Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship

As the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship gears up for Global Entrepreneurship Week, the countdown is on for its signature event, the Pitch Dingman Competition. On November 20, five student entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges to compete for $3,500 in cash prizes.

This year, we received the most applications in the competition’s history. The pool of applicants was narrowed to ten, who then each gave a six-minute pitch to the Dingman Center team. From there, five companies were selected to compete at the Pitch Dingman Competition.

Meet our five finalists.

Bethany’s Organics​, Bethany Monaghan​
Bethany’s Organics “Crustless Creations” are frozen crustless nut/seed butter and jelly sandwiches made with organic ingredients. Crustless Creations are the perfect snack to grab when you are on the go. Whether you need a snack for soccer practice or a quick bite between classes, Crustless Creations are the healthy and convenient option!

K. Sultana, Omar Goheer
K. Sultana seeks to solve the prevalent problem of discomfort, caused by hot temperatures, experienced by Muslim women who wear the headscarf, called the hijab. In an effort to serve marginalized women, the sales team involves a collaboration with women in Muslimat Al-Nisaa, a homeless shelter based in the Baltimore area focused on serving battered and abused Muslim women.

Kanga Trash & Energy Systems, Cody Branchaw
Kanga Trash & Energy Systems provide stadiums with a unique, patent pending, stadium seat trash bag and attachment. The bag comes in a pack of up to 25 and goes underneath the patron’s seat and stays compact until used. When a fan has trash, instead of throwing it on the ground, he or she can place it inside of the bag directly under his or her seat.

Sono-Assist Monitor, ​Stefanie Cohen & Shawn Greenspan
Determining a patient’s pulse is one of the most critical steps when deciding to start CPR. However, in low blood flow states, when a patient is most susceptible to cardiac arrest, emergency medical providers have difficulty finding a pulse. The Sono-Assist Monitor provides a continuous, objective monitor that allows medical providers to deliver necessary intervention more rapidly, decreasing neurological complications and death.

Yolk’d, Sam Feldman​
Yolk’d aims to sell single servings of protein powder in disposable bottles. When someone buys a bottle of Yolk’d, they add water, shake it up, drink, and then dispose of the bottle. This is much easier than buying protein powder in a big tub, and much healthier than drinking a pre-made shake like Muscle Milk.

Audience members will “text-to-vote” for their favorite company to award a $500 Audience Choice Award. Attendees will also receive a free gift sponsored by Route One Apparel, founded by UMD alumnae Ali Von Paris.

Join us on November 20 at 6 p.m. in Frank Auditorium, Van Munching Hall. REGISTER today to secure your seat.

Want to learn more about Global Entrepreneurship Week? Check out the line up of events at UMD.