feature and plans to incorporate GPT-powered voice interactions for a more natural and engaging experience.

Yuuera – Raymond Flowers ’27 – Yuuera is a platform that empowers teachers to develop engaging and dynamic conversational practice assignments for foreign language students, solving a critical lack of confidence and conversation capabilities of students in foreign language classrooms.

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track

The finalist ventures in this early stage UMD-CP student track participated in an entrepreneurship bootcamp and marketplace to help them further hone these venture ideas. They submitted 5-min video pitches to an expert panel of judges for their finals, and the winners will be announced on April 24. You can see all of these amazing finalists show off their ideas at Terp Town.

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track Finalists – Terp Town

AkereRose Glove – Rosabella Mvemba ’27 – Cultivating a love, embrace, and care for thick and curly hair through natural hair tools, education, and community.

Alcclear – Rachel Snow ’28 – Instant Protection Against Drink Spiking.

Arithmetix – Shankar Haridas ’26 – Integrating technical math notation into typing-based note-taking processes.

Artha – Nataraj Shivaprasad ’25 – An intelligent wallet that automates your finances.

Bluuzone Bottles – Robbie Ballentine ’26 – Creating 100% plastic-free, disposable, and compostable water bottles to address the health hazards of microplastics in bottled water.

Breaking The Ice – Isha Kamara ’20, ’25 – Bridging the gaps between Black entrepreneurs, executive directors, and their ecosystem through community-building.

Chic Sweeteners – Brianna Robinson ’28 – Offering gourmet sweeteners with unique flavors for tea lovers to elevate their daily tea rituals.

Dancify – Natali Oleinik ’28 – Using AI to analyze and improve dance performances, offering real-time feedback to help users perfect every move.

Educate – Vraj Patel ’25 – AI-enhanced learning platform that syncs with Canvas LMS, offering personalized study plans and academic support.

EDvancedGPT – Denonte McKinney ’25 – An AI-powered platform for enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in education, offering personalized learning experiences.

FinGo – Tyler Boden ’25 – A personal finance app for high school, college students, and young adults to learn budgeting, saving, and investing.

Proco – Aditya Sengar ’27, Akshita Tiwari ’27, Grace Jagga ’27 – A professional networking platform focused on meaningful mentorship and connections based on personal relationships.

Sit’n Sweet – K’Lor Simms ’26 – A health-conscious bakery offering customizable, wholesome cookies for those seeking a balance of wellness and indulgence.

Podfolio – Feileen Li ’26, Juhi Parikh ’26 – A social podcast platform for discovering, tracking, and sharing podcasts.

Spotter – Kevin Kyle ’27 – An AI-powered mobile app that analyzes and provides real-time feedback for gym workouts.

The Muse Relationship Company – Kris Pipion-Williams ’27 – A web app to provide insights into romantic relationship styles and offer resources for improvement.

Zahara Blends – Kaoutar Cheji ’25 – A premium, ethically sourced clean beauty brand specializing in 100% pure, cold-pressed hair oils.

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track Semifinalists – Honorable Mention

BenchmarkGo – Alex Hearn ’25 – A GPS-powered mobile app to find, verify, and report benchmark conditions nationwide for surveyors, civil engineers, government agencies, and outdoor enthusiasts.

ByteBabel – Eman Bautista ’25 – Developing an AI-powered tool to seamlessly translate code between languages, frameworks, and architectures for developers and enterprises.

Loco Logoz – Jayla Parrott ’26 – Custom-designed logos and branding services for businesses to establish strong brand identities.

Our Incredible Judges

These early stages of Pitch Dingman Competition set the entire experience into motion and we are grateful for this exceptional group of judges that review, score and provide growth feedback for all applications. These judges are or were founders/investors/entrepreneurial support individuals themselves, and have played significant roles in our programs over the years. Thank you for all you do to support these founders in their journeys!

Round 1

Alumni Tech Track

Athena Abbott ’91
Brin Xu ’23
David Greenfield ’20
Drew Bewick ’88
Evan Shubin ’97
Kelsey Abernathy ’20
MaiLinh Ho
Reed Harrison ’71
Shivam Goyal

Alumni Main Street Track

Connie Ford ’77
Dan Raithel ’24
Francie Wasser ’11
Max Weiner ’96
Sammy Popat ’15

Main Street Track

Barathi Aravindan ’21
Bright Djampa ’22
Brooke Smith ’17
Fredrica Antwi ’15, ’21
Henrik de Gyor ’98
Natalie Urban ’19
Shane Kim ’98
Theresa Alfaro Daytner ’89
Tricia Homer

Quattrone Tech Track

Aishwarya Tare ’22
Alla McCoy ’13
Ben Slavin ’08
Bryan Houlton ’22
David Steele ’18
Jake Taub ’20
Josh Doying ’23
Mildred Diggs ’24
Rob Cohen
Ryan Downing ’22
Shannon Hynds
Sophie Li ’21
Tim Shaw ’90

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track

Brandon Schwab ’15
Cedric Nwafor ’18, ’21
Chris Light ’93
Courtney Johnson ’23
Ellen McGeoch ’10, ’17
Erich Meissner ’18
Jenny Larios Berlin
Kobby Osei-Kusi
Latrice Wilson ’21
Marie Brodsky ’24
Matt Foulk ’23
Nazea Khan ’20, ’24
Nima Farshchi ’20
Obidi Orakwusi ’12
Phillip Alvarez ’22
Polly Vail ’04
Robert Choe ’23
Sourabh Mane ’24
Vaughn Hatfield ’25

Round 2 – Semifinals

Alumni Tech & Main Street Tracks

Bill Smith ’81
Chris Malone ’86
Hillary Berman MBA ’03
Moniesha Shorter ’96, MPP ’20

Main Street Track

Abby Malchow ’17
Neal Kursban MBA ’00
Sydney Parker ’18
Theresa Alfaro Daytner ’89

Quattrone Tech Track

Evan Shubin ’97
Maurice Boissiere ’89
Shalanda Armstrong MBA ’12

Round 3 – Finals

Alumni Tech & Main Street Tracks

Akash Magoon ’18
Elana Fine ’97
Jasmin El Kordi ’83
Sayed Naved MS ’92
Seema Alexander ’00

Quattrone Tech & Main Street Tracks

Ali von Paris ‘12
Chris Ballenger
David Quattrone MBA ’05
Jennifer Hsin ’98
Kendall Holbrook MBA ’01
Tom Parsons ’93 MBA ’10

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track

Bryan Houlton ’22
Elana Fine ’97
Gary Swart ’83
Jainaba Ceesay
Jordana Lynn Armstrong
Sarah Miller
Shannon Hynds
Steve Freishtat ’81

Tagged dingman center, entrepreneurship, Fearless Founders, pitch dingman, startup, Student Entrepreneur

Apr 08 2025

1 Comment

Launchpad

Launchpad Student Stories

Over the past 11 weeks, Maryland high school students have been learning and building at Launchpad — an afterschool entrepreneurship program created and led by Venture Programs Coordinator, Sadia Alao. The program was taught by four UMD students (Randi Whitehurst, Harris Suleman, Alicia Debra) and one alum (Goodness Ihekweme), guiding participants as they developed real businesses and gained hands-on experience in pitching and selling their products or services. Each team received $100 to bring their idea to life and showcased their work at our Terp Marketplace event.

Read about their stories below!

Interviews and summaries by Layla Bailey.

Interested in next year’s Launchpad program? Apply here

Jackson Mackie

Jackson, 17, from Takoma Park, Maryland, came into Launchpad knowing only the basics of entrepreneurship such as buying and selling. A few sessions in, he developed Custom Clips, a keychain business idea, designing pieces with icons and symbols to complement everyday outfits. He shared that Launchpad helped him understand the steps to starting a business, including building a website and selling products. He also appreciated that materials were provided to help him get started.

One of his favorite moments was listening to panelists share their entrepreneurial journeys, which he described as “seeing your future if you keep committing to it.”

Isha Guhesan & Tyler Montfort

Isha and Tyler are cousins who run Turtle Tank Creations, a business that sells hand-painted animal figures and 3D-printed bases. Tyler manages the printing process using downloadable files that take about one to two hours to produce, while Isha focuses on painting and design.

Before Launchpad, being an entrepreneur felt out of reach, especially at their age. After hearing from a panel of young entrepreneurs, they realized it was possible. Isha shared that it “really inspired me to keep going with this idea,” and Tyler learned that running a business is not just about selling a product but also about “knowing your customer, who you’re selling to, and what problem you’re trying to solve.” They now feel more prepared and excited to continue growing their business.

Achinthya Karanji

Achinthya Karanji is a 15-year-old student from Clarksville who explored business ideas like dumpster diving and reselling refurbished items. Through the program, he learned that entrepreneurship can begin with a simple idea and that understanding your customer is important. He especially enjoyed prototyping and gaining a better understanding of how business works.

MaKaila Francois, Cayden Cheng, Eric Zhao, & Abraham Friedman

MaKaila, Cayden, Eric, and Abraham worked together during Launchpad to start an eyewear brand called Blue Lit, a business that combines eye protection with fashion. Their goal was to design blue light glasses that protect the eyes while allowing customers to express themselves. Launchpad supported them in prototyping and making their product, helping turn their concept into something tangible. One member said receiving the materials was a highlight that showed their progress coming together.

Can (Alex) Tsarouhas

Can is a 16-year-old from Turkey who runs AC Bikes, a business centered around selling, repairing, and refurbishing bicycles. He offers affordable, quality services to support individuals in his neighborhood who need reliable transportation. Launchpad helped him deepen his understanding of customer needs and provided the tools to continue his repair work. With more confidence in presenting his venture, Can plans to showcase his business at the upcoming Terp Marketplace.

Ingrid Sullivan & Ailyn Earle

Ingrid and Ailyn are co-founders of Seastone, a business that creates homemade cement trays inspired by marine life. Their goal is to raise awareness about ocean conservation while using recycled materials to reduce environmental waste. Their passion for the environment comes from personal experiences—Ingrid’s love for the ocean through summers with her grandparents, and Ailyn’s upbringing in a family deeply involved in environmental education.

During Launchpad, they gained a clearer understanding of starting a business, especially the importance of identifying a target customer. The customer discovery lesson taught them to shape their product around audience needs. Inspired by a panel of college entrepreneurs and supported by coaches, they overcame challenges like sourcing materials.

Blake Falcomeni, Karma Lobsang, & Dhruv Shah

Blake, Karma, and Dhruv are high school students from Maryland who created Terp Thrift, a peer-to-peer, eco-friendly thrifting service for University of Maryland students. Their business makes secondhand shopping more convenient by offering local pick-up instead of shipping, removing extra fees and streamlining the resale process on campus.

They are currently in the early implementation phase, finalizing their plan and preparing to launch. The idea started with a shared interest in sustainability and a desire to make thrifting more accessible and community-based.

Through Launchpad, they learned how to take an idea and build it into a functioning business. The most valuable lessons came from customer discovery and prototyping activities, which taught them how to identify their target audience and improve their service through feedback.

Iniya Guhesan

Iniya is a 17-year-old from Maryland who is starting Nilaworks, a business to help petite women access well-fitting clothes for their shape, height, and size. The idea stems from her personal frustrations with finding clothes that match her proportions. After discovering that many of her classmates shared the same issue, she realized there needed to be a solution. Although her original plan was to manufacture new pieces, she decided to build her business around sustainability by repurposing thrifted items and making personal alterations. She shared that Launchpad restored her motivation and gave her the tools and support to keep moving forward.

Cortez Parker

Cortez is an 18-year-old from D.C. and the owner of the clothing brand Young Havin Motion (YMA). He started the brand to motivate young hustlers and entrepreneurs to keep striving toward their goals. Through Launchpad, Cortez learned how to promote his brand by sharing his story and using it as a way to connect with others. He also appreciated having a network of peers during the program, which helped him grow his business and stay inspired by seeing others work toward their own visions.

Karyn Chambers

Karyn is a 16-year-old from College Park, Maryland, and the owner of a crochet business called Yarn Stars & Beyond, which she is currently looking to rebrand as Yarn Stars and Beyond. She creates handmade accessories such as hats, purses, and clothing, and also teaches others how to crochet. During Launchpad, she enjoyed the chance to prototype her pieces, improve her products, and later sell many of them at the Terp Marketplace. Before Launchpad, she described her understanding of business as shallow, but the program helped her develop a much deeper perspective. She especially valued the new connections she made with other student entrepreneurs, which she found motivating and encouraging.

Tagged high school, highschool, Launchpad

Mar 20 2024

1 Comment

Pitch Dingman

Who’s advancing in the 2024 Pitch Dingman Competition?

Get ready, get set… go! In another record-breaking year, Pitch Dingman Competition received over 107 venture applications, all vying for their share of $170,000 in prizes. Our panel of judges was able to narrow down the wide range of applicants to reveal the top teams that will be advancing in the 2024 competition. We’re excited to see the top ventures pitch on the big stage at our finals event on April 25 at Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center for a shot at the grand prizes!

Read on to learn more about the tracks and the ventures that will be advancing in the competition:

All Stars Track

The finalist ventures in this Maryland-wide track for alumni and students at University System of Maryland (USM) Institutions will have access to support in an entrepreneurship bootcamp and coaching in the coming weeks to take their ventures to the next step. On April 25, the finalist teams will pitch their businesses to an expert panel of judges on the Finals stage, and the semifinalist teams will showcase at Terp Town for a chance to win additional audience choice prizes.

All Stars Track Finalists – pitching

Fem Equity – Adeola Ajani ’20 (Towson University); Malir Burks – Fem Equity is an AI Powered Future of Work platform that creates solutions for women and underrepresented professionals going through pay or professional gaps in real-time. It is a double-sided platform that provides these solutions for women and minority professionals and gives organizations access to a highly qualified diverse pool of young women and minority professionals.

NextStep Robotics – Bradley Hennessie ’09 (Towson University) – NextStep Robotics is building the next generation of rehabilitation robotic solutions for neurorecovery. Focusing initially on stroke and neuroplasticity training this devices aims to be efficacious first, fit clinic work flow second, and accessible through cost management.

All Stars Track Semifinalists – Terp Town

Biochemical Analyzer – Chad Sundberg ’25 (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) – Enables automated, real-time measurement of analytes within biomanufacturing processes

THE SHELLER – Shelby Blondell ’18 (University of Baltimore) – THE SHELLER is a patented, stainless steel, seafood multitool – mallet, picker, and bottle opener – made in Maryland.

Xeddy – Basil Udo ’22 (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) – Xeddy is a multi-business platform for restaurant rewards.

All Stars Track Quarterfinalists – Honorable Mention

AidSmart – Jaivien Kendrick ’24 (Bowie State University) – AidSmart is the first mobile app that turns financial aid learning into a fun board game, helping HBCU students master financial aid literacy.

Jay’s Watermelonade – Joyson Balisamore ’26 (University of Baltimore) – Jay’s Watermelonade is a natural juice brand based in Baltimore on a mission to lower cardiovascular mortality by promoting healthier hydration and offering delicious, natural alternatives to sugar-sweetened beverages.

Lytos Vodka – Alex Zephir ’14 (Towson University); Billy Fanshawe ’14 (Towson University) – Lytos Vodka is a patent-pending, high alkaline, gluten-free, premium vodka with added electrolytes which include salt, potassium, and phosphorus. Lytos Vodka was born in Baltimore, MD, distilled in Columbia, MD, and enjoyed everywhere.

Taqueros Del Mar – Thomas Zinzi Jr ’25 (Salisbury University) – Late Night Taco shop founded to reduce drunk driving/alcohol poisoning by bringing Mexican Street cuisine and culture to the college scene.

The Collegiate Care Experience, LLC – Kendal Howell ’26 (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) – The Collegiate Care Experience is a faith-based on-campus self-care supply store bridging the gap between college students and hygiene products. Currently, it is based at the University of Maryland Baltimore County serving students through online order & pickup and frequent pop-up shops for an in-person experience.

Tomorrow’s Bio – David White ’26 (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science) – Created a single camera ingestible tablet for large animal endoscopies. The tablet works by capturing images and sending them to an application to be used to assist with diagnoses, making it safer for vets to use while also reducing costs on farmers.

Alumni Pilot Track

The finalist ventures in this pilot track for alumni from UMD-CP will have access to support in an entrepreneurship bootcamp and coaching in the coming weeks to take their ventures to the next step. On April 25, the finalist teams will pitch their businesses to an expert panel of judges on the Finals stage, and the semifinalist teams will showcase at Terp Town for a chance to win additional audience choice prizes.

Alumni Pilot Track Finalists – pitching

BrightWave Partners LLC – Paula Henry ’84; Tim Shaw; Ken Peretti – BrightWave’s technology enables customers across a dozen industries to produce renewable feedstocks on a minimal footprint. Their photobioreactors, used to cultivate algae and seaweed, can be co-located with primary manufacturing or refining activities.

JUUCE – Jake Taub ’20; Pouya Susanabadifarahani ’19; David Greenfield ’20 – JUUCE offers secure and convenient on-the-go charging solutions through portable charger rental kiosks and digital signage for venues and events.

Alumni Pilot Track Semifinalists – Terp Town

NotUrAverage Candles – Courtney Johnson ’23 – NotUrAverage Candles is a coconut wax candle company that illuminates the world of science through fragrance.

Travana – Rohan Tangadpelli ’23 – Travana is your AI-powered travel companion, streamlining the journey from inspiration to destination, making travel planning seamless, personalized, and fun.

Alumni Pilot Track Quarterfinalists – Honorable Mention

CSL Therapy – Tai Brown ’13 – A regulatory organization working to bridge the gaps of surgical care for American healthcare stakeholders.

Cursive Technology, Inc. – Joe Thibault ’07, MBA ’23 – Cursive Technology is focused on the writing process, using Machine Learning and AI to support accelerating writing skills development, provide feedback, provide shareable verification, and promote academic integrity.

E-Livestock Global Inc. – Chris Light ’93 – An award-winning healthy livestock traceability platform powered by Blockchain.

Korion Health – Akshaya Anand ’23 – The mission of Korion Health is to expand access to healthcare screenings in an ultra patient-centered and culturally competent way, enabling not just technical screenings but also breaking down barriers to knowledge, allowing people to own their data, and ultimately engaging more people in their own healthcare. Their first product is an electronic stethoscope and guided user interface that allows anyone to record heart and lung sounds from the comfort and convenience of their home.

Lumikha Cosplay Resale – Myleah Lofland ’18 – Buying and selling cosplay on social media has long been a pain for cosplayers. Lumikha Cosplay Resale is a community marketplace where users can buy and sell costume items specifically for the cosplay community.

Redhelm Labs – Neil Sorkin ’23 – Redhelm Labs empowers limitless drone flight through laser power beaming.

Main Street and Quattrone Tech Tracks

The semifinalist ventures in these two advanced UMD-CP student tracks will each receive a $500 prize, participate in an entrepreneurship bootcamp, and meet with advisors in the coming weeks to help them further accelerate their businesses and make them more competitive for the next round. On Friday, March 31, the semifinalist teams pitched their businesses to an expert panel of judges in Van Munching Hall, and the top 3 of each track will be moving on to pitch on the Finals stage.

Main Street Track Finalists – pitching

Cookies By Drew – Drew Haas ’24 – Cookies By Drew is a business that sells stuffed cookies and cookie cakes all over the DMV area and nationwide. They cater events, sell locally, and distribute their cookies in 9 different Foxtrot locations along with other stores and bakeries.

Dawson’s Detailing – James Dawson ’24 – Dawson’s Detailing provides the best detailing in the DMV, creating an experience that goes beyond the physical cleaning of the car.

StreetLoveDMV – Jeffrey Kyei-Asare ’25 – StreetLoveDMV is the #1 place for Streetwear You Love. It is a student-run vintage and streetwear clothing store dedicated to promoting positivity and building community through fashionable clothing. With over 2000+ total happy customers, it’s a hub for street fashion enthusiasts.

Main Street Track Semifinalists – Terp Town

AfroLuxe Glam Shop – Chelsea Amadi, ’24 – AfroLuxe Glam Shop is an online cosmetic store that currently sells a variety of AfroLuxe brand cosmetic products. Products offered by this brand are curated to African American women and were made to address problems faced by black women in the beauty industry. AfroLuxe Glam Shop celebrates the luxury in African American beauty at a very affordable price.

Exercise Network – Candace Austin ’24 – Exercise Network designs customizable fitness and aquatic programs, aiming to motivate kids, especially those who struggle in larger group activities, to stick with sports and physical activity. They offer private lessons and small group class options, differentiating themselves from competitors by providing multidiscipline programs in a non-competitive, stress-free environment with a low instructor to student ratio.

Retro Boomin – Ethan Pham ’24 – Retro Boomin is an e-commerce and flash retail business, specializing in premium second-hand clothing to offer a sustainable alternative to fast fashion.

Quattrone Tech Track Finalists – pitching

Engauge – Rodrigo Sandon ’24; Marie Brodsky ’24 – Students in large lecture math courses often get confused mid-lecture and are not willing to raise their hand to express that they are no longer following.

Iffirm, LLC DBA Journiy – Mildred Diggs ’24 – Journiy is a digital care management company that uses a culturally tailored and individualized approach to make it easy for patients to follow their treatment plans. With Journiy, patients can effectively manage their chronic diseases and improve their overall health.

Vyne – Shaurya Saran ’25; Vaughn Hatfield ’25 – Vyne is an innovative application designed to revolutionize the thrifting experience for buying and selling clothes within local communities (specific focus on college campuses). Their mission is to help make student fashion more sustainable on campuses everywhere.

Quattrone Tech Track Semifinalists – Terp Town

Dondon Animation Tech – Shu Chen ’24 – Dondon Animation Tech provides state-of-the-art software to assist artists and producers making traditional 2D animation.

Sociable AI – Thomas Noh ’24 – Sociable AI is an AI social media manager platform designed to automate social media interactions for creators, brands, and businesses. Their no-code web app allows users to train data and clone their brand voice as an AI to automate interactions such as DMs and comments on social media platforms like Instagram. The platform aims to make it easier for users to engage with their audience and grow their brand presence online.

Temporal – Sourabh Mane ’25; Niklas Elmqvist – Bringing new dimension to entertainment experience. Explore, analyze & share your sports telemetry inside your browser.

Main Street & Quattrone Tech Tracks Quarterfinalists – Honorable Mention

BetterU – Saurabh Chapagain ’25 – BetterU is a gamified social habit builder that helps people become the best versions of themselves in a fun & social way!

Chatty – Tarun Thatavarthi ’24; Advait Kushe – Chatty is an AI interviewing agent who is able to give useful feedback to software engineers and guide them towards smarter problem-solving during interviews. Chatty is also capable of collecting user data through these conversations and producing detailed performance analysis.

E. Ozie Studios – Ijeoma Asonye ’24 – E. Ozie Studios is a multimedia creative house that blends nature, tech, and art in storytelling for the adult and YA-crossover market.

Heart2Starr – Illy Lozano ’24 – Heart2Starr began in 2013 as a safe space for poet Ileana ‘Illy’ Lozano. It follows Lozano through her artistic journey and quest to spread appreciation for the arts.

Hermes – Rohan Bajpai ’24 – Hermes empowers developer teams to focus on innovation and maximize productivity with their unified, searchable development platform.

Planda – Hevander Da Costa ’25 – Planda is the go-to travel planning social media that allows you to effortlessly organize trips to your dream destinations on the go, share your exciting adventures, and explore all the places your friends have been.

Sellwase – Bhagavan Bollina Bolli ’25 – Sellwase offers a secure, university-exclusive platform where students can trade daily essentials such as textbooks, tables, and tech gadgets.

Slut for Yarn – Anna Boyd, ’24 – Slut for Yarn sells ethically handmade crochet items for all body types at an affordable price point.

StudentHousingEU – Justin Wagner ’24 – StudentHousingEU is an organization developed by past study abroad students. They offer an online database of safe and verified apartments for students to rent through the platform. Additionally, StudentHousingEU provides insight into the culture and infrastructure of where students plan to study abroad. Utilizing the services offered by StudentHousingEU, students can feel confident in their decision to study abroad.

Savor – Saurav Vidyadhara ’25 – Savor enables restaurants to create and market fire sales on items about to expire, allowing them to increase their profit margins and reduce food waste.

Taty’s Desserts – Randi Whitehurst – Taty’s Desserts is a Latina-based and owned dessert company.

Ticker – Max Harris ’25; Max Kaufmann – Ticker Markets is a network for venture capital limited partner secondaries. They allow VC funds to offer selling opportunities to their investors throughout the lifetime of the fund. And have built a network and system to streamline the transaction process.

Vizuri – Crystal Ndungu ’25 – Vizuri is an aggregator site to consolidate all the people, primarily students, in our area that can do hair, nails, haircuts, hair braiding, etc.

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track

The finalist ventures in this early stage UMD-CP student track will participate in an entrepreneurship bootcamp and marketplace in the coming weeks to help them further hone these venture ideas. On April 25, the top teams will show off their ideas to an expert panel of judges at Terp Town in the Finals Event.

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track Finalists – Terp Town

Bon Voyage – Nethmi Weerasinghe ’24; Bosith Weerasinghe ’23; Ravindu Adikarige; Sameera Herath; Markell Shepherd – Optimizing travel planning for single and multiple-day trips using the power of machine learning.

Chai Shai – Ismaeel Ibrahim ’25 – Chai Shai makes special Pakistan chai called dhood patti with a perfected recipe of cookies cultivating a warm mix of flavors to bring people together.

Cloudola – Yifan Zhang ’27 – Violinists often suffer from fatigue after long practice sessions because their shoulder rest, which props the instrument against the body, does not fit well. Cloudola makes custom shoulder rests tailored for each violinist’s body using 3D scan data.

Exchange Roots – Evie Scott ’26 – Exchange Roots is a digital farmer’s market, designed to promote local food systems and allow small farmers and home gardeners to sell or exchange produce in their local community.

Full – Kiran Muthusamy MBA ’25 – Next-generation food service.

Kulqi – Mary Sangurima Loayza ’24 – A fintech app for Hispanic Americans, using AI to offer personalized financial education, generate future cash flows, and guide strategic investing in the U.S.

Matching Students Abroad – Maryann Vazhapilly ’24; Miranda Song ’24 – Matching Students Abroad is an app that allows exchange and international students to meet each other by providing percentage matches based on responses from their profiles.

Memorial Music – Lauren Twombly ’24 – Memorial Music provides live harp music to funeral homes that are interested in offering live music as a default part of their deluxe packages.

M’Elyon Organics – Adeuwnmi Agagu ’25 – At M’Elyon Organics, we passionately craft organic, handmade haircare products, blending the purest plant-based herbs, lightweight oils, and essential oils.

MyUniventure – Brandon Fung ’24; Jake Blum ’24; Caleb McClatchey ’24; Megan Nee – MyUniventure is an online platform which enables prospective college students and their families to book one-on-one experiences with current college students of their choosing. These experiences are designed to give prospective students a personal, unscripted perspective of the universities they are interested in.

Nerve Systems – Cartor Hancock ’26 – Design improved non-invasive devices & methods for high spatial and temporal resolution brain scanning and targeted neuron stimulation.

Strapt – Emily Ciardiello ’24 – Strapt LLC offers luxury phone accessories that allow individuals to live worry free. Designed specifically for the socially active, Strapt devices prevent the loss of your phone while out in public, crowded spaces. These accessories are life essentials that also make for great gifts.

SunDance – Eric Detjen ’24 – A CPG developed and marketed to help people embrace their social side by enhancing their energy, happiness, and confidence.

Unifyr: Meeting Mismatch Mayhem Solved – Rohith Pulaputturi MBA ’25 – Spark romance, reconnect with friends, or network seamlessly! Find the perfect “midpoint” venue for any meet-up, blending individual preferences – cuisine, activities, even allergies. Say goodbye to generic cafes, hello to unique restaurants, museums, adventure spots, and more! Personalized connections start with the perfect meeting place.

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track Semifinalists – Honorable Mention

AR Billboard – Tracy Chen ’24 – AR Billboard is a free AR content management platform for local business.

BoostMark.io – Armaan Jain ’26; Aadesh Kheria – BoostMark.io is an advanced bookmark management tool designed to streamline and enhance your web browsing experience.

Cutz – Oliver Fitch ’24; Ben Dietz – Cutz is designed as a center for appointment creation, 3D haircut scanning and modeling, as well as a social media hub to show and share haircuts with your friends.

Cordeaux A – Astrid Tagne ’26 – Cordeaux A is a Cameroonian-owned brand selling handmade bags straight from the motherland.

John – Utkarsh Agrawal ’24 – Improving car service industry using machine learning and augmented reality.

Munching Boxes – Bhavya Peddigari ’24; Satish Vennapu, ’24 – Munching Boxes revolutionizes the convenience food industry by offering high-quality, affordable, and nutritious ready-to-eat Indian recipes, uniquely packaged in eco-friendly, edible, and crisp boxes, catering to kitchen-challenged, time and budget-conscious consumers seeking quick, healthy, and delicious meal options.

PTBamboo – Brennen Le ’27 – Our platform enables individuals to get information straight from the source– going to the individuals who experience events firsthand without having experience filtered by mediary entities.

Sanda Technology – Srinickethan Ramamoorthy ’25 – The company utilizes advanced automation in medical coding to deliver rapid and precise solutions, catering to healthcare providers seeking precise code accuracy for billing, minimizing errors, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

VogueVeda – Yashveer Jain ’24; Dhruv Sharma ’24; Suryavardhan Reddy Chappidi ’24 – VogueVeda is at the forefront of a technological revolution in the fashion industry. Utilizing advanced AI algorithms, the system is designed to adapt and refine fashion recommendations by continuously learning from user interactions.

Our Incredible Judges

These early stages of Pitch Dingman Competition set the entire experience into motion and we are grateful for this exceptional group of judges that review, score and provide growth feedback for all 100+ applications. These judges are or were founders/investors/entrepreneurial support individuals themselves, and have played significant roles in our programs over the years. Thank you for all you do to support these founders in their journeys!

Alumni Pilot Track

Ben Taylor
Cedric Nwafor
Dan Raithel
Evan Shubin
Francie Wasser
Henrik de Gyor
Janice Burg-Levi
Kirk Morris
Max Weiner
Rick Genzer

Main Street Track

Alan Spurgin
Audrey Awasom
Edwin Bright Djampa
Mathew Parsons
Neal Kursban
Shalanda Armstrong
Shane Kim
Zeluis Teixeira

Quattrone Tech Track

Athena Abbott
Ben Tchoubineh
Camilo Melnyk
Dan Fucich
Fredrica Antwi
Kendall Holbrook
Kevin Tu
Maurice Boissiere
Steve Freishtat

Joan and Chester Luby Idea Track

Barathi Aravindan
Benjamin Taragin
Blake Kuzemchak
Brandon Schwab
Connie Ford
Daniel Shapiro
Ellen McGeoch
Gabrielle McLaughlin
Goodness Ihekweme
Joelle Anselmo
Matthew Foulk
Nishelle Oglesby
Robert Choe
Sanketh Andhavarapu

Tagged dingman center, entrepreneurship, pitch dingman, startup, Student Entrepreneur

Feb 09 2024

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Feature Friday! Skylis

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founder: Marcia Manzengele ’25, Biology

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Manzengele: Skylis is a startup that hopes to offer sustainable and reliable smart growing systems as an alternative to current farming methods on Earth, and in the not-too-distant future the goal is to offer those same capabilities to astronauts on the space station and one day on the surface of the moon.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Manzengele: My biggest influence on the startup is finding sustainable solutions to combat climate change. Another influence would be space exploration, which includes designing regenerative and sustainable systems for future space programs.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Manzengele: Skylis was an attempt to merge Sky and Polaris. I wanted to create a company that could be a north star when solving pressing issues using sustainable innovation.

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Manzengele: I am currently designing concepts for our future product by collaborating with a firm.

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Manzengele: Solving problems and helping people are my biggest motivators as a business owner.

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Manzengele: To be passionate about their company idea and have a north star!

Dec 19 2023

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The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to announce BetterU as the latest recipient of our E-Fund!

At the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, we are always on the lookout for innovative ventures that have the potential to make a positive impact on the world. BetterU is one such venture that has caught our eye with its groundbreaking approach to habit-building.

Solving a Common Problem

All of us struggle with building and maintaining healthy habits at some point in our lives. Whether it’s exercising regularly, eating healthily, or practicing mindfulness, staying consistent with these activities can be a challenge. BetterU recognizes this universal struggle and has developed a solution to help people become the best versions of themselves.

What is BetterU?

BetterU is a platform that leverages the power of social support and gamification to help individuals develop and sustain healthy habits. The platform provides users with a fun and interactive way to track their progress, set goals, and receive support from a community of like-minded individuals. By making the habit-building process enjoyable and engaging, BetterU empowers users to make positive lifestyle changes that stick.

How BetterU Plans to Use the E-Fund

With the support of the E-Fund from the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, BetterU plans to allocate the funds to key areas that will accelerate the growth and impact of their venture. The breakdown of their spending includes:

$427 for Clerky to set up a C Corp
$299 for Clerky post-incorporation setup
$274 for a Flutter developer freelancer

These strategic investments will enable BetterU to establish a solid legal foundation for their business while also enhancing their platform’s technical capabilities. By allocating the E-Fund towards these crucial areas, BetterU is positioning itself for long-term success and sustainability.

The Impact of the E-Fund

The $1000 E-Fund approved for BetterU represents more than just a financial contribution. It’s a vote of confidence from the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship in the potential of BetterU to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals striving to adopt healthier habits. With this support, BetterU is poised to take its innovative solution to the next level and reach even more individuals who are seeking to transform their lifestyles.

Join us in supporting BetterU

As we continue to champion the success of innovative ventures, we encourage the community to join us in supporting BetterU on their journey to empower individuals to lead healthier lives. The impact of BetterU extends far beyond the platform itself – it has the potential to inspire positive change in countless lives and contribute to a healthier, happier society.

At the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, we are excited to witness the continued progress and growth of BetterU as they leverage the E-Fund to further their mission of making the world a better place, one healthy habit at a time.

We look forward to sharing future updates on BetterU’s journey, and we urge you to stay tuned for more inspiring stories of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Together, let’s continue to support ventures like BetterU that are dedicated to creating positive change in the world. Join us in celebrating the potential and promise of BetterU and the impact of the E-Fund in fueling their progress.

Dec 15 2023

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Feature Friday! LabMats

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founder: Moughil Nandakumar ’25, Information Science & Cybersecurity

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Nandakumar: Our product works as an item manager for laboratory research groups and eliminates the time and emotions spent organizing multi-departmental equipment. It serves as enterprise software and a SaaS business that can be implemented virtually anywhere there is a business or organization that needs help to categorize, schedule, and create terms of usage for their assets. Less internal emails for better organization.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Nandakumar: I am a huge fan of uncomplacent products, businesses, and people. I think my favorite startup story would be Travis Kalanick and the founding story of Uber, and how they had to compete with Lyft in the San Francisco Rideshare market. The different tactics that Uber used to scale their business across the United States and the world are truly inspirational.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Nandakumar: LabMats – what I love about our name is everything you need to know about it is within the 2 words.

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Nandakumar: Building an all-star team that is able to take ideas and make them into interactive products that people can use and see, even if it means at the most basic level. I’m making this happen by talking to everybody, and really seeing what projects and experiences they have that may be valuable to our team.

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Nandakumar: Make an idea where no one thought you could make an idea. Build a better product than the multitude of outdated legacy products people unnecessarily use. Being able to have a team that believes in the business you are building equally as much as you do is what motivates me in the end.

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Nandakumar: There will be plenty of people who are willing to dig a ditch for you before they choose to understand the full scope of your idea. Build, build, learn, educate, build more. It will take time to find people to get onboard and understand your idea’s nuances and features. But, in the end, you and your team are the driving force and will always be the driving force for your venture.

Dec 13 2023

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A Marketplace of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Celebrating the Success of Terp Marketplace

As the vibrant colors of autumn adorned the University of Maryland campus, the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship hosted an extraordinary showcase of talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit – the Terp Marketplace. On November 15th, the atrium of Van Munching Hall buzzed with energy and creativity, as 45 student-led companies displayed their unique products and services, drawing a crowd eager to explore and support their endeavors.

The Birth of Dingman Dollars

This year’s Terp Marketplace was not just a platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their products; it was a leap into a new realm of engagement and interaction. The introduction of Dingman Dollars – a unique currency designed specifically for this event – added an extra layer of excitement and accessibility for attendees. These special dollars, $10 given to the first 100 registrants each, became the highlight of the event, fueling sales and adding a gamified twist to the shopping experience. In total, $1,000 were distributed and then used to subsidize goods and services students were selling.

Diversity in Innovation

The diversity of industries represented at the marketplace was nothing short of impressive. From the intricate beauty of Arts & Crafts to the cutting-edge appeal of Tech & Gadgets, each stall offered a window into the passion and dedication of our Terp entrepreneurs. The Apparel & Accessories booths showcased a range of styles, from the classic to the avant-garde, while the Food & Beverage vendors tantalized taste buds with an array of flavors and cuisines. Not to be outdone, the Beauty & Personal Care stalls offered products that promised both wellness and luxury.

A Testament to Talent and Hard Work

By the end of the event, the results spoke volumes about the talent within our community – a staggering $6,000 in sales! This remarkable figure is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of our student vendors. It’s also a reflection of the supportive and engaged community at the University of Maryland, who came out in force to support these budding businesses.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of this year’s Terp Marketplace, we’re filled with pride and optimism for the future of entrepreneurship at UMD. The Dingman Center remains committed to fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, and dreams can become tangible realities.

To all who participated, attended, and supported Terp Marketplace, we extend our heartfelt thanks. You have made this more than an event; you’ve made it a milestone in our collective entrepreneurial journey. Here’s to many more successful ventures and to the continued growth and success of our Terp entrepreneurs!

Dec 13 2023

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Your Landscapers: Blooming into Success with the Dingman E-Fund!

We’re thrilled to share an exciting success story rippling through the garden of entrepreneurial ventures right here at the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship. Our latest spotlight falls upon a budding business, Your Landscapers, which has shown how dedication, a vibrant vision, and a splash of green can lead to growth in more ways than one.

Growing More Than Just Gardens

For those of us with cramped schedules where every minute is precious, maintaining a pristine lawn or garden can feel like a distant dream. This is where Your Landscapers steps in. Positioned at the sweet spot of high-quality service and competitive pricing, they’re on a mission to transform the landscape of our community, one yard at a time. By enhancing property value and curb appeal, they’re not just changing the view from our windows—they’re lifting entire neighborhoods.

Cultivating Success: The Dingman E-Fund Investment

With an acute understanding of our local needs and a sharp eye for growth opportunities, Your Landscapers made a compelling case for investment—and it bore fruit! The Dingman Center is proud to announce a generous boost to their ambition through the E-Fund, amounting to a flourishing total of $1,500.

Planting the Seeds of Efficiency

So, how will this newly acquired greenery be used to prop up this green-thumbed venture? Your Landscapers have drawn up a well-seasoned plan to allocate the funds. They intend to sharpen their edge in the market and branch out further by:

$700 towards new equipment, ramping up their operational efficiency.
A $200 investment in a QuickBooks subscription to keep their job organization rooted in precision.
An additional $100 for a Jobber subscription, ensuring they can branch out without tangling their workflow.
$500 directed towards marketing and advertising, to spread the word about their fantastic foliage far and wide.
Lastly, $100 to enhance their Google profile, keeping them visible to those seeking to rejuvenate their green spaces.

The Evergreen Outlook

Your Landscapers are a prime example of what passion, combined with proper funding, can accomplish. As they use the E-Fund to excavate new opportunities and rake in their goals, we can’t help but feel a renewed sense of faith in the power of local businesses making a real difference.

In closing, join us in congratulating Your Landscapers on this wonderful achievement. May their gardens—and their ambitions—reach ever higher towards the sun. Watch this space; there’s fertile ground here at the Dingman Center, where seeds of innovation sprout into ventures that leave lasting impressions on both the landscape and economy.

To all budding entrepreneurs, let this story of growth inspire you to cultivate your own ideas. Who knows? The next venture flourishing from an E-Fund investment could very well be yours.

Stay rooted in innovation and growth,

The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship

Dec 13 2023

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Introducing Strapt: Keeping Your Phone Secure

Here at the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, we are always on the lookout for innovative ventures that have the potential to make a real impact. This is why we are excited to announce our approval of $1000 in funding for the venture Strapt.

The Problem

In today’s fast-paced world, people are constantly on the move, and their smartphones are a crucial part of their daily lives. However, this reliance on smartphones also comes with the risk of them getting lost or stolen, causing inconvenience and potential security concerns for the owner.

The Solution

Strapt has developed a simple yet effective solution to this problem—a phone accessory that allows individuals to securely fasten their cell phones to themselves. This can be done via a chain strap that doubles as a stylish bracelet, or by clipping the strap to their belt loop or purse when in public. This ensures that the phone is always within reach and significantly reduces the risk of it getting lost or stolen.

How the Fund Will Be Utilized

The $1000 in funding from the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship will be put to good use by Strapt. Here’s a breakdown of how they plan to allocate the funds:

1. $250 for Trademark Fee

Strapt recognizes the importance of protecting their brand and intellectual property. As such, a portion of the funding will be used to cover the costs associated with securing a trademark for their product, ensuring that they have the legal protection needed to establish and grow their brand.

2. $535 for 200 units of Iron-Metal Electroplated Curb Chain

Quality is paramount for Strapt, and they are committed to providing their customers with a product that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The funding will be used to purchase high-quality iron-metal electroplated curb chains in bulk, allowing them to lower their production costs and maintain consistency in the quality of their product.

3. $215 for Nylon Tether Tabs

Another essential component of Strapt’s product is the nylon tether tabs that provide a secure attachment point for the chain strap. This funding will allow them to purchase the necessary materials to produce these tabs, ensuring that they have a steady supply to meet the demand for their product.

The Impact

With the support of the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, Strapt is well-positioned to make a tangible impact in the market. By providing a practical and stylish solution to the problem of securing cell phones in public, Strapt has the potential to gain a strong foothold in the accessories industry. This funding will enable them to refine their product, expand their reach, and ultimately provide a valuable solution to a common concern for smartphone users.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, we are thrilled to be supporting Strapt in their mission to keep cell phones secure and accessible. The innovative nature of their product and their dedication to quality make them a promising addition to the entrepreneurial landscape. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that Strapt will have on the market, and we are proud to play a role in their journey towards success. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of this exciting venture!

Dec 08 2023

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Feature Friday! Strapt LLC

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founder: Emily Ciardiello ’24, Marketing

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Ciardiello: Specially designed for the socially active, Strapt LLC is a luxury phone accessory that prevents the loss of your phone. Adaptable with all phone cases, Strapt chain accessories are the perfect balance between style and security.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Ciardiello: On several occasions, I’ve found myself in situations where a friend’s phone was stolen during our nights out. The entire group then had to deal with the inconvenience of locating the missing phone and, in some cases, taking measures to freeze any credit cards that might have been in a case pocket. These events prompted me to realize that whenever I go into public, I am constantly alert to protect my own phone—always mindful of its location and frequently surveying the people around me. Unfortunately, this heightened awareness takes away from the positive experiences of creating lasting memories with friends. Strapt LLC is dedicated to helping consumers empower their ability to connect with friends and create lasting memories. In essence, Strapt LLC promotes a lifestyle where consumers can live worry-free.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Ciardiello: The name “Strapt” stems from the combination of two central concepts. First, it takes inspiration from the
slang term “strapped,” which refers to one’s state of protection. This strongly resonates with Strapt LLC’s purpose, given its commitment to protecting cell phones through phone chain accessories. Additionally, incorporating the word “apt” highlights the idea of versatility, aligning flawlessly with the Strapt phone chain’s ability to adapt to multiple scenarios and serve multiple functions.

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Ciardiello: Currently, the most important thing we are working on is creating customization on the product and packaging. This will be essential to standing out in the space and establishing an undeniable brand identity. We are working with our manufacturer on our customization options and will soon begin the process of legally protecting our mark. Strapt LLC plans to launch its sales in January 2024, so stay tuned!

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Ciardiello: I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact. As my product’s target audience is heavily aimed at socially active individuals, often college students, witnessing its positive influence on their experiences and relationships is very rewarding.

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Ciardiello: I would give two pieces of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: (1) Start Now and (2) Stick with It. Launching your business provides insights and experiences that cannot be replicated through textbooks and classes. Procrastination only delays progress. Entrepreneurship is not for the weak, so stay committed and stick with it! If it helps, adopt a win-win perspective, viewing all tasks as accomplishments or valuable learning opportunities, even in challenging
situations.